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June 25, 2007 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: CA, Zone 9
Posts: 33
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Interesting Fruits of Indonesia (Pic Heavy)
Last year I had a chance to travel throughout Indonesia again (Java, Bali & Lombok), and its always such an interesting experience when it comes to cuisine and odd fruits and vegetables. The following are some photos I took last year of some of the more interesting fruits and spices available in the region. A change of pace from the usual Tomato Topics (which, incidentally, are eaten with sugar in Indonesia rather than, say, salt & pepper). In describing each item, the Indonesian name comes first (if I know it) with English (and other) equivalents to follow (text primarily cobbled together from wikipedia):
Cabe (Chile). I couldn't tell you which particular chile this is, but various chile sauces (sambal) are used extensively in Indonesdian cuisine. (Photo from an open market in Jakarta, 2006). Pitaya (also known as Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear, Nanettikafruit, or Thanh Long) is the fruit of several cactus species native to Mexico and Central and South America. These vine-like epiphytic cacti are also cultivated in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. They are also found in Taiwan, Okinawa, Israel, and southern China. The pitaya only blooms at night; they are large white flowers that are often called Moonflower or Queen of the Night. The name of the fruit was later changed to dragon fruit to boost sales. (Photo from Jakarta, 2006) Jackfruit (don't know the Indonesian name) is a species of tree of the mulberry family (Moraceae) and its fruit, native to southwestern India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and possibly also east to the Malay Peninsula, though more likely an early human introduction there. The fruit is huge. Even a relatively thin tree can have huge fruits hanging on it. The fruits can reach 36 kg in weight and up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter. The jackfruit is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The sweet yellow sheaths around the seeds have a taste similar to pineapple but milder and less juicy. (Photo from an open market in Jakarta, 2006) Kluwek (or Pacung): Seed of the kepayang tree, which contains a black, pasty substance that imparts a distinctive flavor to dishes such as rawon. Salak is a species of palm tree (family Arecaceae) native to Indonesia and Malaysia. The fruit grow in clusters at the base of the palm, and are also known as snake fruit due to the reddish-brown scaly skin. They are about the size and shape of a ripe fig, usually round with a distinct tip, with an edible pulp; to peel, pinch the tip of the fruit and pull away. The fruit inside consists of three lobes, each lobe containing a large inedible seed. The lobes look and have the consistency of peeled garlic cloves. The taste is usually sweet and acidic, but its apple-like texture can vary from very dry and crumbly (salak pondoh from Yogyakarta) to moist and crunchy (salak Bali). (Photo from an open market in Jakarta, 2006) Kolang-Kaling (Sugar Palm?) is a common name for several species of palms used to produce sugar. I am not sure of the particular uses for this. (Photo from an open market in Jakarta, 2006) Lengkeng (Longan) is an evergreen tree native to southern China. It is also found in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The longan ("dragon eyes") is so named because of the fruit's resemblance to an eyeball when it is shelled (the black seed shows through the translucent flesh like a pupil/iris). The fruit is edible, and is often used in East Asian soups, snacks, desserts, and sweet-and-sour foods. They are round with a thin, brown-coloured inedible shell. The flesh of the fruit, which surrounds a big, black seed, is translucent white, soft, and juicy. (Photo from Ubud, Bali, 2006) Manggis (Mangosteen) is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. The tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The rind of the edible fruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. Botanically an aril, the fragrant edible flesh is sweet and creamy, citrusy with some peach flavor. Often heralded as the "Queen of Fruits", mangosteen is closely related to other edible tropical fruits such as button mangosteen and lemondrop mangosteen. (Photo from Ubud, Bali, 2006) Markisa (Passion Fruit) is cultivated commercially for its fruit in northwestern South America, India, the Caribbean, Brazil, southern Florida, Hawaii, Australia, East Africa, Israel and South Africa (where it is known as a Grenadilla or Granadilla). The passion fruit is round to oval, yellow or dark purple at maturity, with a soft to firm, juicy interior filled with numerous seeds. The fruit can be grown to eat or for its juice, which is often added to other fruit juices to enhance aroma. (Photo from Jakarta, 2006) Melinjo is a species of Gnetum native to southeast Asia and the western Pacific Ocean islands, from Assam south and east through Malaysia and Indonesia to the Philippines and Fiji. Common names include Melinjo or Belinjo (Indonesian language), Bago (Malay language, Tagalog language), Peesae (Thai language) and Bét, Rau bép, Rau danh (Vietnamese language). It is a small to medium-size tree (unlike most other Gnetum species, which are lianas), growing to 15-20m tall. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, 8-20 cm long and 3-10 cm broad, entire, emerging bronze-coloured, maturing glossy dark green. The fruit-like strobilus consist of little but skin and a large nut-like seed 2-4 cm long inside. The seeds are ground into flour and deep-fried as crackers (Emping, a type of Krupuk, or cracker). The crackers have a slightly bitter taste and are frequently served as a snack or accompaniment to Indonesian dishes. (Photo from an open market in Jakarta, 2006) Rambutan is a medium-sized tropical tree in the family Sapindaceae, probably native to southeast Asia, and the fruit of this tree. It is closely related to several other edible tropical fruits including the Lychee, Longan and Mamoncillo. The leathery skin is reddish (rarely orange or yellow), and covered with fleshy pliable spines, hence the name rambutan, derived from the Malay word rambut which means hairs. The fruit flesh is translucent, whitish or very pale pink, with a sweet, mildly acidic flavour. The single seed is glossy brown with a white basal scar; it is poisonous and should not be eaten with the fruit flesh. (Photo from Ubud, Bali, 2006) Salak is a species of palm tree (family Arecaceae) native to Indonesia and Malaysia. The fruit grow in clusters at the base of the palm, and are also known as Snake Fruit due to the reddish-brown scaly skin. They are about the size and shape of a ripe fig, usually round with a distinct tip, with an edible pulp; to peel, pinch the tip of the fruit and pull away. The fruit inside consists of three lobes, each lobe containing a large inedible seed. The lobes look and have the consistency of peeled garlic cloves. The taste is usually sweet and acidic, but its apple-like texture can vary from very dry and crumbly (salak pondoh from Yogyakarta) to moist and crunchy (salak Bali). (Photo from Ubud, Bali, 2006) Durian is the fruit of trees of the genus Durio belonging to the Malvaceae, a large family which includes hibiscus, okra, cotton, mallows and linden trees. Widely known and revered in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruits," the fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and a formidable thorn-covered husk. Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown and its flesh pale-yellow to red, depending on species. The hard outer husk is covered with sharp, prickly thorns, while the edible custard-like flesh within emits the strong, distinctive odour, which is regarded as either fragrant or overpowering and offensive. I personally find durian quite delicious, provided you find the reight variety - at worst, they can taste something like mushy, slightly sweet garlic with an odor that, while not exactly unpleasant, is definitely strong. At its best, durian is creamy, custard-y, and redolent of vanilla. (Photo unmercifully stolen from a random web search; I was too busy eateing them to actually take any pictures). |
June 25, 2007 | #2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 2,618
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That's one the the many joys of travelling to the Far East; sampling their incredibly exotic fruits. There are many more than is shown. I cannot imagine going thru life without having tasted them all! Paradise treats.
Some of them you can get in ethnic neighborhoods in US and Canada, including Durian. BTW, many cities in the Far East have laws against openning Durian fruit in public spaces because of its very powerful smell (odor). dcarch
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June 25, 2007 | #3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: CA, Zone 9
Posts: 33
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"That's one the the many joys of travelling to the Far East; sampling their incredibly exotic fruits."
A joy, definitely, but also a curse if one isn't careful... The first time I went to Indonesia in late September of 2001, I scarfed down any and all kinds of exotic fruits I could get my hands on, kinda like a kid in a candy store (with cash!), but most particularly the day before I left for home. On the long flight back, the stomach rumbled menacingly, but I endeavored to hold on out of, shall we say, philanthropic concern for my fellow passengers. Once I arrived at LAX, my discomfort became acute, but I was stuck in the immigration line with luggage stuffed with books and trinkets that was so heavy the wheels snapped right off, meaning I had to lug that behemoth every step of the way. Once I finally made it through, I was positively desperate for relief, but I couldn't very well leave all that oversize luggage unattended in the bathroom because of all the heightened airport security at the time. Even though I was loathe to explain my condition and very immediate need, a nice Customer Service rep pointed me to the oversize handicap facilities, thus saving the day. I still scarf down all I can when I'm in the area, but now lighten up considerably at least a couple days before I have to board a long flight. |
June 26, 2007 | #4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Utah
Posts: 675
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Wow! How fascinating! Thanks for sharing. One of the fruits, Lonagan, reminded me of a fruit that I have only seen in Puerto Rico called a chenepa, I'm sure my spelling is off, I'll have to call my husband at work and ask for the correct spelling, or wait until he gets home form work. Anyway, I love them. The rind is kind of like a thin lime peel---without the taste of a lime peel. You crack the rind open with your teeth and then eat the interesting sweet, tart flesh off of the seed. I love passion fruit too. The color is different in Puerto Rico though. Its flesh is a bright orange color. My mother-in-law had a lemon tree with parcha(passion fruit) growing through it and she would make lemonade with the parcha and limon that was soooo good! I absolutely love guaynabana, which is called sour sop in english. The flesh looks a little bit like the dragon fruit, but it is large and dark green on the outside and grows in a tree. I also liked fried bread fruit, which reminds me a little of the Jackfruit picture you have. It isn't sweet. It is starchy and usually cooked before eating. There are sooo many places I would love to travel too. Maybe someday I'll get the opportunity.
Tyffanie |
June 26, 2007 | #5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Den of Drunken Fools
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I am growing the passion fruit vine here in Texas the flower is unbelievable in it's own right.
I also have two loquat trees growing, folks grow them here but have no idea how they taste or if you can even eat the fruit. I do and it is good. I continue to look for vines, trees and such that will grow here and collect the fruit. Even the Elephant ear is edible leaves and all and that is after all of my life I have heard it was poisonous. you just have to cook it first. It is called Taro. Worth |
June 26, 2007 | #6 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 2,618
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Quote:
You can go to Asian (Chinatown) areas and get Taro ice cream. Strange but tasty. dcarch
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June 27, 2007 | #7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: CA, Zone 9
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"I absolutely love guaynabana, which is called sour sop in english."
Soursop was available in Indonesia, and I even purchased one, but was advised it wasn't ready to eat yet. It sat on the counter for days, turning soft, black in places, and beginning to sprout mold, at which point it was deemed edible. I took a pass on that one (particularly since the next day was the flight home and didn't want to take any chances!). My Bahasa Indonesia language skills are positively dreadful, so unless I want to spend hours at restaurants having the menu translated, I just go with flow usually and let my hosts choose in those cases where I don't recognizes the dishes. That sometimes leads to interesting cases where they slide some dish toward you don't recognize proclaiming it good, only to discover that the fried, dry, spongy thing you're eating is actually beef lung. Ack! But to each his or her own. My wife is Indonesian, and she runs screaming from the room if I have Brussel Sprouts, just like I run screaming from the room when she cooks with Terasi (fermented shrimp paste). I'll never be a proper Indonesian if I can't wrap my tastebuds around terasi. Breadfruit, though, is something I've never had, but have always had the hankering to try. Too many fruits and veggies, but not enough time ... I envy those of you who live in areas where you can grow some of the more tropical items. |
June 27, 2007 | #8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Utah
Posts: 675
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Here is a link to a quenepa photo.
http://www.danmaeso.com/pix/details.asp?ID=1006 another link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamoncillo If I ever live in Puerto Rico I better have a lot of land because their are sooo many tropical fruits that I would want to grow!!! |
June 27, 2007 | #9 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NY
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Many different kinds of : mangos, guavas, pappyas, banannas, ---------
Tasted many when I was in Costa Rica. http://www.proscitech.com.au/trop/link.htm It is a real crime for so many people not to have the chance and pleasure of tasting them! dcarch
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June 27, 2007 | #10 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Utah
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Dcarch,
Did you taste the apple banana? It is a small fat banana that has a kind of apple flavor---I love them. I never liked the taste of Mangoes until I lived in Puerto Rico. Nothing beats one fresh from the tree and so juicy you have to lean over a sink to eat it. There are a ton of different kinds. I like the big ones that don't have too much fiber. MMMM, I'm getting hungry, although I shouldn't complain because I just picked a few quarts of raspberries---Can't get those in the tropics! I'm going to make some freezer jam for the winter and my 3 yr old said, "You can't squish 'em, we have to eat 'em." But, they do have the acerolas, which make a wonderful punch. Tyff |
June 27, 2007 | #11 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, MT
Posts: 811
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Gorgeous pictures, I was growing Pitaya (about 15 varieties) In california before I moved here to Montana. And its fabulous. On one of the Pitaya fan sites we were talking about how wonderful it is that more people are hearing of it. The other fruits look fabulous and I love to have star fruit with papaya when star fruit is available. I love fruits and veggies that are difficult to get in the US. I may try to do another red fleshed pitaya variety next year as the person I gave most of my plants too can send me a cutting. I am sure I can get a mini greenhouse made and somehow subject it to the humid conditions needed.
DCARCH? or anyone with ideas on how to make a GH and keep the humidity high? |
June 27, 2007 | #12 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Quote:
We will talk about this over there. dcarch
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June 28, 2007 | #13 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2006
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My personal favourites from the far east are Giant Paw Paws from Malaya up to 18" inches long and so sweet, Giant pink cape horn banana from new guinea up to 2' foot long, A special kind of Tangerine from a farm half way up the mountain road to Kuranda from Cairns in Ozz, big fat and sassy, But my favourite all time passtime was to get a long length of ripe sugar cane and chop it into six inch lengths and chaw on each piece for miles and miles in a car-leaving a trail of chewed woody pulp along the way through a half open car window, I rather like the little lady's finger bananas, and Trinidadian silk fig bananas-both of which are only about three inches long and sweet.
My best advice- dont make the mistake I did, and try eating Jack fruit seeds whilst driving a car, they are so sticky, very soon you find you are stuck to the car steering wheel with both hands. One thing I could not eat though- was the native sour plums dried and eaten by dipping them in salt "Ugh". |
June 29, 2007 | #14 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2007
Location: San Diego, Ca.
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When I saw your pic of the mangosteen, I started drooling. On our couple trips to the orient, we fell in love with that fruit - it's one of my all-time favorites - so sweet and juicy, just lovely. On the other hand, my DH LOVES durian and I can't stand it. And yes, it IS forbidden, at least in Bankok, to bring it into any hotel - with large published signs. So, of course, my husb. just HAD to buy one and sneak it in. I MADE him keep it on the outside ledge of the window because I can't stand the smell. When he was ready to eat it, I forced him to go outside in the hall of this lovely hotel and quickly eat it without being discovered. Within minutes of his returning to the room, we could hear security guards running up and down the hallway looking for the culprit!! That was a heart-thumper, for sure.
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June 29, 2007 | #15 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Life without tropical fruits is like drawing with Crayons with only one color.
dcarch
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