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Matoa fruits are oval and measure an average of 5 to 7 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide. The skins are tough and medium-thin with a whitish pith. They can be picked while still green, once they’ve reached an ideal size, or when red and mature with the occasional mottling. The pulp inside is translucent white like a lychee or mangosteen. It is soft and fragrant with a flavor profile like a longan or rambutan.
Seasons/Availability
Matoa fruit is available during the monsoon season in Indonesia, which lasts from November to March.
Current Facts
Matoa fruit is known botanically as Pometia pinnata and is a member of the lychee family. They are referred to as a “typical fruit from Papua” and are called Ton or Taun on the island of Papua New Guinea, Buah Matoa in Indonesia, and Kasai in Western Malaysia. The tropical fruits can be found throughout Indonesia and are highly variable in their appearance, with fruits in shades of green, red, purple, and brown.
Nutritional Value
Matoa fruit is rich in vitamins C and E, which provide antioxidant and healthy skin benefits. The fruits contain high amounts of water and contain beneficial trace minerals.
Applications
Matoa fruit is eaten raw or used in beverages. To remove the pulp, pierce the thin skin with a thumbnail at its circumference and twist to pull the halves apart. The pulp easily pulls free from the skin and can be split in half to remove the seed. The pulp is enjoyed fresh, added to beverages, or preserved in syrup. They will store for a longer time than most tropical fruits and will keep at room temperature for a couple of weeks. The pulp is highly perishable and will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Matoa fruits are popular in Borneo and Java because former President Megawati encouraged the planting of sustainable, native Indonesian trees, such as the Matoa. In the street markets of Sarawak, Borneo the fruits are sold in bunches with dozens of fruits tied together and strung up with a string. The wood from the Matoa tree is used for furniture and house building.
Geography/History
Matoa fruits are native to Papua, the western half of the Indonesian island of New Guinea in the South Pacific. They grow on large trees that reach up to 18 meters tall and are most often found in coastal areas or near inlets and rivers. In some areas, the trees will produce twice a year. Matoa fruit is sometimes called Pacific lychee and grows on many of the islands throughout Indonesia and the South Pacific. They can be found on Vanuatu, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and as far north as southern China.
Matoa fruit measures 5 to 7 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide, with tough, medium-thin skin and a whitish pith. Its translucent white pulp resembles lychee or mangosteen and offers a soft texture. The fruit can be picked green at ideal size or red when mature, possessing a fragrant flavor similar to longan or rambutan. Its appearance and taste make it a unique tropical delight.
Matoa fruit has a thin skin that can be pierced and twisted apart to reveal its pulp, which easily separates from the skin. The pulp can be eaten raw, preserved in syrup, or added to beverages for flavor. Unlike most tropical fruits, matoa stores exceptionally well, keeping at room temperature for weeks and in the refrigerator for a few days despite its highly perishable pulp.
Matoa fruit is scientifically known as Pometia pinnata and belongs to the lychee family. It is often called a “typical fruit from Papua” and goes by names like Ton or Taun in Papua New Guinea, Buah Matoa in Indonesia, and Kasai in Western Malaysia. These tropical fruits are highly variable in appearance, showcasing a range of colors including green, red, purple, and brown.
Matoa: Native to Papua in New Guinea, matoa fruits grow on towering trees up to 18 meters tall, thriving near coastal areas, rivers, or inlets. Known as Pacific lychee, they are widespread across the South Pacific, including countries like Indonesia, Vanuatu, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and reaching southern China. In some regions, the trees yield fruit twice annually, showcasing their adaptability and abundance.
Satok Market
185, Q309
Yamon Foong Joon Kuching SARAWAK 93050
Matoa fruits are widely enjoyed in Borneo and Java, partly due to former President Megawati's initiative promoting native Indonesian trees. In Sarawak's bustling street markets, they are sold in bunches tied with string, showcasing their local popularity. Beyond their fruit, Matoa trees provide durable wood commonly used for crafting furniture and constructing houses, highlighting their sustainable versatility.
Matoa fruits are oval and typically measure 5 to 7 centimeters in length and about 3 centimeters in width. Their skin is tough but medium-thin, featuring a whitish pith underneath. The pulp inside is a translucent white, resembling that of lychee or mangosteen. The fruits are soft and fragrant, offering a flavor profile similar to longan or rambutan, blending sweetness with tropical notes.
Matoa fruit has a thin skin that can be pierced and twisted to separate into halves, revealing easily removable pulp. The pulp can be enjoyed fresh, added to drinks, or preserved in syrup. Unlike many tropical fruits, matoa stores well, keeping at room temperature for weeks. However, the pulp is highly perishable and lasts only a couple of days when refrigerated.
Matoa fruit, a member of the lychee family, is botanically known as Pometia pinnata. Originating from Papua, it goes by various names like Ton or Taun in Papua New Guinea, Buah Matoa in Indonesia, and Kasai in Western Malaysia. Found throughout Indonesia, its appearance is quite variable, showcasing colors like green, red, purple, and brown, making it a visually diverse tropical fruit.
Matoa fruit originates from Papua, the western region of New Guinea in Indonesia, and is commonly found near coastal areas or rivers. The fruit grows on trees that can reach up to 18 meters in height and sometimes produce crops twice a year. Known as Pacific lychee, matoa fruit has spread across islands in the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and even southern China.
Matoa: These fruits are cherished in Borneo and Java, inspired by an initiative from former President Megawati to promote sustainable, native Indonesian trees. In Sarawak markets, they are sold in bunches strung up with string. Beyond its fruit, the Matoa tree is valued for its versatile wood, frequently used in furniture-making and house construction.
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