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Salak is an exotic fruit native to South Asia. It is popularly called “snake fruit”, which is due to a very unusual appearance: the color of the shell and its structure is very similar to the skin of a snake.
What do the tree and herring fruits look like?
As you know, this fruit has several names. In Thailand, for example, it is called rakum, in Indonesia – salak, and in Britain – snake fruit. In -speaking countries, the fruit is called “serpentine” not at all because reptiles supposedly eat it. Everything is much simpler: the skin of the herring is very similar to the skin of a snake.
Salak belongs to the Palm family and can reach 3 m in height. The trunk, which is typical for palm trees, has a knotty structure. The leaves are pinnate, large – about 3–6 m. The plant has many spines, which is the natural protection of the culture from wild animals.
The fruits are pear-shaped, which is characterized by a narrowing towards the base. The size of the fruit is small – only 5 cm in diameter. Weight varies from 40 to 120 g. The outer shell of the Baltic herring has a peel that resembles scales. The inner part of the fruit is characterized by soft milky hard pulp. The fruit is divided into several segments, inside each of which there are bones.
Video “Where does herring grow and how is it useful”
In this video, the expert will tell you where the herring fruit grows, what is prepared from it, and how it is useful.
Distribution area
The most common culture in the countries of South Asia. In Indonesia, for example, ripe fruits are available throughout the year, in Thailand – only in the summer. It is believed that the highest quality herring trees are grown in Bali. In other countries, people are engaged in growing plants at home.
Useful properties and taste of “snake fruit”
As a rule, the taste of herring differs depending on the variety. But the general characteristics are still the same.
According to those who have tried the fruit, it has a rich fruity taste. If we compare the “snake fruit” with the fruits known to us, then it is more like pineapple, cherry, gooseberry, banana with a nutty flavor. To some, the taste of herring resembles drugs.
Useful properties are due to the high content of the following substances:
- vitamin C;
- calcium;
- beta-carotene;
- iron;
- potassium;
- phosphorus.
Eating an exotic fruit in food brings significant benefits to immunity, vision, and memory.
Salak in cooking
Given the beneficial properties and pleasant taste of rakum, it is actively used in cooking. However, when encountering a “snake fruit” for the first time, it is important to consider some aspects of its choice.
How to choose ripe fruits
Choosing a ripe and sweet fruit does not require any knowledge. It is enough just to smell the fruit: if the aroma is pleasant and rich, then it is ripe. You should also pay attention to the color of the peel. The skin of mature herring is darker.
When choosing a fruit, you need to squeeze it slightly. If it’s soft, it’s likely rotten and tasteless. Quality fruit should be firm.
It is also important to know a little trick: larger fruits are always sweeter. Small ones are most often sour-bitter.
How to peel and eat “snake fruit”
Despite the fact that herring fruits are quite hard, they are easily peeled. There are several ways to quickly peel the “snake fruit”. In the first case, it should be cleaned from the tail. It needs to be broken off and then the shell will be removed pretty quickly. The second method is much simpler – you just need to lightly squeeze the fruit with your fingers. As a rule, it immediately splits, forming 3-4 slices.
Salak is consumed both raw and pickled. It can be an excellent dessert for the holiday table. In addition, it is quite often used as one of the ingredients of a summer salad. Pickled fruit goes well with fish and meat dishes. It is fundamentally important that the herring is unripe.
Dishes from “snake fruit”
A variety of cold salads are prepared from the “snake fruit”. The exotic fruit is also popular in the preparation of sauces for meat and fish. Jams and marmalades are made from ripe herring. Drinks made from fresh rakum are popular. Compotes, smoothies and cocktails can be easily tasted on the streets of Thailand, where they are sold literally on every corner. Drinks perfectly quench thirst, refresh on a hot summer day, give a feeling of cheerfulness and a burst of energy.
Possible harm and contraindications to use
By and large, herring is a harmless fruit. There are no recorded data on its allergic effects on humans. However, the use of fruit as a drug is still not worth it. Our body is accustomed to those fruits and vegetables that are considered traditional. Therefore, the use of herring is recommended to start with a tasting.
You should not eat several fruits at once. This can cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction.
Raw unripe herring can cause significant harm to the body. Its use provokes constipation or, in critical cases, intestinal obstruction. It is also important to remember that before eating the “snake fruit” it must be washed thoroughly. And this applies to all exotic fruits – imported from southern countries, fruits can come into contact with each other, undergoing rotting processes and risking being infected with a dangerous infection.
There are no contraindications to the use of rakum, however, acquaintance with this tropical fruit should be subject to the following rules:
- Quantity. The first use of the fruit should be limited to a small slice. This will give an opportunity to understand how the body reacted to a new product for it.
- Allergic reaction. If a strange rash, scabies, itching or any other unusual manifestations appear on the body, it is worth stopping the use of herring.
- Rakum quality. It must be understood that exotic fruits must be fresh. Long transportation from southern countries, “neighborhood” with other tropical fruits can cause infection with pathogenic bacteria. As a result of using a low-quality product, the risk of getting serious poisoning increases significantly.
- Hygiene. You can not neglect hygiene procedures before eating herring. First of all, wash your hands thoroughly, and then the rakum itself.
Salak, or “snake fruit” is considered one of the most unusual exotic fruits. Its use in food can bring significant benefits to vision, memory and the general condition of the body. But fundamentally important is the choice of a quality fruit, compliance with all hygiene standards and moderate consumption.