Mahaleb seeds (Prunus mahaleb) also called Mahaleb cherry or St Lucie cherry. The seed oil is valuable for medicinal (controls bleeding & loose motions) & industrial purposes. Mahaleb seeds contain a considerable quantity of the oil that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids primarily α‐eleostearic acid followed by linoleic acid. The high oleic acid content makes this oil nutritionally valuable and a good source of EFSs. – Strengthens the immune system. – Improves blood circulation.
The Mahaleb or St Lucie Cherry is a small deciduous tree covered in fragrant white flowers in spring followed by dark coloured fruit in early summer. The seed inside the hard cherry stone has the flavour of bitter almonds and has medicinal qualities apparently. The wood has an outstanding grain which is used for pipes and walking sticks. Records of the tree date back as far as 900 AD in the middle east.
Prunus mahaleb, St. Lucie Cherry or Mahaleb Cherry, is a small Eurasian ornamental tree of the rose family, growing to 30 feet tall. Mahaleb cherry grows abundantly in West Asia; it is, however, sometimes found in Eastern and even Central Europe, where it prefers a warm and dry climate. They make nice bonsai. Mature plants bear masses of fragrant cup-shaped white flowers. It is in flower from April to May. Each inflorescence typically has fewer than 10 flowers in a raceme. The flowers are hermaphrodite, they have both male and female organs. Mahaleb Cherry trees, being rather robust and insensitive to diseases. It is a Cherry with interesting foliage, it has bright green heart-shaped leaves, simple and toothed, which turn yellow in Autumn. The leaves are very small in this species 2.5-5 cm long and nearly as wide as long. Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing best in poor soil. It is very drought resistant, but cannot tolerate poor drainage. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position.
Health benefits of the fruit and seeds are beneficial for type 2 diabetes, Heart disease, kidney and abdominal pain, cancer, shortness of breath and malaria.
About the seed:
- Seed can be consumed raw or cooked.
- Dried seed kernels are used as a flavoring in bread, sweet pastries, confectionery, etc.
- Spices prepared from seeds were used for centuries in the Middle East and North Africa to flavor bread, cakes, cheese, cookies, etc.
- Mahleb is used in small quantities to sharpen bakery and food items.
- Egyptians mix honey with mahleb paste and add other items such as sesame seeds and nuts and consume it as a dessert or snack with bread.
- Seeds are used in the production of almond soap.
- Toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seeds and is readily noticed by its bitter taste.
- It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten.
- Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter.
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