Kraton Fruit
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
The Kraton fruit is round and roughly the size of a grapefruit, measuring between 6 to 15 centimeters in diameter. Its bright yellow-orange skin is marked with brown spots, giving it a worn, leathery appearance. The skin is covered in fine hairs with a rough texture similar to a peach yet coarser. The fruit's papaya-colored flesh surrounds a milky white, juicy pulp comparable to a firm melon's interior. Its cottony core texture clings to 3-5 hard, brown, inedible seeds. Kraton fruits emit a sweet, tropical aroma and can range from tart to very sweet in taste. The ripest fruits offer a candy-like flavor whereas the less mature ones have a strong umami aftertaste.
Seasons/Availability
Kraton fruit is typically available from summer through fall.
Current Facts
Kraton is the Thai name for the fruit known botanically as Sandoricum koetjape, which belongs to the Meliaceae, or Mahogany, family. Outside of Thailand, it is widely recognized as Santol and sometimes referred to as Wild Mangosteen, Sour Apple, or Sandorica. In English-speaking regions, it's also called cottonfruit, a name derived from its thick yellow skin that splits open to expose a cottony white pulp. Kraton fruit trees grow up to 20 meters tall and are versatile beyond their use as timber. The wood is used to make house-posts, interior construction, light framing, barrels, cabinetwork, boats, carts, sandals, butcher's blocks, household utensils, carvings, and fishing lines. It’s also distinguished for the aromatic scent it emits when burned.
Nutritional Value
Kraton fruit is a good source of dietary fiber and pectin, aiding in digestion and cholesterol management. Traditionally, various parts of the Kraton tree have been used for medical purposes such as treating inflammation, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Kraton fruit contains anti-inflammatory triterpenes like koetjapic acid, which reduces inflammation and may fight cancer by preventing the spread of cancer cells and blocking the development of blood vessels that tumors need to grow. The preserved pulp of Kraton fruit is used as an astringent in medicine. Crushed leaves from the Kraton tree are applied to the skin to soothe itching. The tree's bark, which is bitter and contains mildly toxic chemicals, including sandoricum acid and a steroidal compound, is used to treat ringworm. The aromatic root treats diarrhea and colic and, when mixed with vinegar and water, serves as a remedy for digestive troubles. However, Kraton fruit seeds have insect-repelling properties that make it necessary to remove the seeds before consuming.
Applications
Kraton fruit has a sweet and sour flavor profile that makes it highly versatile to cook with. It can be stir-fried with shrimp or included in a flavorful red curry with grilled pork. In Thailand and the Philippines, Santol salad is a beloved dish prepared with this fruit. The salad features Kraton fruit chopped and mixed with either shrimp or pork, along with a blend of spices, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers. Kraton fruit is frequently pickled in a salt and sugar brine and enjoyed as a sweet snack. A popular dessert involves macerating pickled Kraton fruit into a candy-like treat that is combined with shaved ice. Pickled Kraton fruit syrup can be used in cocktails like Bloody Marys or Dirty Martinis. In Bangkok, it is common to find Kraton fruit topped with sweet fish sauce and crispy dried shrimp sold by the bag as a street snack. It pairs well with coconut, mint, basil, and cilantro. To keep fresh Kraton fruit in optimal condition, store it in a breathable container within the refrigerator, where it can remain fresh for several weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Originally from regions such as former Indochina, particularly Cambodia and southern Laos, as well as Malaya, Kraton fruit has also been introduced to India, the Andaman Islands, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Moluccas, Mauritius, and the Philippines. It is widely cultivated in these areas and the fruit is commonly found in local markets. Kraton fruit was introduced to Florida several times since 1931, but most seedlings didn't survive the cold. However, some have reached bearing age and have fruited successfully at the Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami. Kraton fruit comes in two main varieties: Yellow and Red, with only the Yellow variety still found wild in Malayan forests. In some Southeast Asian cultures, a decoction of Kraton leaves is used in baths to reduce fever or as a tonic for new mothers.
Geography/History
Kraton fruit is native to the Malaysian peninsula and has become naturalized throughout Southeast Asia. It prefers open areas with plenty of sunlight, making it suitable for cultivation in a variety of settings within tropical climates, including agricultural lands and secondary forests. Kraton fruit grew in popularity and spread worldwide primarily through trade and colonization. As European explorers and traders traveled through Southeast Asia, the fruit's seeds and plants were transported to other tropical regions, where it was introduced and began to naturalize. In Southeast Asia, you can find Kraton fruit growing in the wild, in home gardens, and sometimes sold in local markets or grocery stores. Outside its native range, it might be found in specialty Asian grocery stores or grown in botanical gardens and private orchards with suitable climates.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Kraton Fruit. One
is easiest, three is harder.| The Peach Kitchen |
|
SANTOL JUICE (COTTON FRUIT JUICE) FOR ONE |
