Since ancient times, cedar has delighted people with its natural power, beauty and healing power. It was called a breadwinner tree, a mystery, a gift from the gods. Since ancient times, thickets of cedar trees have been considered sources of miraculous energy that calms and enlightens thoughts, awakens the soul and directs feelings to everything beautiful that is on Earth. Over the course of several thousand years, during which people observed it, it not only did not lose its significance, but increased it, which was confirmed by many scientific discoveries.
Cedar is one of those rare trees, all parts of which are used for food or medicinal purposes.
Cedar forests have such intense phytoncidal power that one hectare of such forest would be enough to purify the air in an entire city.
The ancient Sumerians revered cedar as sacred tree and the most magnificent specimens were given names. Cedar wood served as a measure of exchange and was often valued more than gold. The Sumerian god Ea was considered the patron of cedar, and no one could cut down this tree without the highest permission. These facts are confirmed by clay tablets found during excavations, which date back to the 5th–4th centuries. BC. A description of what cedar looks like was written on them.
The decoration of the tomb of the Egyptian king Tutankhamun is made of cedar wood. For 3 thousand years, it not only did not deteriorate, but even retained its delicate delicate smell. Due to its properties, cedar resin was one of the components of mummifying mixtures, and cedar oil helped preserve priceless ancient Egyptian papyri to this day.
The ancients built their ships from cedar wood, and the wonderful gopher tree, from which Noah built his ark, is a cedar that grows in the valleys of Mesopotamia.
Description of the tree
The majestic cedar belongs to the genus of the Pine family. These are monoecious, evergreen trees up to 45 meters high, with a wide pyramidal spreading crown. They are long-lived and grow up to 400–500 years. The dark gray bark on young trees is smooth, but on old trees it has cracks and scales.
The needles are needle-shaped, resinous, hard and prickly. Her color is different types varies from dark green to blue-green and silver-gray. The needles are collected in bunches. Cedar flowers, if the spikelets can be called that, are up to 5 cm long with numerous small stamens and anthers. Cedar blooms in autumn.
The cones grow on branches one at a time, arranged vertically, like candles. They ripen in the second or third year and disintegrate over the winter, scattering seeds to the wind. Once in favorable conditions, they germinate in 20 days.
Cedar seeds are not at all like nuts. They are small, with wings for better dispersal in the wind, and inedible.
Cedar needs light, non-compacted and breathable soils. They are very sensitive to stagnant water. Prefers soils poor in lime. On mountain slopes made of limestone, they suffer from chlorosis and often die.
They feel better in open sunny places, but in richer soils they grow well in partial shade.
Habitat
The places where cedar grows everywhere are the southern and eastern regions of the coast. Mediterranean Sea. The trees prefer mountainous areas with cool summers and mild winters. They are also found in the foothills of the Himalayas, in North-West Africa, in Lebanon, where cedar is one of the national symbols and is depicted on the state flag and coat of arms.
In Russia, cedar grows only on south coast Crimea, where it has successfully acclimatized and produces abundant self-seeding. In other regions it is found only in botanical gardens and nurseries. And that tree, which is called Siberian cedar, is actually a representative of the genus Pine and is correctly called Siberian, European or Korean pine. These varieties share the same family with cedars. But everyone’s favorite and extremely healthy “pine nuts” are produced by Siberian pine.
Types of cedar
The cedar genus has 4 species:
- Atlas - Cedrus atlantica;
- short-coniferous - Cedrus brevifolia. In some sources, this species is classified as a subspecies of Lebanese;
- Himalayan - Cedrus deodara;
- Lebanese - Cedrus libani.
The structure of cedar and pine cones is similar in many ways, so for a long time the listed species were considered identical. But fresh Scientific research refuted these data, and now the classification separates both species.
Atlas
Atlas cedar grows on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco. IN natural environment found at altitudes up to 2000 m above sea level. The tree is majestic and spreading. The largest specimens reach 50 m in height, and their trunk diameter is 1.5–2 m. The needles are collected in bunches and have a bluish-green tint. The wood is resinous and aromatic, smelling like sandalwood. The Atlas species tolerates frosts down to -20 °C and copes well with drought.
In African countries, cedar wood is used as fuel. The oil has good antiseptic properties and is widely used for cosmetic purposes.
Atlas cedar as a cultivated plant is grown in southern Europe, in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and in Asian countries.
Which is widely grown as a garden or indoor plant, is the Atlas cedar.
Himalayan
Himalayan cedar grows in the eastern and south- eastern Asia, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, in Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. In the mountains it is found at altitudes of up to 3500 m. In terms of height and trunk girth, the Himalayan species is not inferior to the Atlas species, in contrast, it has a more broadly conical crown. The branches of a mature tree are parallel to the ground. The wood is durable and has a strong aroma; it is light yellow with a red-brown core. The needles are quite soft, light, with a gray-gray tint.
The cones ripen for more than a year, then fall off. The seeds are small, inedible, resinous. The Himalayan species tolerates shading better than others, although in natural conditions occupies the upper tier of the forest. Some specimens live up to 1000 years.
Himalayan cedar grows quickly and is widely used in landscaping parks in southeastern Europe and in Crimea.
Lebanese
Lebanese cedar is not inferior to others in terms of height and trunk power. The crown of young trees is conical and becomes more flattened over the years. The needles are blue-gray-green, live 2 years, collected in bunches.
At the age of 25–28 years, the tree begins to bear fruit. Cones are formed every two years.
This variety is characterized by slow growth and tolerates short-term frosts down to -30 °C. Prefers well-lit areas, mild drought, can grow in poor soils, but does not tolerate excessive moisture.
Lebanese cedar is valued for its light, soft, but at the same time durable red wood.
Types of cedar pine
Despite the fact that, according to the latest scientific data, the Canadian, Korean and Siberian species are only close relatives of real cedar, the names familiar to everyone remain among the people. Canadian cedar belongs to the Thuja genus of the Cypress family.
Korean cedar pine
Korean or Manchurian cedar - conifer tree from the genus Pine, distributed in eastern Asia, China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East. The tall, powerful tree has a dense cone-shaped crown and shallow roots. The needles are bluish-green, long, and grow in bunches of 5 pieces.
The cones ripen within a year and a half and fall off in autumn or early winter. Each cone contains many nuts. The Korean species bears fruit once every few years.
Siberian cedar pine
Siberian cedar, or Siberian pine - evergreen tree, in size only slightly inferior to its famous relative. It lives up to 500–700 years and is distinguished by a dense, often multi-peaked crown with thick branches. The needles are soft, long, with a bluish bloom. The tree grows a powerful root system, and on light sandy soils it develops anchor roots that penetrate to great depths. Compared to cedars, it is shade-tolerant, with short period growing season.
The plant has male and female cones. They ripen within a year and a half and fall off in early autumn. Each cone contains up to 150 nuts. One tree produces up to 12 kg of pine nuts. Siberian cedar begins to bear fruit late, on average at 50–60 years of age.
The settlement of the tree involves nutcracker squirrels and chipmunks, which carry seeds over long distances.
The subtleties of growing cedar from a nut
Russian gardeners grow Siberian cedar pine, out of habit calling it cedar. No one would refuse to have a fluffy Siberian beauty with fragrant needles and medicinal nuts on their plot, and for modest properties there are low-growing varieties that do not take up much space. Let's learn how to grow cedar by purchasing a seedling from a nursery.
When choosing a location, it should be taken into account that with age the tree’s need for sunlight only increases, so you should choose places without shading. If possible, purchase cedar seedlings with a closed root system. Specimens that take root best are those whose root system has not had time to dry out, so it is advisable to choose a seedling that has just been dug up. The earthen ball must have dimensions of at least half a meter in diameter and be packed in damp burlap and a plastic bag.
How to plant a cedar pine seedling correctly
Before planting, it is necessary to dig up the entire area of the garden where the seedlings are planned to be planted. Planting pits are prepared a little more than a ball of earth. The distance between the holes should be at least 8 m. Young cedars are planted immediately in light soils, and sand and peat are added to heavier soils.
A little soil is poured into the bottom of the hole and the seedling is placed, straightening the roots. The root collar should be no lower than ground level. If this does happen, the seedling is removed and a little more soil is added. Then a peg is dug in next to the tree and the hole is filled with earth, slightly compacting it. The planting hole is watered abundantly, the soil in the tree trunk circle is mulched with pine litter, sawdust or chopped bark.
For two weeks, while the seedling takes root, it is watered every 2-3 days if there is no rain.
Growing cedar from a nut
If you couldn’t find a seedling in the nursery, but ripe pine nuts in a vase suggest a certain idea, feel free to choose the largest ones with intact shells - let’s try to grow cedar from seeds at home. The process of germinating nuts is not entirely simple, but very exciting:
- the seeds are placed in water and kept for 3 days, changing it periodically;
- the floating nuts are removed, and the rest are kept for several hours in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate;
- disinfected seeds are placed in a moist substrate and subjected to stratification for at least 3 months;
- then the nuts are soaked again in potassium permanganate for a day and dried;
- sow in closed ground (greenhouse or film shelter) in prepared soil that contains 20 parts of peat, 2 parts of ash and 1 part of superphosphate to a depth of 2–3 cm;
- The furrows are watered before emergence.
Seedlings are grown indoors for 2 years. After this, the cover is removed. 6–8 year old trees are ready to be transplanted to a permanent location.
Caring for young Siberian cedar consists of mulching the tree trunk circle, surface loosening in the absence of mulch, and applying potassium fertilizer three times a season. To do this, 20 g of potassium sulfate is diluted in a bucket of water and watered on each tree.
Two varieties of cedar pine are popular among gardeners - “Rekordistka” and “Icarus”. Both are highly decorative, compact in size, relatively unpretentious and bear fruit abundantly.
The cedar, which was grown from a nut, will soon turn out to be one of the most beloved trees on the site. And when it grows up, and you can relax in its shade, it will give you many pleasant moments, bringing coolness and refreshing the air with a subtle resinous aroma.
Formation of cedar on a summer cottage - video
The maximum life expectancy is 500 (according to some sources 800-850) years.
Encyclopedic YouTube
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✪ Cedar pines
✪ Cedar. Siberian pine. 32
✪ Coniferous plants: cedar pine, Weymouth pine, dwarf cedar.
✪ Recipe for cedar tincture - Siberian
Subtitles
When choosing plants for a site, we want them to be winter- and frost-hardy, resistant to diseases and pests, not require special treatment, be decorative throughout the year, and grow quickly; so that the culture is durable and our descendants can be proud of the work of our hands, and it’s also good that the plant corresponds to new fashionable landscape trends. Have you forgotten anything? Oh yes! I forgot! It wouldn’t be bad if it bears fruit and produces tasty fruits. We sift through a mountain of literature, sit on various forums and specialized sites and, in Eventually, gradually our demands are lowered, lowered... and the very thought of such plants seems utopian. It seems to us that in our climate nothing like this can happen and we need to either say goodbye to this thought, or leave and plant a garden somewhere in sunny Italy, Spain, France... But there is no need to despair, there are many species and varieties of plants that correspond to these requirements. In this article I will tell you about one of them. I would like to introduce you to the cedar pine - a plant that we call “Cedar”. If you look at it, this is not one, but a group of plants. But, let's take it in order... Cedar pines include the following types: Dwarf pine, European cedar pine or European cedar, Korean cedar or Korean cedar pine, Siberian cedar pine or Siberian cedar. What do these plants have in common? Well, firstly, long dark green needles, collected 5 pieces in a bunch; secondly, the famous pine nuts. By the way, the seeds of all types of pine trees are edible, but pine pine trees have seeds of sufficient size for harvesting. Cedar pines are powerful large plants with a dense, beautiful crown. The exception is dwarf cedar, but it stands apart from other cedar pines. If you were to ask me which plant I consider absolutely winter- and frost-resistant, cedar pines would undoubtedly be the first to come to mind. The artificial habitat of these plants is from the forest-steppe zone to the polar Kola Peninsula. Cedar pines can easily tolerate both low winter temperatures and high summer temperatures; sudden temperature changes and recurrent frosts are not scary for them. Therefore, in our region these pines have found their second home. Starting from the age of 10, cedar pines actually do not require any intervention from us. Perhaps only once every three years add mineral fertilizer, perhaps arrange a shower in particularly hot summers, and monitor for Hermes and mealyworms. Also, with age, cedar's annual growth increases - up to 50 cm. However, in young years, cedar not only grows slowly (5-10 cm), but is also susceptible to various fungal diseases. During this period of its life, cedar is very vulnerable. Young plants are extremely sensitive to soil acidity; alkaline and strongly acidic soil can lead to weakening of the seedling. Optimal acidity is pH 6-7. Young cedars also need to be watered regularly and must be showered. It is worth remembering that root competition, compacted soil and, to a lesser extent, poor lighting can also lead to the death of a young seedling. Therefore, while the plant is small, we regularly weed under it, make sure that the soil is breathable and, despite the fact that young cedars are shade-tolerant, we try to plant the plant in a sunny place. I repeat once again, the older the cedar seedling, the easier it is to care for it. However, you should not chase large ones - such seedlings are not cheap and planting them will not be very cheap. Optimal size cedar pine - up to 2-2.5 m. In general, I can talk about cedars endlessly, admiring their beauty and decorativeness throughout the year. Remembering that this plant has long been a symbol of power and health (cedar pine lives on average 400 years and reaches 40 m), I want to say that cedar pines are not only suitable for our climate, but also ideal as a family tree. I would like to remind you that the cedar pine is undoubtedly a “fruit” plant. In our climate, where the range of fruit crops is extremely limited, cedar can become part of an orchard. Yes, cedar pines are distinguished by late fruiting, in cultivation no earlier than 15-18 years (in nature from 40 years), yes, the seeds ripen within a year and a half, but believe me, it’s worth it. The Japanese say: “Why do Russians need medicine when they have cedar pines?” And this is not without reason, cedar pine seeds are rich in amino acids, most of which are classified as essential acids. Cedar resin is also extremely valuable and irreplaceable. And what a decoction of pine needles... Yes, if you list all the beneficial properties of this plant, then there will be enough for several articles! And, before moving on to the nuances of agricultural technology, I would also like to note that all cedar pines can be used for container gardening. That is, to grow both on balconies and loggias, and on open terraces. Well, now a few words about the agricultural technology of cedar pines. The basic rules for planting are no different from planting any other plant, but there are several points that will allow you to end up with a beautiful and healthy seedling. 1. It must be remembered that a feature of the mineral nutrition of Cedar pines is a strong need for potassium. Excess nitrogen in the soil has a depressing effect on the development of its root system. Based on this, we do not overuse nitrogen fertilizers, but add potassium fertilizers at least once every couple of years. 2. Be sure to mulch the plant and add a layer of mulch annually. Firstly, pine and larch mulch will promote the formation of adventitious roots. Let me remind you that adventitious roots enhance the nutrition of the plant and accelerate its growth. Secondly, do not forget that cedar pines are mycotrophic plants. That is, the absence of mycorrhiza on the roots can be one of the main reasons for poor growth and premature death of the plant, and mulch in every way contributes to the development of mycorrhiza. Thirdly, a layer of mulch retains moisture in the top layer of soil, which is especially important when growing cedar on light sandy loam, and on heavy clay soil it protects its root system from being squeezed out in winter. Well, fourthly, weed crops under mulch slow down their growth. 3. When planting, you need to remember that cedar is a powerful plant and the minimum planting step is 3-4 m. 4. It must be remembered that the root system of cedar pine needs air, so the soil must be absolutely breathable. By following these simple rules, you will get healthy, beautiful plant, which will become the decoration and pride of your garden for many years!
Name
In Russia, the plant became known at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries under the name “Siberian cedar”, although from a scientific point of view this species belongs to the genus Pine and is a close relative of Scots pine, and not true cedars (Lebanese, Atlas and Himalayan).
Botanical description
Siberian cedar is an evergreen tree 20-25 (40) m tall. It is distinguished by a dense, often multi-peaked crown with thick branches. The trunk is straight, even, brownish-gray; in old trees it forms a fissured, scaly bark. The branching is whorled. The shoots of the last year are brown, covered with long red hairs.
Nutcrackers and chipmunks play an important role in seed dispersal.
Distribution and ecology
Siberian cedar is often confused with Korean cedar, dwarf cedar and European cedar.
Consort connections
Between Siberian cedar and nutcracker ( Nucifraga caryocatactes ) historically mutually beneficial interspecies consortial relationships have developed. Cedar seeds serve as the main food for the nutcracker and, as a result, in the process of evolution this was reflected in the structure of some of its organs and way of life, and the instinct of the nutcracker to store food for the winter turned out to be useful for the natural regeneration of the cedar and the formation of cedar forests. When creating reserves of cedar seeds, the nutcracker hides them in small (up to 30 nuts) portions in numerous places, more or less evenly distributed in uncovered and forested areas in the upper soil horizons and in the moss cover. Thanks to this, in places where the nutcracker seeds were lost or for some other reason not used, single or group cedar seedlings are formed.
In addition to nutcrackers, chipmunk, squirrel, sable, bear, woodpecker, nuthatch, etc. feed on Siberian pine seeds, but they cannot be called obligate consorts of cedar: cedar seeds are not essential in the diet of these animals. Only sable ( Martes zibellina L.), for normal life and reproduction a certain amount of seeds of this breed is required.
Among animals that feed on other parts of cedar (needles, wood, bast, etc.), obligate consorts are apparently absent. There are no obligate consorts in cedar, and probably among fungi, including those that form mycorrhizae. Although cedar is a highly mycotrophic plant and cannot grow in the absence of mycorrhiza, mycorrhizal fungi associated only with cedar have not yet been identified. Only one thing is known so far: cedar develops mycorrhiza with the same types of fungi as other forest-forming species.
Chemical composition
Hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic phenolic acids were found in the bast.
Chemical composition Siberian pine oleoresin changes as it rises to the mountains: the content of α-pinene decreases (from 50.5% to 39.1%) and the amount of Δ3-carene and β-phellandrene increases, respectively, from 27.6% to 39.5% and with 6.4 to 8.4%.
Siberian pine needles contain 0.8-1.05% essential oil. The essential oil contains α-pinene (56.6-63.2%), β-pinene (0.95-1.38%), β-phellandrene (0.78-1.71%), limonene (0. 97-2.03%), germacrene-D (10.8-15.8%), cadinenes (5.7-8.4%), β-myrcene, cis-β-ocimene (0.46%), α-terpinene, pair-cymene, γ-terpinene, α-terpinolene, α-thuyene, camphene, sabinene, Δ3 carene, α-bisabolene, β-bisabolene, α- and β-caryophyllenes, bornyl acetate, etc.
Needles of a cedar growing in Novosibirsk region, contains trace elements: manganese 756 mg/kg, iron 151 mg/kg, boron 13 mg/kg, zinc 12.6 mg/kg, molybdenum 2.6 mg/kg, copper 2.5 mg/kg.
The kernel of nuts contains amino acids - alanine 5.37 g/100 g protein, arginine, aspartic acid, histidine, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine, serine, cystine, including essential ones: lysine 5.74 g/100 g protein , methionine 1.6, tryptophan 1.23, valine 3.39, leucine + isoleucine 15, threonine 3.1, phenylalanine 6.47. Nut oil contains fatty acids: myristic 0.1-1.26%, palmitic 3.6-7.26%, palmitooleic 0.04-1.19%, stearic 1.77-4.86%, oleic 19, 9-26.3%, linoleic 38.8-46.7%, linolenic 18.9-23.7%, arachidic 0.28-1.64%, eicosadiene 0.58-1.24%, eicosatriene 0, 94-1.35%.
19 amino acids have been identified in nut kernel proteins, 70% of which are essential or conditionally essential. 18 free amino acids were found, the predominant ones being glutamic acid, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, proline, tyrosine, and alanine. The kernel of nuts contains essential amino acids threonine 0.24-0.31%, valine 0.44-1.05%, methionine 0.14-0.39%, isoleucine 0.39-0.88%, leucine 0.69 -1.33%, lysine 0.35-0.78%, phenylalanine 0.35-0.81%, tryptophan. The proteins of pine nuts in terms of the content of phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine and tryptophan are not inferior to the proteins of major grains and oilseeds, and in terms of the content of individual amino acids (cystine and tryptophan), nut proteins are close to the proteins of dairy products, surpassing them in arginine content. Thanks to their specific composition, pine nut amino acids not only provide the structural, plastic and regulatory function of proteins, but also participate in the prevention of certain metabolic disorders in the human body.
The kernel of nuts contains mono- and disaccharides 2.57-4.92%, dextrins 2.08-2.53%, starch 5.26-6.11%. The kernel of the nuts contains riboflavin 0.93-1.2 mg%, thiamine 0.24-0.66 mg%, tocopherols 9.2-32.8 mg%, vitamins B3, B5, B6 were also found. In terms of the content of tocopherols, thiamine and riboflavin, pine nuts are significantly superior to other nuts. Ascorbic acid 64 mg% was found in nut kernels. Nuts are a rich source of magnesium, which is necessary to normalize cholesterol metabolism, prevent stone formation and reduce the excitability of the nervous system. The kernel of the nuts contains iron 1.8-4.2 mg%, magnesium 244-440 mg%, zinc 0.85-2.1 mg%, iodine 0.03-0.07 mg%, silver 0.003-0.006 mg%. The fatty oil content in the nut kernel varies depending on the degree of maturity and the plant's growing zone and can reach 63-66%.
In pine nuts collected in Irkutsk region, contains iodine 0.387-0.741 mg/kg, manganese 5.43-15.15 mg/kg, cobalt 0.107-0.197 mg/kg, copper 2.18-3.816 mg/kg, nickel 0.046-0.073 mg/kg. The increased content of iodine, manganese and copper is especially valuable. The content of microelements in nuts can vary by 15-60% depending on the year of collection.
The pine nut kernel contains fatty oil 56-63%, protein 17-23%, carbohydrates 10-14%, phosphatides 0.65-1.12%. Contains macroelements: calcium 16-20 mg%, magnesium 200-260 mg%, microelements - iodine 0.38-0.74 mg/kg, manganese 7-15.1 mg/kg, iron 7-18 mg/kg, cobalt , copper and nickel; vitamin E 9.24-10.9 mg%. Cedar oil contains vitamin E - 27.6 mg%, vitamin B1 0.51-0.66 mg%. The iodine number of cedar oil is 155-169. The nut kernel contains 2.1% pentosans and 12.4% starch. In fatty oil, oleic acid is 33.7-35.8%, linoleic acid is 31.1-34.3%, linolenic acid is 20.6-27.7%.
Pine nuts contain macroelements (mg per 100 g of dry kernels): phosphorus 486-716, magnesium 396-488, potassium 350-403, calcium 35-49, iron 2-3.8; microelements (mg per 1 kg of dry kernel): manganese 5.1-9.7, copper 1.5-3.1, silicon 2.1-3.1, iodine 0.38-0.71, silver 0.028-0.071 , as well as molybdenum, boron, nickel, cobalt, zinc, etc. Compared to other nut crops common in Russia, Siberian pine nuts are different increased content phosphorus and especially magnesium. One hundred grams of pine nut kernels fully satisfies a person’s daily need for magnesium, 200 g of kernels - for phosphorus.
The pine nut kernel contains carbohydrates (%): glucose 2-3.8, fructose 0.14-0.3, sucrose 0.23-0.71, dextrins 2.1-2.5, starch 5.2-6 ,11, pentosans 1.72-2.11; oil 59.2-66.3, nitrogenous substances 2.8-3.3, phosphatides 1.16-1.41 (in terms of their quantity, pine nuts are superior to the fruits of other nut crops and oilseeds). Cedar oil contains (%) linoleic acid 50.8-67, linolenic acid 14.9-27.4, oleic acid 10.4-22.3; tocopherols 47.8-68.2 mg%, including α-tocopherol 25.2-34.4 mg%, γ-tocopherol 5.8-6.6 mg%, δ-tocopherol 16.8-26.2 mg %.
Siberian pine seeds contain condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), hydrolyzable tannins (derivatives of gallic and ellagic acids), flavonoids (eriodictyol, taxifolin), epicatechin, syringic and vanillic acids, as well as in small quantities catechin, protocatechuic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, naringenin and etc.
17 fatty acids were found in the pine nut kernel: myristic 0.7%, palmitic 6.4-7.6%, palmitooleic 0.08-0.3%, stearic 3.2-4%, oleic 21.7-26, 2%, linoleic (ω6) 38.4-44.3%, γ-linolenic (ω6) 16.8-18.7%, α-linolenic (ω3) 0.31-0.45%, eicosadiene (ω6) 0.6-0.7%, eicosatriene (ω6) 1.2%, etc.
The fatty oil of pine nuts contains saturated acids 5-11%, oleic acid 10.4-26.5%, linoleic acid 38.8-59.1%, γ-linolenic acid 14.8-24.4%, α-linolenic acid 0.15- 1.35%, eicosadiene 0.58-1.24%, eicosatriene 0.94-1.35%. Pine nut oil contains tocopherols up to 58-70 mg% (all isomers α, β, γ, δ are present). The composition of the fatty oil varies greatly depending on the growing area of the cedar pine. Thus, in the Irkutsk region, the content of linoleic acid in oil is 50.8-61.4%, linolenic acid 14.9%-27.4%, and in the Novosibirsk region, 53.9-67% and 17.6-25, respectively. 2%, Tomsk region 40.4-44.5% and 18.2-21.9%. With increasing geographic latitude, an increase in the amount of tocopherols in cedar oil is observed. Thus, in Siberian pine from the Krasnoyarsk Territory the amount of tocopherols in the nut oil is 49.6 mg%, in the Altai Mountains 35.1-67.1 mg%, in the Irkutsk region 47.8-64.6 mg%, in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug 40-121 mg%. In most regions, the main isomer is α-tocopherol (from 50.5 to 61.2% of the total tocopherols).
Pharmacological properties
Pine nut oil normalizes blood lipids, lowers cholesterol levels, helps reduce overweight bodies. Row physiological effects cedar oil is associated with the presence of identified terpenes in it.
Economic importance and application
Cedar wood is soft, light and durable, with a pleasant smell, highly valued, and used, in particular, for the production of pencils. The wood has a beautiful texture, shades from pink and light beige to soft chocolate and dark brown. It is not susceptible to moisture and is not corroded by bugs, and is almost not susceptible to rotting or wormholes. Easy to give in various types processing, very well planed, polished and dries with virtually no cracking. Thanks to these properties, cedar wood is in demand in the production of furniture, crafts, housing construction, interior decoration. Wood has resonant properties; pianos, harps, and guitars are made from it.
The wood reserve in middle-aged cedar forests is 260-560 m³/ha.
In traditional crafts, in addition to wood, thin cedar roots are used. Vessels are made from them different forms and sizes - rhizomes.
Pine nuts - valuable food product, can be eaten both raw and after heat treatment. In terms of the amount of phosphatidic phosphorus, pine nuts are superior to all other types of nuts and oilseeds and are equivalent to soybeans - the richest source of lecithin among plant raw materials. The daily human need for such scarce microelements as manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt is provided by 100 g of nut kernels. They are also a rich source of iodine. Among carbohydrates, cedar seeds contain (%): starch - 5.80; glucose - 2.83; dextrins - 2.26; fiber - 2.21. Fructose and sucrose account for only 0.25 and 0.44%. Pine nut protein is distinguished by a high content of lysine, methionine and tryptophan - the most deficient essential amino acids, which usually limit the biological value of proteins.
Harvest of nuts various types cedar forests of Western Siberia - from 10 to 640 kg/ha (broad-grass cedar forests are the most productive, sphagnum forests are low-yielding).
Application in medicine
Pine nut oil is a complete source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). To meet the daily requirement of essential fatty acids, you need to consume about 20 ml of oil per day. It has a cholesterol-lowering effect, helps normalize the lipid spectrum of the blood (HDL cholesterol levels increased by 29%, and LDL levels decreased by 21%, the atherogenic index decreased by 40%), reducing systolic blood pressure and reducing excess body weight.
Chopped pine nuts inhibit gastric secretion, the production of gastric juice decreases and its acidity decreases. One hundred grams of pine nuts covers a person’s daily need for vitamin E.
The preventive effectiveness of cedar oil has been confirmed when included in the diet of patients with cardiovascular pathology.
Use for other purposes
It is possible to produce confectionery products enriched with protein products from the kernels of Siberian pine pine nuts, which can be recommended for functional and therapeutic nutrition. Based on cedar oil, formulations of three-component mixtures of vegetable oils have been developed, optimized in terms of the composition of acids ω-3 and ω-6 and intended for functional nutrition. Combined products with cedar cake have been developed: cheeses, mayonnaise, confectionery pastes, cereals instant cooking, food concentrates - semi-finished flour products confectionery, bakery products.
Genetics
In 2014, studies were carried out on the polymorphism of Siberian pine pine at five loci (RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123, PTTX-2146, PICO) with a primer annealing temperature of 55 ˚C. The analysis showed that for RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123 the level of variability is low, the trees are monomorphic, however, for PTTX-2146 a third allelic variant was identified, which is characteristic of dwarf pine, which indicates the likelihood of distant hybridization. The highest level of genetic polymorphism shows
It would seem that everyone has long known where cedar grows. The seeds of this tree, known as pine nuts, are a very tasty and healthy delicacy loved by many. But in fact, it turns out that the tree that is considered cedar in Russia is scientifically called cedar pine. The seeds of a true representative of this genus of conifers are inedible. But there is general signs, after which this tree began to be called so. Spruce, cedar, pine and some other representatives of conifers belong to the same family. All of them have beneficial properties and have long been used by humans for various purposes. But it especially stands out among cedar. Several species of it now grow in the world.
Real cedar
Photos of these trees show their differences from pine and spruce. But in botany, only four species growing in the south are considered true cedar. They have been known since ancient times and are mentioned in the Bible.
1. is a symbol of this country, and it is his valuable wood used to build temples and make icons.
2. Atlas cedar is common in North Africa. It is very unpretentious and grows in high mountain areas, withstanding frost and drought.
3. There is also Cypriot cedar. Its photo shows that it differs from other relatives in its small needles. That's why it is also called short-coniferous. This rare tree found only in the mountains on the island of Cyprus.
4. grows not only in the Himalayas, but also in the mountainous regions of India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This tree is very beautiful and unpretentious, therefore it is often used for landscaping.
Features of cedar
It has many beneficial properties and has been widely used by humans since ancient times, like all conifers. Cedar is one of the most unpretentious and beautiful trees of this class. What features made it so famous?
This tree has very durable, beautiful wood, which also has antiseptic properties and is not subject to rot and insects. Furniture, musical instruments, ships and much more are made from it.
Cedar needles are soft and release phytoncides that disinfect the air.
All cedar trees very beautiful. Their needles are painted silver or light green, the branches are very fluffy, and the crown is most often pyramidal in shape.
All parts of cedar have a strong, pleasant odor, which is considered beneficial to humans.
Where does real cedar grow?
In nature, trees of this genus are found in southern mountainous areas. Cedars are common in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. They are quite unpretentious, but cannot withstand frosts below 25 degrees. Cedars need well-moistened, lime-poor soils, preferably sandy loam or loamy soil. But they do not like stagnant water and severe drought.
Cedars grow best on mountain slopes that are well lit by the sun, but they are also found in shady areas. In the last two hundred years, these trees have been used for landscaping in many countries. Cedar is planted especially often in the south. Where this tree grows in Russia is known to those who went on vacation to the Crimea or the Caucasus. Beautiful, fluffy trees, along with cypresses, are now a symbol of many resorts on the Black Sea coast.
Description of cedar
It is an evergreen tree that grows up to 50 meters. It has dark gray smooth bark and a spreading crown. The needles are triangular, prickly, collected in bunches of up to 30-40 needles. Their color can be different: light or dark green and even silver-gray or blue. The cones are ovoid or barrel-shaped, large. The tree begins to bear fruit after 50 years. The seeds of true cedar are inedible. This tree is one of the oldest on Earth; its pollen was found in a layer that is 200 million years old. Cedar is long-lived; Himalayan species can stand for about 3,000 years. But usually there are trees 250-300 years old. Their wood is a pleasant yellow or reddish hue, very strong and durable.
What trees are also called cedar?
If you ask any resident of Russia where cedar grows, everyone will answer that in Siberia. But scientifically this tree is called cedar pine. Although in many books the name has already taken root. It is believed that this was the name of a pine tree, the wood of which had a strong, pleasant aroma. On real cedar it was also similar with its spreading fluffy crown, large cones and height. But the main difference between the cedar pine is that its seeds, called nuts, are edible and very healthy. And their lovers are sure that it is cedar that gives them. Where does this tree grow in Russia? most common in Siberia, Altai and Transbaikalia. But also found in the north European Russia and even beyond the Arctic Circle. In the south of the Far East, China and Japan, pine is common, characterized by larger seeds. In these places, dwarf cedar also grows - a shrub no more than 5 meters high. But its seeds are also edible and eaten. And in the mountainous regions of Europe, European cedar is found - a very ancient and rare cedar.
Useful properties of Siberian cedar
Its main advantage is nuts. They are nutritious, tasty and have long been used to produce healing oil. contain many vitamins, amino acids and needed by a person minerals. They improve blood composition, prevent tuberculosis and increase efficiency. Tincture of nut shells is used for hemorrhoids and stomach diseases. Healing properties cedar needles also have it. It contains phytoncides, a lot of ascorbic acid and carotene. Used for restorative baths and preparation of vitamin infusions. Cedar needles contain five times more essential oils than pine needles. Therefore, it is widely used in the cosmetics and perfume industries. Cedar resin, also called resin, has long been used to heal wounds. Scientists have determined that it has an antiseptic and anesthetic effect. Cedar wood also has valuable qualities. It is easily processed and releases phytoncides and a pleasant aroma for a long time. Therefore, it is often used in construction and furniture making.
How to grow cedar
Already two hundred years ago this tree was brought to the territory of Russia. But real cedar can only grow in the southern regions.
Cedar pine is more unpretentious. Its heavy seeds cannot be carried by the wind; they are spread by nutcracker birds, carrying the nuts over long distances. Everyone knows where cedar grows, but this tree can be grown in any region of Russia. It requires sandy or loamy soils with good drainage, moderate watering and weeding. Most often, cedar trees are grown from seeds, sown in the fall and covered with spruce branches. It will be important in the spring to protect the seedlings from birds and rodents. This tree grows slowly and only after 10-15 years it will be able to please you with a fluffy crown, and cones will appear even later.
Siberian cedar, or Siberian pine, is certainly the king of all trees taiga zone. It's powerful and majestic tree even in fairy tales he was represented in the form of an old man, a sage. This is understandable, cedar pines sometimes reach majestic sizes and shapes, and against the background of neighboring spruce and fir trees they seem like giants, giants with huge paw-branches and mighty crowns. In size, cedar is second only to its other coniferous relative - sequoia. Siberian Cedar reaches a height of up to 45 meters and sometimes lives for 800 years, or even more. The trunk diameter can be up to 2 meters. In appearance, cedar is a cross between spruce and pine. Sometimes it can be confused with both spruce and pine. It has long soft needles that are difficult to prick. Siberian cedar resin has a pleasant aromatic smell and is actively used in folk medicine.
The Siberian cedar is the king of the taiga also because it is a valuable commercial object, as well as a food source for many taiga animals and birds. Pine nuts are very nutritious and contain a large number of useful substances necessary for the body of both animals and humans. In particular, essential amino acids, vitamins and microelements, which makes them a valuable food product recommended by many nutritionists.
As can be seen from the diagram, the distribution area of Siberian pine begins from the Northern Urals and extends across all of Siberia to the Far East. There are no cedar pine trees in the European part of the country. The growing season of cedar is very short, only 40-45 days a year. The rest of the time the cedar is in a state of hibernation. Hence the enormous age of these trees.
Pine nut
Pine nuts are a storehouse of useful substances. The pine nut kernel contains 55-66% fat, 13.5-20% protein, starch, sugar, and vitamins. Pine nut kernels are rich in B vitamins, vitamins E (in the form of alpha-tocopherol) and K, as well as iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, copper and especially manganese. They are high in fat, like all nuts. The kernel of the Siberian cedar nut is used for food and serves as a raw material for the production of cedar (nut) oil.
Chemical composition of the pine nut kernel
Calorie content: 875 Kcal;
Proteins: 13.7 g.
- tryptophan: 3.4 mg
- lecin
- valine
- lysine: 12.4 mg
- methionine: 5.6 mg
- glutamic acid
- histidine
- proline
- serine
- glycine
- threonine
- alanine
- aspartic acid
- phenylalanine
- cystine
- arginine: 21 mg
- tyrosine
Fat: 68.4 g.
- saturated: 4.9 g.
- monosaturated: 18.7 g.
- polyunsaturated 34.1 g.
Carbohydrates: 13.1 g.
- starch
- glucose
- sucrose
- fructose
- dextrins
- pentosans
- cellulose
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A (retinol): 1 mcg
- b-carotene: 17 mcg
- vitamin B1 (thiamine): 0.4 mcg
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.2 mcg
- vitamin B3 (niacin): 4.4 mcg
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 0.3 mcg
- vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 0.1 mcg
- Vitamin B9 (folacin): 34 mcg
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 0.8 mcg
- Vitamin E (tocopherol): 9.3 mcg
- vitamin K: 53.9 mcg
Microelements
- calcium: 16 mg
- iron: 5.5 mg
- magnesium: 251 mg
- phosphorus: 575 mg
- potassium: 597 mg
- zinc: 6.4
Pine nut shell
Pine nut shells are a component for some balms and tinctures. An infusion of pine nut shells has an astringent, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect. In folk medicine, an infusion of pine nut shells is drunk for deafness, hemorrhoids, neuroses, kidney diseases (for example, urolithiasis), liver; used externally as a depilatory agent.
The shell contains tannins, sugars, amino acids and trace elements.
- Fat: 1.2 - 1.9%
- Resin: 3.5 - 4%
- Proteins: 1.6 - 1.9%
- Fiber: 68 - 69%
- Pentosans: 21.5 - 22.7%
- Ash: 0.6 - 0.9%
- Macro- and Microelements: 0.15 - 0.19%
Cedar oil
Cedar oil is obtained by two methods: extraction and pressing. The oil contains many substances: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (PP), B6, D, E, F. It is used in the treatment of various diseases: laryngitis, acute respiratory infections, flu, colds, psoriasis and other skin diseases, also for the treatment of various gastrointestinal ulcers and has a beneficial effect on various allergic disorders. In addition, the oil has a general strengthening effect, helps eliminate chronic fatigue syndrome, and increases physical and mental performance.
Siberian cedar needles
The needles of the Siberian cedar, like its other parts, are medicine. In folk medicine, decoctions and infusions are used. In addition to vitamins, it is rich in tannins, alkaloids, and terpenes. Infusions and decoctions of pine needles are drunk as a diuretic. Siberian cedar needles in the form of decoctions, Russian infusions ethnoscience Used for bronchial asthma as an anti-asthmatic agent. A decoction of Siberian cedar needles is an excellent remedy for gargling with sore throats, the oral cavity with stomatitis, and the nasal passages with a runny nose. It is obtained from Siberian cedar needles essential oil, chlorophyll, vitamin concentrates, produce vitamin flour, which is rich in phytoncides, vitamins C, E, carotene, microelements (copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, phosphorus).
Fresh needles contain more than 300 mg of vitamin C. The maximum content of ascorbic acid in needles occurs in winter. If the covered branches are stored in the snow, then the vitamin C content in them does not decrease within 2-3 months. But in a heated room (or in summer), the C-vitamin activity of needles decreases to 42% of the original within 8-10 days.
Botanical description of Siberian pine
He was and remains the embodiment of courage and bravery. The shamans of Siberia believed in its magical power and decorated ritual staffs with a cedar branch.
In Russia Cedar has always been a symbol of the endless harsh Siberia.
Cedar names
The giant we used to call Cedar- one of the types Pines, namely cedar Pine or Siberian Cedar. His Latin name"Pinus Sibrica". It is this name that appears in ancient chronicles.
Unfortunately, accurate information the origin of the word “Cedar” has not survived to this day. There are several theories.
It is quite possible that the Russian Cedar owes its name to its Lebanese counterpart. In the past, when making icons, they took a base from Lebanese Cedar, which had to be exported.
IN northern regions In Russia, the most popular species for making bases for icons were conifers. Being very soft for carving and not brittle, Siberian Cedar wood was well suited for such purposes.
Another theory of origin suggests that the name "Cedrus" is originally European and originates in ancient Rome.
Where does Cedar grow?
Under natural conditions, Siberian Cedar grows only in Altai, Siberia and the Urals. There are many varieties of it, growing in the Crimea and the Caucasus. This is mainly Lebanese Cedar.
Siberian Cedar has great value in the national economy and food industry. Nutritious cedar seeds are an irreplaceable source of microelements and vitamins.
Thanks to their nut-bearing reputation, Cedar and its brethren have earned special attention from biologists and breeders. Industrial nut plantations have existed in our country for decades. These plantations are designed to stop the barbaric methods of extracting cedar seeds from natural sources without restoring forest productivity.
There are a considerable number of representatives of Cedar. Let's focus on the Siberian Cedar.
Despite the fact that this breed belongs to the “pine” species; the diameter of the Cedar trunk can reach 2 meters.
Cedar lives up to 3-5 centuries. Between the ages of 20 and 70, it begins to bear fruit. The tree is distinguished by a dense green crown and brown-gray bark.
The famous pine cones are bluish-purple when unripe and turn dark brown when ripe. Cedar cones are different large size and can reach a width of 8 cm and a length of 13 cm.
When the Cedar blooms
Siberian cedar blooms in June. It takes 12-14 months for the cones to ripen.
Under natural conditions, Cedar begins to bear fruit on average at the age of 40-50 years. Modern breeders have achieved results in which cedar bears fruit at 15 years of age.
Medicinal properties of Cedar
Cedar seed kernels contain great amount vitamins and fats, which is why they are widely used in medicine and the food industry. Microelements contained in Cedar seeds help improve memory and are a valuable source of vegetable proteins and fats.
Moderate consumption of seeds improves immunity and restores nervous system, strengthening the heart and blood vessels.
It is known that Cedar wood kills microbes, so they tried to make the bottom of the famous birch bark tues from Cedar.
Cedar milk from ground seeds is used in the treatment of tuberculosis diseases.
Cedar resin, like pine resin, promotes wound healing and is used in the fight against colds and for lung diseases. Cedar needles are recommended as a means of combating asthma.
Since ancient times in Siberia, cedar needles were considered an excellent remedy for scurvy, and were also the basis for healing tinctures.
Application of Cedar
Cedar seeds are used in the production of high-calorie cream, butter and cedar milk. In addition, table oil is obtained from the seeds, and halva is obtained from the cake.
Science has also found a use for this magnificent tree. When cutting Cedar, resin is extracted, from which immersion oil is obtained. A drop of immersion oil is placed between the microscope objective and the object of study. Oil improves the quality and clarity of images of objects by directing and concentrating light at the required point.
Moderately soft and dense, Cedar wood is used in making pencils.
Cedar wood is a favorite material for carvers, cabinetmakers and joiners. Skillfully crafted chests and cabinets also have a practical purpose. Insects, including moths, will never live in such a product.
Planting Cedar trees in parks and gardens helps clean and disinfect the air.
In Siberia, when laying the foundation for a house, carpenters planted a young Cedar tree in the corner of the yard so that the hut would be strong and durable.
In Russia, cedar fishing still exists, which is a rather dangerous and barbaric occupation. The fact is that “cone pounding” is carried out using a large wooden hammer, which is used to hit a tree trunk to extract cones. This method is a relic, which is gradually being replaced by modern methods selection and cultivation of nut crops.
Mentions of Cedar can be found in the Bible. For example, the material for Noah’s Ark was the wood of this mighty tree.
Cedar does not obey biological rhythms. Depending on the weather and conditions, the tree itself regulates the movement of juices and biological processes, adapts to external conditions. This confirms the hypothesis that Cedar has a Soul.
Photo credits: LesTa-10, bakamushi , kaikups , Borodyaga , Nick Vasiliev
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