Filipino Tambis Fruit


The tambis fruit has a pinkish-red color and the seeds are located in the upper part of the fruit. The fruit is bell-shaped, with a waxy texture and pretty crisp to the touch. This fruit is delicious, closely resembling the taste of apples and the watery content of watermelons.

Tambis is a type of fruit that is native to the Philippines. It is small, round, and has a reddish-orange color when ripe. The fruit has a sweet and tangy flavor, and is commonly eaten fresh or used as an ingredient in various recipes such as juices, preserves, and desserts. The tambis tree is also known for its ornamental value, with its fragrant white flowers and attractive leaves.

As a general guide, the tambis fruit has a refreshing and sweet pulp that is much enjoyed by the locals. Tambis is not Makopa. Tambis can be eaten raw like an apple or can be used in various food preparations like jams and jellies and exotic desserts. A water apple fruit has a high potassium and low sodium content. Read on…

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Tambis Juice

Benefits of the Tambis Fruit

The tambis fruit has a number of health benefits:

  1. High in Vitamin C: Tambis is a good source of Vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and protect against illnesses and diseases.
  2. Antioxidant Properties: The fruit contains antioxidants that can help to protect against damage from free radicals and slow down the aging process.
  3. Rich in Fiber: Tambis is a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining good digestive health.
  4. Supports Heart Health: The fruit is low in fat and contains no cholesterol, making it a good choice for those concerned about heart health.
  5. Boosts Energy: The natural sugars in tambis can help to provide a quick energy boost, making it a good snack option for athletes and people with active lifestyles.
  6. Supports Weight Loss: Due to its low calorie content and high fiber content, tambis can help to support weight loss efforts.
  7. Promotes Healthy Skin: The Vitamin C in tambis can help to promote healthy skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3 Quick Recipes Using Tambis Fruit

Here are three recipe ideas using tambis fruit:

  1. Tambis Smoothie: Blend together ripe tambis, yogurt, honey, and ice for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
  2. Tambis Sorbet: Blend together ripe tambis, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a sweet and tangy sorbet. Freeze until firm and then enjoy as a healthy and refreshing dessert.
  3. Tambis Chutney: Cook together chopped tambis, sugar, salt, vinegar, and spices until thick and sticky. Serve as a condiment with rice dishes, or use as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables.

These are just a few ideas, and you can feel free to get creative and make adjustments to suit your own tastes and preferences. Enjoy!

There is a Downside to Tambis Fruit

There are few known downsides of consuming tambis fruit. However, as with any food, it is important to eat it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

  1. Allergy Risk: Some people may be allergic to tambis or other members of the citrus family, and may experience symptoms such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing after eating it.
  2. Stomach Issues: Consuming large amounts of tambis fruit may cause digestive discomfort for some people, including abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea.
  3. Interaction with Medications: Tambis fruit is high in Vitamin C, which can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and may affect their effectiveness. If you take any prescription medications, it is important to speak with your doctor before adding tambis or any other new food to your diet.

Note: These are general risks and may not apply to everyone. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns.

What can we do with the tambis plant?

In addition to the fruit, the tambis plant itself has a number of uses:

  1. Ornamental: The tambis tree is known for its attractive white flowers and shiny green leaves, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and landscaping.
  2. Medicine: The leaves, bark, and roots of the tambis plant have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as to treat fevers and digestive problems.
  3. Reforestation: The tambis tree is a fast-growing species that is often used for reforestation projects, as it can help to restore degraded landscapes and improve soil quality.
  4. Agroforestry: In agroforestry systems, tambis trees can be grown alongside crops to provide shade, reduce erosion, and improve soil fertility.
  5. Livestock Fodder: The leaves and shoots of the tambis tree are a good source of food for livestock, such as goats and cattle.

Note: It is important to always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes, as some plants can be toxic or cause adverse reactions if not used properly.

Rose Apple fruit or Syzygium jambos Linn, called “tambis” in the southern Philippines are bell-shaped, succulent fruits in light green, pink red or white in color.

Tambis Fruit is Full of Goodness

Tambis can be consumed raw or preserved in the form of jellies and jams, chutneys and dips. It is also added in desserts and ice-creams. It is used to make the fruit sauce or syrup and also added to drinks. The leaves are edible and are sometimes used to wrap food.

Tambis fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it very healthy. The tambis fruit may also play an important part when it comes to inflammation in the joints, epileptic seizures, smallpox, strained or sore eyes. The tambis fruit has the ability to boost your immune system, while also being able to prevent or even combat certain health conditions.

Rose apples are high in vitamins A and C, and rich in dietary fiber. According to the USDA, a 100 gm portion of rose apple may have only 25 calories and 0.6gm of protein. They may also contain calcium, thiamine, niacin, iron, sulfur, and potassium. This may help in lowering blood pressure.

Tambis Fruit & Weight Loss

This fruit is a great choice when looking to lose weight. This is because it has a low caloric count and high water content, making it in an ideal healthy snack. The tambis fruit is also excellent for the skin, due to its antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tambis fruit can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet because it is low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help to control your overall calorie intake and promote weight loss. However, it’s important to keep in mind that weight loss is the result of a complex interplay of factors, including diet, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle, and that no single food can be considered a “miracle” solution for weight loss.

To lose weight and keep it off, it’s important to adopt a healthy and balanced diet, get regular physical activity, and make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Did you know… ? In English, the Tambis is also known as the ‘Watery Apple Fruit’ or the ‘Java Rose Apple’ or simply ‘Java Fruit’.

Makopa or Tambis

The Makopa (macopa) or the Malay apple has the scientific name Syzygium samarangense. Makopa has a darker shade and the location of the seed is slightly lower. The Makopa is a bit denser and less tasty than the Tambis.

The Tambis and the Makopa were thought to be the same. This was not the case. The Tambis’ scientific name is the Syzygium aqueum. Tambis fruits are smaller, have a bell-like shape, and their skin is bright red to pink. In the meantime, makopas are larger with a pear-like shape and have a deeper red color.

Makopa fruits also come in different colors such as white, green, purple, and even black. When eaten, makopa tastes similar to an apple but, with softer flesh.

What’s in a name?

The scientific name, Syzygium aqueum is a species of brush cherry tree and known as tambis in the Philippines. The wood is hard and used to make tools. It is a staple of Southeast Asian fruit stands. It is inexpensive while in season. It does not bruise easily and may be preserved for months in a household refrigerator.

There are many names associated with the bell shaped tropical fruits. Rose apples are bell-shaped or egg-shaped tropical fruits with a waxy exterior and fibrous fruit flesh.

They may be white, pink, red, or purple in color, depending on the regions they are grown in.

In different parts of the world, they may be also called wax apples, makoba, love apple, java apple, Semarang rose apple, safed jamun, jamrosa, jambos, water apple, pomarosa, and bell fruit. One popular name for this fruit is jambu.

Traditional Tambis Uses

Not enough information is available about the traditional health benefits of the rose apple tree, but the fruit is certainly popular when available.

  • Bark: The decoction made from astringent bark is used to treat thrush.
  • Fruit: The fruit is used as a tonic to enhance the liver and brain.
  • Flower: Fever could be lessened from the nectar from the flowers.
  • Leaf: The decoction made from the leaves acts as an expectorant and diuretic which treats rheumatism and also cures the sore eyes.
  • Seeds: The health conditions such as dysentery, catarrh and diarrhea could be treated with the use of seeds. The people of Nicaragua use the infusion of roasted and powdered seeds to treat diabetes. The Colombia people believe that the seeds possess the pain killer properties.
  • Root: The root is used to treat epilepsy.

Tambis Toxicity

There is a risk of tambis toxicity if consumption is extreme. The seeds and roots of the tambis plant are poisonous. The leaves, roots and stems of the plant contain mysterious amounts of cyanide, prussic acid or hydrocyanic acid which could be harmful.

Should We Consume Tambis Fruit

Tambis fruit can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet for most people. It is low in calories and high in fiber, Vitamin C, and other nutrients, and has several potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin.

However, as with any food, it’s important to consider individual needs and preferences. People who are allergic to tambis or other citrus fruits, or who experience digestive discomfort after consuming it, may want to avoid it. Additionally, individuals taking prescription medications should always speak with their doctor before adding any new food to their diet.

In general, a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is the best approach for overall health and well-being. If you are considering adding tambis to your diet, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

tambis-fruit
tambis-fruit

Conclusion.

As you travel the Philippines you will come across road side stores selling tambis produce when in season. Excess produce is sold locally while the harvest is taken to markets.

Tambis is a type of fruit that is native to the Philippines and has a sweet and tangy flavor. It is a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and has a number of health benefits such as boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin, and supporting weight loss efforts. In addition to eating the fruit, the tambis tree is also valued for its ornamental value, as well as its uses in reforestation, agroforestry, and as livestock fodder.

This fruit has a refreshing and sweet pulp that is much enjoyed by the locals. Take time to stop and try this delightful fruit. Be it a milkshake or fresh from the tree. The tambis fruit will be a delight to your taste buds that you may not have sampled before.

It is a staple of Southeast Asian fruit stands, where it is inexpensive while in season. It does not bruise easily and may be preserved for months in a household refrigerator.

Thank you for stopping by, and we hope to see you again soon!

Anon

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