I think the title could be a little catchy for you…
But it does look a little like that, and not to mention that this is literally the direct translation from the Chinese community naming of the fruit, 蛇皮果 a.k.a Snake Skin Fruit for this unusual piece.
So what exactly are these?
Behold, the Thorny Palm Fruit – Salak / Snake Fruit ( Salacca Zalacca )
It actually derives from a palm tree which is located in Java (Indonesia); with its brown scale and off white flesh inside, it doesn’t look promising.
The taste
Not everyone likes it, especially when I passed a tiny piece to my colleague and he immediately spit out with Goosebumps. The smell itself is fragrant in a weird way and the taste, if not super ripe, will taste a confused mixture of unripe green pear (with its crunchiness) and apple. It brings slight sour into your taste buds and tends to linger a little. It is hard to describe this unique taste.
The pit seeds look clean though but apparently it cannot be eaten, according to Organic Facts
It includes high levels of dietary fibre, protein, sugars, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin C, and vitamin A, as well as various antioxidants and active ingredients.
The most important health benefits of salak include its ability to boost vision health, strengthen cognition, optimize digestion, increase energy, aid weight loss efforts and regulate blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.
So rest assured that this fruit even though has a slight challenging aroma (for some people), its crunchiness brings goodness to the body.
I might challenge my mom to take the first bite… let’s see if she is game or not
Therefore if you ever come across the fruit, especially gifted from a friend, concentrate on the goodness of the fruit instead of its outer experience.
Because once the skin is shed, it has much to offer.
I hope you have enjoyed my little review and adventure of a new fruit I have encountered.