Maxixe helps to strengthen the immune system and has antioxidant power

Popular in some parts of Brazil, in others not so much, the maxixe is a vegetable of African origin that offers different health benefits and can give a special touch to some recipes. Both its fruit and leaves can be used.

Mariellen Emidio Figueroa, nutritionist at Kurotel – Gramado Medical Center for Longevity and Spa, explains that the vegetable is widely cultivated and consumed in the North and Northeast of Brazil.

“The ripe fruit is cooked with ingredients typical of the northeast, creating the ‘maxixada’ dish. The raw green fruit is used in the preparation of salads or in the preparation of preserves such as pickles”, comments the nutritionist.

Gherkin leaves are rich in fiber and chlorophyll, according to Mariellen, and can be sautéed in a similar way to cabbage, but leaves a slight burning sensation in the mouth. “The gherkin fruit has a mild flavor, reminiscent of cucumber,” she says.

Good reasons to include gherkin on your menu

If you have never tried it and/or are simply not in the habit of consuming gherkin, you can be inspired by the benefits offered by gherkin, listed below!

1. Strengthening the immune system

Mariellen explains that gherkin is rich in zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. “These nutrients are beneficial for the proper functioning of the metabolism and strengthening of the immune system. But when the gherkin is cooked it loses some of these nutrients, so the ideal is to be consumed raw”, she says.

2. Antioxidant power

The specialist points out that recent research has shown the presence of antioxidant substances, such as phenolic compounds (galic acid), which have anti-inflammatory action, fighting free radicals and protecting the body against premature aging and degenerative diseases (such as cancer). ).

3. Prevention of Osteoporosis

Due to the presence of calcium, gherkin helps in the good maintenance of bones, teeth and cartilage, thus helping to prevent osteoporosis.

4. Prevention of anemia

A source of iron, the consumption of gherkin can help both in the prevention and treatment of anemia.

5. Benefits for the skin

Due to the presence of vitamin C, the food helps in maintaining the health and beauty of the skin.

Thus, it is concluded that the gherkin is a beneficial food for health as a whole. If you haven’t consumed it yet, it’s worth at least giving it a try!

How to choose and prepare your gherkin

Mariellen explains that, at the time of purchase, the ideal is to choose firm fruits, of uniform color and with whole thorns. “It can be stored at room temperature, but as soon as the fruits wither and turn yellow, they can be kept in the fridge for a maximum of three days,” she says.

The nutritionist points out that the best way to consume gherkin is to eat the fruit raw, and it can be used in the preparation of juices (just remove the skin) or cut into slices and prepared with other salads (such as tomato and carrot, for example).

The recommended amount, according to Mariellen, is 2 to 3 fruits a day.

Get inspired by 5 gherkin recipes to, who knows, include it in your diet.

1. Gherkin pickles

Great option for those who like appetizers, to make this pickle, in addition to the gherkin, you will use rice vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, rosemary and chili pepper. Check out all the recipe details here.

2. Gherkin, eggplant and red onion vinaigrette

A way to innovate when serving vinaigrette! You will use red onion, jilós in thin slices, gherkin also in thin slices, in addition to lemon, olive oil and green smell to season. See the step by step.

3. Gherkin sauteed with okra

Preparation is easy, takes about 20 minutes, and yields 4 servings. In addition to okra and gherkin, you will use onion, garlic, olive oil, annatto, salt, lemon, coriander and water. Check out the full recipe in this video.

4. Gherkin with jerky

The tip, to start, is to wash the gherkins, one by one, in running water with the help of a brush, remove the ends, cut in half and slice. The preparation is easy, but guarantees a different and full of flavor dish. Check out the full recipe here.

5. Turkey neck with gherkin

A totally different dish. You will use turkey neck, gherkin, watercress, garlic, onion, red wine, oil or olive oil for sauteing, parsley, chives and salt. Check out all the recipe details here.

The gherkin is, in short, a great ingredient for those who like to make different dishes in the kitchen.

Finally, Mariellen highlights that there are no contraindications in the consumption of gherkin.

Now that you already know some recipes, the most suitable ways of consumption and the benefits of gherkin, it’s worth trying!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.