Fact About Pulasan Fruit
The Pulasan is a member of the Sapindaceae family and is a type of exotic fruit first found in Western Malaysia. The majority of its growth occurs in the lowland woods surrounding Perak. Pulas means to twist in the language of Malay.
The very name of the fruit appears to twist. Therefore, the fruit may be opened by twisting it with both hands. The opening of a rambutan fruit is accomplished in the same way.
Nephelium Mutabile is the Latin name for this plant. This fruit is available in two distinct types. The color of the first one is closer to a dark red, while the other one is more of a light red. It has a more palatable flavor than rambutan.
Still, there are at least 30 additional wild species of Nephelium that have edible fruits.
This fruit was introduced to the Kerala state of India, not too long ago. It was first established in Puerto Rico in 1926, and a few years later, it was also established in Costa Rica.
Even though they are indigenous to western Malaysia, one may find plentiful populations of them growing at low altitudes across the Philippines, from Luzon to Mindanao.
Pulasan is a seasonal fruit belonging to the rambutan family.
The fruits of the Pulasan tree are gathered twice a year. The first fruiting season lasts from July through November, while the subsequent one runs from March through July. The months of March via May and August via October are the blossoming seasons for the trees.
The fruits begin to ripen about 15–18 weeks after complete flowering. The plant needs between 100 and 130 days to develop in warm tropical climates. When most of the fruit has changed color to yellow or red, it is time to harvest it.
The tree has the potential to reach a height of 15 meters. The diameter of the trunk can reach around 16 inches. It is an ultra-tropical fruit that can only be grown successfully in highly humid places at an altitude of 360 to 1,150 feet. After a prolonged period of drought, the tree produces the most fruit in the Malaya region.
The fruit develops in clusters of three to five. It is between one and three inches long and has a somewhat oval form. The exterior layer of the fruit bears thorns that are prickly and velvety, although they are not particularly sharp.
The fruit’s pulp is transparent and might be white or yellowish in color. The part that may be eaten is juicy, sugary, and scented, and it has a sweet grape flavor. It has a single seed comparable in size and form to an almond. It is not difficult to separate the flesh from the seed.
Because of their close genetic relationship, pulasan and rambutan are frequently mixed up. The skin is more robust and abrasive than that of the rambutan. Lychee, longan, and Fijian longan are some of the other fruits that belong to the same family.
In addition to Pulasan fruit, Rambutan Paroh, Rambutan-kafri, and Pening-Pening-Ramboetan are other common names for this fruit. In the Philippines, it is called Bulala and Ngoh-Khoisan in the Thai language.
During the packing process, they are bundled together and secured with knots. In general, the fruits may be purchased in Malaysia at a wholesale price upon special request, although there is a limited supply due to the low production volume.
Health Benefits of Pulasan Fruit
Reduces Your Weight
People who wish to get rid of the extra weight in their bodies might benefit from eating this fruit. The feeling that one has more food in their stomach is caused by the high level of dietary fiber that is present in the food. In addition to this, it is an efficient appetite suppressant.
Holds a Healthy Sugar Level in the Blood
Patients suffering from diabetes might also benefit from eating this fruit. It does this by controlling the quantity of sugar that is absorbed by the body and then released into the circulation.
Bowel Movement
The digestive process cannot function properly without dietary fiber, and maintaining regular bowel movements is impossible without it. It also eliminates the possibility of constipation.
A Good Source of Antioxidants
Because it contains vitamin C, pulasan has a high concentration of antioxidants that protect cells from damage. The antioxidant capacity of pulasan can be improved by the addition of chemicals such as ascorbic acid, pyrogallol, and hydroquinone.
The ability of pulasan fruits to eliminate harmful free radicals is also due to the presence of vitamin E and carotenoids in these fruits.
Advantageous for Skin and Hair
In addition to making the skin softer, pulasan is also utilized in hair care products. A bright complexion, improved health, and other advantages have been shown to result from consuming a smoothie made with carrots and some underused Malaysian tropical fruits such as pulasan, according to the findings of research on the subject.
The seeds and kernels that have been dried produce oil that, when processed, yields around 74.9 percent of white fat. These fatty acids have a pleasant scent and are beneficial to the hair.
Immune Booster
Pulasan is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a nutrient that is beneficial to the immune system. The recuperation of wounds and the rehabilitation of bones and teeth are two of the health advantages of using pulasan.
Uses of Pulasan Fruit
The fruit of the pulasan tree contains a high concentration of antioxidants. The high quantities of vitamin C are likely responsible for the antioxidant activity that it possesses. The presence of additional compounds such as vitamin C, hydroquinone, and pyrogallol in this fruit contributes to the fruit’s already impressive antioxidant capabilities.
Carotenoids and vitamin E are also found in this fruit, both of which contribute to the ability of the pulasan fruit to scavenge for and destroy free radicals.
The fruit of the pulasan tree is beneficial for making the skin softer. Furthermore, this fruit is employed in the manufacture of a variety of various hair care products.
As documented by the results of a recent study, consuming a smoothie that is blended with carrots and some Malaysian fruits, such as Pulasan, that are not often consumed, can help to improve the appearance of the skin.
In addition to helping the skin seem radiant, it also has other positive effects on one’s health. White lipids make up nearly 75% of the extracted pulasan seed and kernel oil. The seeds and kernels of the pulasan are dried up. These fatty acids not only have a beautiful, subdued aroma, but they are also fantastic for the overall health of our hair and scalp.
Additionally, pulasan is an effective fat burner. As a result, those who are overweight can benefit from eating this fruit. Those who suffer from diabetes are strongly encouraged to take this fruit on a regular basis.
This entire tree, including its leaves and roots, can be utilized for medicinal reasons, particularly in the form of poultices. Both a vermifuge and a febrifuge can be accomplished by using a decoction that has been produced with pulasan root.
In addition, the roots of Gleichenia Linearis are cooked alongside these roots. Patients with fever are given the decoction that was made as a therapy.
Culinary Uses
Raw consumption is recommended for the pulp of a fully ripened pulasan fruit, which has a relatively succulent texture. Another option is to make jam from the ripe fruits of this tree, which can be used in another way.
After being cooked or roasted, the seeds of this plant are combined with other ingredients to make a beverage that is comparable to cocoa.
Consuming a ripe pulasan fruit is quite similar to devouring a rambutan in terms of both texture and flavor. To open the fruit, you need only press on it with both of your thumbs. The rind of this fruit has a leathery texture, but it is nevertheless very tender.
On the other hand, in comparison to the rambutan, its skin is somewhat more difficult to break apart because it is relatively thicker. After you have torn off the fruit’s relatively thick peel, you must consume the fruit’s white and semi-transparent fleshy part.
The Pulasan fruit’s pulp isn’t particularly juicy, but it has a lovely sweet flavor. Even uncooked, the ripe fruit can be eaten straight the hand. The seeds of this fruit can also be consumed, and their flavor is described as being comparable to that of almonds.
In addition to eating the fruit in its natural state, you can also dehydrate it or preserve it in the freezer so that you can later use it to flavor desserts like pudding and ice cream. In addition, the fruit can be utilized in the preparation of jams, jellies, sauces, and preserves.
In addition, upscale restaurants have begun including ripe pulasan fruit in their first courses, in addition to incorporating it into their sauces and other condiments. In more recent years, the ripe pulasan fruit has been included in a variety of different tropical drink combinations.
This fruit’s flesh has a flavor that is comparable to grapes, and it is frequently utilized in the preparation of jams.
