One unique exotic fruit that can only be found in a few parts of Southeast Asia is the Marang. This distinctively succulent fruit is native to Borneo and the southern part of the Philippines. The Marang (Artocarpus Odoratissima) is also referred to as Tarap. It is similar to the Jackfruit and Breadfruit in physical appearance but it is smaller and softer compared to the Jackfruit and a little bigger than the Breadfruit.
Unique Physical Appearance and Conditions for growth of the Marang
The tree that bears the Marang fruit can grow to approximately twenty five feet tall and is propagated through its seeds. It also enjoys the warm and humid climate of tropical Southeast Asia and needs to be watered regularly to flourish.
The Marang usually has an imperfect round or oblong shape. Its outer part is covered broad and round spines with mix shades of brown, green or yellow. This fruit is usually hard and brittle while it is still maturing but it becomes softer when it ripens. Since the Marang fruit does not fall off from the tree by itself then it needs to be harvested. It can be picked while it’s still hard and left to ripen until it turns soft.
The Exotic Taste and Smell of Marang
Before tasting this luscious fruit, there are some physical signs to watch and see if the fruit is ripe enough to be opened. First, the color changes from greenish-brown to more yellowish-brown. Second, it gives off a strong and pungent scent. Third, try giving the fruit a short massage by squeezing it lightly, if the texture feels soft and mushy to the touch then it is ripe enough to eat!
The Marang fruit can be opened by cutting the rind into half and slowly pull them apart to reveal a yellow and white interior. The interior is similar to that of the Jackfruit but with smaller arils. Arils are the small bulb-like structures inside a fruit that encapsulates the seeds. The arils are milky white in color and they are sweet and addicting in taste! To experience the full flavor of the Marang fruit, it should be consumed in one sitting for it easily losses its flavor when left opened for a period of time.
Edible Crunchy Seeds!
Other parts of the Marang fruit that are edible are the seeds! The seeds are approximately the size of marbles only not as round. After eating, just gather the seeds in a clean container and rinse them with clean water. The seeds need to put under the heat of the sun to dry. When all the seeds are dry then they can be roasted on a pan without oil until it turns slightly brown without burning it. To eat the roasted seeds just rub the thin outer layer so it will peel off then eat them like peanuts! They do taste a little like peanuts but milder in flavor but they are crunchier because roasting make them brittle enough to enjoy!
Bernadette Bangayan - I grew up in the southern part of the Philippines, in an archipelago famous for its sunny climate, lovely beaches and exotic fruits ...
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