Kadayawan Fruits
MANGOSTEEN. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit with a slightly sweet and sour flavor. It’s originally from Southeast Asia but can be found in various tropical regions around the world. The fruit is sometimes referred to as purple mangosteen because of the deep purple color its rind develops when ripe. In contrast, the juicy inner flesh is bright white. Though mangosteen is a relatively obscure fruit in the western world, it shouldn’t be overlooked, as it may offer many health benefits due to its rich supply of nutrients, fiber, and unique antioxidants. Plant compounds and fiber in mangosteen may have anti-inflammatory effects according to animal research. More studies are needed to understand how this fruit may reduce inflammation in humans (healthline,com).
MARANG (image source: 123rf. com). Marang, as it is known in Mindanao, is comparable to breadfruit (kamansi), jackfruit
(langka), and durian, except for its sweet scent. Its scientific name is
Artocarpus odoratissimus, and it originated in Borneo but is widely grown in the Philippines, especially in Davao, North Cotabato and
Agusan. Marang has a round to oblong shape and is slightly smaller and lighter than jackfruit.
Inside its thick rind is a mass of white, juicy, and edible seeds embedded in pulp. Other regional names of marang are tarap, madang, johey oak, and terap. Raw and freshly opened marang should be eaten immediately as it quickly oxidizes and loses its flavor. Aside from its delightful taste, marang is also good for one’s body. Studies show that it is loaded with nutritional value, containing calcium, protein, vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, crude fiber, retinol, and iron, among others. Moreover, the fruit is packed with carbohydrates, making it a good alternative fuel source for athletes who need to replenish energy levels and fight fatigue. In addition, it is an effective natural treatment for those suffering from constipation, as it triggers regular bowel movement. (ethnicgroupsphilippines.com).
RAMBUTAN. Many people from the Western part of the world are unfamiliar with the rambutan fruit, as it is native to Malaysia. It is primarily known for its similarities with the lychee and the longan fruit, particularly its transparent-whitish flesh and the seed in the middle. This is because all three are actually close relatives. Although they are similar, the outer cover or shell is what sets these three fruits apart. The rambutan fruit can be easily identified because of its green and red spikes that resemble hair, which is interesting because the name “Rambutan” comes from the Malay word for “hair.” The rambutan tree usually grows up to about 80 feet in height and thrives in tropical climates, mostly in Asia where these fruits are abundant. This plant has also been cultivated in different parts of the globe, such as Australia and Central America.
LANZONES (image source: 1mihost.com). Lanzones is a sweet edible fruit that contains numerous nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which are beneficial to the body’s health. Lanzones is also known as Langsat and has a scientific name of “Lansium Parasiticum,” which came from the family of mahogany plant. This plant can be usually found in tropical climate countries including the Philippines. This plant grows up to 30 meters and bears a yellow sweet edible fruit that looks like a small potato. Most Filipinos love to eat this exotic fruit because of its sweet, sour, and delicious taste. It is usually eaten raw and it contains bitter seeds. Aside from being one of the most popular fruits around the world, it also contains high nutritional value.