The amount of fructose present in fruits makes them more or less sweet.Similarly, the amount of acid present in fruits increases or reduces its sourness.Science says that fruits should not be eaten after adding salt to them.
Do you know why fruits are sweet or sour and not salty? What does science say about this? Should sweet or sour fruits be eaten with salt? Is it beneficial or harmful?
Plants can process sugar and acid naturally
Fruits are generally not salty because they lack natural systems to produce salt. Plants can process sugar and acid naturally through their system but not salt i.e. sodium chloride. Generally, some salt comes to the plants from the soil but in very limited quantity. If it exceeds, it can affect the growth of the plant and the process of formation of a plant from the seed.
Yes, some fruits may contain a small amount of salt, but even then they do not taste salty. There are many fruits which contain very little amount of sodium. However, there is one fruit in the world which is salty, it is called Pigface fruit. This is considered rare.
Why are some fruits more or less sweet or sour?
Due to the fructose, cellulose, vitamins, starch, acid and protein present in fruits, they have different degrees of sweetness and sourness. Fruits which have more sugar have a sweet taste, those which have more acids have a sour taste.
Raw fruit is sour but becomes sweet after ripening
Generally, unripe fruits contain high amount of acids. The amount of acids reduces when cooked. There is a difference in taste and texture due to minerals.
Pigface is the single most salty tasting fruit in the world. It is found in Australia.
So overall, plants contain mainly natural sugars (like fructose) and acids (like citric acid). These determine its taste.
Why plants do not allow salt to reach fruits
One question may be that if the amount of salt in the soil is high, then why does it not enter the plants? The salty taste comes mainly from sodium chloride (salt) and mineral salts. Fruits contain these salts in very small quantities because plants use the minerals for their growth and other vital functions. There are some such cells in fruits that prevent salt from reaching the fruit.
the only fruit that is too salty
Pigface, scientifically known as Carpobrotus glaucescens. It is a succulent plant found in the coastal areas of Australia and parts of South Africa. The fruit is a fleshy, cylindrical berry which can be up to 2.5 cm long.
It usually ripens in dark red or purple color. Its shape is unique, with two horns that resemble a pig’s ears. It has salty taste. Every part of the pigface plant is edible, including the leaves and flowers. Ingredients like potassium, magnesium and calcium are available from its fruit.
Whether fruits should be eaten with salt or not, generally doing so is not good for health.
Traditionally this fruit was consumed by indigenous Australian people. Nowadays it is used to make jam, jelly and chutney. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Pigface thrives in sandy soil along beaches. Highly tolerant to salt and wind.
Which is the sweetest fruit in the world
The sweetest fruit in the world is the Carabao mango, which is native to the Philippines. The sweetness of this mango is due to the high amount of fructose present in it. It is sweeter than the mangoes grown in India. However, grapes, cherries, pears, watermelons, figs and bananas are also very sweet fruits.
Which is the sourest fruit in the world
Bilimbi is considered to be the most sour natural fruit in the world. Its juice is very acidic and sour. This fruit is not usually eaten fresh. It usually grows in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It is mainly used for medicinal purposes. Its sourness comes from citric and oxalic acid.
Should fruits be eaten with salt or not?
Science says that eating fruits with salt can have many effects on health, both positive and negative. By adding salt, the taste of some fruits becomes spicy, which makes them enjoyable to eat. It is especially useful for sour or raw fruits.
Science says that regularly eating fruits with salt can lead to excessive sodium intake. Higher sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Then sprinkling salt on the fruits can remove water from them, which can spoil some nutrients. This means that you will not get the maximum benefit that you can get from any fruit.
The increased sodium level caused by eating fruits with excess salt can negatively affect the functioning of the kidneys. In some people, adding salt to fruits can cause allergic reactions or swelling in the body.
Tags: food, Fruit Market New Rate, science facts, Sweet Dishes
FIRST PUBLISHED: December 10, 2024, 12:29 IST