Dâu tằm is a delicious and nutritious fruit. According to research, it is an excellent source of calcium, zinc, manganese, glucose, fructose, free acids, and 16 different types of amino acids. In traditional Chinese medicine, dâu tằm is considered a cooling food that is particularly beneficial for the eyes, ears, and blood circulation.
While dâu tằm is a tasty and healthy treat, many people are unsure about how to clean it properly before consumption. The small, water-filled seeds on the surface of the fruit can be a challenge to wash effectively.
The sweet taste and vibrant color of dâu tằm make it attractive to insects, which may lay their eggs between the tiny seeds. As a result, it can be difficult to ensure the fruit is thoroughly cleaned through regular washing. Gentle rinsing may not remove all the dirt, while applying too much force can cause the delicate fruit to disintegrate, increasing the risk of harmful bacterial contamination.
So, what is the best way to clean dâu tằm?
During a visit to a dâu tằm farm, I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner, who has over 30 years of experience growing this fruit. When asked about the best way to clean dâu tằm, he shared a very specific technique. He explained that simply rinsing the fruit with water is insufficient and may even introduce more bacteria, dirt, and insect eggs.
In reality, cleaning dâu tằm is not as difficult as it may seem. Some people use salt, while others opt for flour. The farmer shared a simple trick to effectively clean dâu tằm.
How to Clean Dâu Tằm
1. Flour Method
Flour is your secret weapon when it comes to cleaning dâu tằm. Start by adding 2-5 tablespoons of flour to a basin containing the fruit. Then, pour in cooled boiled water and gently stir the mixture with your hand to dissolve the flour.
Flour is an excellent absorbent, ensuring that every crevice of the dâu tằm is thoroughly cleaned. This process effectively removes any impurities, dirt, and insect eggs from the fruit.
It is important to avoid vigorously rubbing or stirring the fruit to prevent it from disintegrating. Instead, gently stir the mixture in a circular motion to dislodge any dirt and bacteria from the surface of the fruit.
Continue the flour-washing process for approximately 3-5 minutes.
2. Salt Method
After cleaning the dâu tằm with flour, discard the water and refill the basin with cooled boiled water. Add one tablespoon of salt and gently stir until the salt is dissolved.
Salt is a natural disinfectant that effectively eliminates any remaining insect eggs and bacteria from the fruit.
Soak the dâu tằm for 2-5 minutes. Prolonged soaking is not recommended as it may deplete the fruit of its valuable nutrients. This cleaning method ensures that the dâu tằm is thoroughly sanitized and safe to consume.
In summary, when cleaning dâu tằm, it is best to use both flour and salt. The combined effect of these two ingredients ensures that the fruit is thoroughly cleaned, inside and out.
This cleaning method can also be applied to other challenging-to-clean fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, grapes, and cauliflower.
Once cleaned, dâu tằm can be enjoyed fresh or used to make delicious treats such as jams, wines, and syrups.
Dâu tằm has a short shelf life, so it is best consumed on the day of purchase. Be sure to give this cleaning method a try—you’ll be amazed at the results!
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