These are fresh water apples from North Male' atoll Thulusdhoo, the island famed for world class surf breaks.
Known in Maldives' native Dhivehi language as "Janburoalu", these water apples are very sweet and are from the home of a family friend in that island.
A relative, who also grows water apple in the island, told me it's very difficult to get fully ripe water apples because fruit bats beat humans to it!
Water apple is a small, bell-shaped juicy fruit. It is glossy and pink to red in appearance with a sweet, low acidic taste and has white flesh with a rose-scented aroma.
The luscious water apple is scientifically known as Syzygium aqueum and belongs to the botanical family Myrtaceae.
The water apple, also known as jambu in some regions, has a history rooted in Southeast Asia.
Here's a quick glimpse:
Origin story: The water apple is believed to be native to southern India, particularly regions like Kerala and the Western Ghats.
Tropical favorite: From its Indian origins, the water apple spread throughout Southeast Asia, becoming popular in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
Ancient uses: The water apple wasn't just enjoyed for its taste. Traditionally, people used other parts of the tree for medicine and even construction, with the wood being used for tools.
Modern presence: Today, water apples remain a staple in Southeast Asian countries, sold fresh in local markets. They've also been introduced to other tropical regions like Hawaii and parts of the US.
No comments:
Post a Comment