TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fruits are well-known to be an essential source of nutrients that are high in vitamins and minerals which include potassium, fibers, and folic acid.
Nutrients contained inside fruits are critical for our health maintenance. In most cases, people who include fresh fruits in their regular daily diet are less-exposed to chronic disease risks.
The following are uncommon Indonesian fruits that are just as healthy as popular fruits generally sold in your local traditional market.
1. Karamunting
This rare fruit typical of Balikpapan can be found growing in forests in between large trees. It has several regional names other than karamunting, such as haramonting and the mani. This fruit is scientifically known as Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtaceae) and is a natural antioxidant.
2. Gandaria
This ping-pong ball sized fruit grows in tropical areas of Indonesia such as Sumatra. 100 grams of gandaria contains 11,3 grams of carbohydrate, 6-9 grams of calcium, 75 mg of vitamin c, vitamin A, and much more.
3. Rambai
This seasonal fruit may not be popular among today’s young generation. It grows wild throughout Southeast Asian regions, which includes Indonesia. Every 100 grams of this fruit contains 55 grams of vitamin C, 0,03 mg of vitamin B1, 0,09 mg of vitamin B2, calcium, and phosphor.
4. Kecapi Fruit
This fruit is seldom seen displayed on traditional market fruit racks. It is a sweet fruit that is regularly sold in traditional markets in Kalimantan. The origins of this fruit in Indonesia is believed to be from Indochina and the Malaya Peninsula. It contains carbohydrates, calcium, phosphor, iron, and vitamin C.
5. Kemang
The Kemang or Mangifera kemanga, is a plant that is getting rare in Indonesia, despite the fruit’s ability to inspire a region in Jakarta to be named after the fruit. It is a fruit that has a sweet and acidic taste.
6. Cempedak Fruit
A Cempedak fruit might physically seem similar to a jackfruit, however, the main difference between the two is in its shape where a cempedak is more oval than rounded. This fruit is full of vitamin A.
7. Kesemek Fruit
The Kesemek or persimmon is sweet tasting and has the shape of a tomato. Kesemek used to originate from China, it then spread to Japan and proliferated there and finally it came to Indonesia. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and B Complex.
8. Lobi-lobi
The lobi-lobi or Flacourtia inermis is a red colored small-sized fruit that is often used as the main ingredient for traditional Indonesian cuisines. It has a strong acidic taste with just a few sweet taste. It is reportedly potent in reducing cholesterol level.
9. Matoa
Matoa is a Papuan fruit that generally can only be harvested once a year from July to October. It is long known to be effective in releasing toxins from inside the human body, cure hemorrhoid, maintaining the health of our kidney, and can control blood sugar levels.
HEALTHLINE and numerous sources SALMA HABIBA | SDJ
