Jambu Air
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Jambu Air fruits are small, round, and bell-shaped, averaging 4-5 centimeters in diameter and 4-6 centimeters in length. The thin, outer skin has a waxy sheen and can be green, white, pink, purple, red, or even black depending on the variety. The inner white flesh is spongy and light, containing one to two small brown, rounded seeds. Jambu Air fruits are crisp and light with a mild and sweet flavor similar to a snow pear.
Seasons/Availability
Jambu Air fruits are available in the spring and the late fall through winter.
Current Facts
Jambu Air plants, botanically classified as Syzygium samarangense, are tropical trees belonging to the Myrtaceae family which also includes guavas. Also known as the Java apple, Semarang Rose-apple, Wax Jambu, Bell fruit, Wax apple, Jumrool, Samarang Jambu Hijau, Jambu Air Mawar, Hei Jing Gang, Macopa, Lian Wu, Champakka, and Kammari Kayalu, Jambu Air plants are found predominately in warm, tropical climates and are difficult to find outside of Southeast Asia. They are grown for ornamental, medicinal, and culinary use. Though the Jambu Air fruit is often called an apple, the term is used only to describe the waxy sheen and red appearance and not the flavor of the fruit.
Nutritional Value
Jambu Air fruits are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron.
Applications
Jambu Air fruits can be used in both raw and cooked applications. When consumed raw, the fruit is cored and served by itself or served with salt or sugar. Jambu Air fruit can also be sliced and used in salads, lightly sautéed in main dishes for an added sweetness, or preserved to be used as a topping. They are also popularly stewed with apples or boiled and used as a sauce. Jambu Air fruits pair well with sharp cheeses, greens such as romaine and spinach, apples, onions, chilies, mint, lemon, ground fennel, and can be served over ice cream, pancakes, and French toast when preserved. Jambu Air fruits will keep for a couple of days when stored wrapped in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Malaysia, the bark, dried leaves, and roots of Jambu Air plants are used to help reduce symptoms of swelling, itching, and cracked tongue. The flowers are also used as a popular remedy in Taiwan to help lower fevers and to treat diarrhea.
Geography/History
Jambu Air plants are native to Malaysia and were first discovered growing wild in ancient times. They were then spread and naturalized in Indonesia, Asia, and tropical America in coastal forests. Today, Jambu Air plants are available in local markets and home gardens in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Aruba, and Jamaica.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Jambu Air. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Naiya Recipes |
|
Jambu Squash |
| Yummy Tummy Aarthi |
|
Jambu Air and Sweet Spicy Dipping Sauce |
| Devina Da vegan |
|
Potato Salad with Water Apple ( Jambu Air) |
