Golden Apple – “A Fruit Rich In Nutrients” (With Recipe To Make Chutney)

The fruit is oval in shape, green in color with a tough skin. The flesh of the fruit is hard and contains a fibrous pit. It turns golden-yellow when it ripens. It has flavors of pineapple and mango.

Golden apple fruit (Spondias dulcis) is used to make jams, jellies and preserves. It is added to soups, sauces and stews as flavorings in different parts of the world. Golden apple can also be candied or processed into drinks.

In Guyana however, it is simply eaten with salt and pepper and is also being used to make juice.

In Guyana, it is commonly known as Golden Apple. It is known by many other names (hog plum, ambarella, june plum etc) in various other countries.

The leaves and the bark of the golden apple tree are widely used as a therapeutic agent as it contains flavonoids, saponin and tannins. The fruit is dense in nutrients and improves overall health.

History Of Golden Apple

It is indigenous to South and Southeast Asia. The species is extensively distributed throughout Indo-Malesia and from Melanesia to Polynesia and is widely cultivated in these areas. It is now cultivated tropically in South America, Central America, the Caribbean (Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname) etc, Florida, Africa and Australia.

Description Of Golden Apple

Golden Apples | Image Source: myexoticsecrets.com

The Tree is a vigorous deciduous tree that grows about 10–25 m high or may grow to 45 m. It flourishes in humid and wet tropical areas. It is rather common in lowland primary forests, and sometimes in secondary forests. The plant grows on all types of soil, including acidic soils. The plant has straight trunk usually 45 cm in diameter. The Barks are grayish to light brown. Branches are thick, grey with fallen leaf scars.

The Leaves are pinnate that grows up to 8 to 24 in (20–60 cm) in length, composed of 9 to 25 glossy, elliptic or obovate-oblong leaflets 3.5 to 4.0 in (6.25–10 cm) long, which are finely toothed toward the apex. The leaves are dark green.

The Flowers are white or creamy-white. The fruit is oblong, 2.5 to 3.5 in (6.25–9 cm) long, and borne in bunches of 12 or more on a long stalk. The fruit is green and hard when young turning greenish-yellow, yellow or golden yellow when ripe with thick, yellow, sub acid to acid with juicy pulp. The skin of fruit is quite tough and consists of golden colored flesh.

19 Interesting Health Benefits Of Golden Apple

1. The antioxidants present in the fruit fight against cancer.
2. It helps in the renewal of tissues and protects against cardiovascular diseases.
3. In some places, the fruit is used to treat injuries from burns.
4. Scientific studies have also proven that the fruit can lower high blood pressure.
5. The seeds of the fruit are used to treat respiratory disease owing to its antibiotic content.
6. The leaves of the tree are dried and ground until powdery and used to treat mouth sores.
7. The roots are used as a contraceptive agent.
8. The fruit is suggested for diabetics to regulate blood sugar levels.
9. The phosphorus and calcium content of the fruit is beneficial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
10. The fruit is beneficial for women as its iron content regulates the formation of red blood cells and helps prevent anemia.
11. It has also been used to treat urinary tract infections and hemorrhoids.
12. The bark and leaves are also used to treat oral thrush due to its anti-fungal properties.
13. Boosts Immune System – Golden apple fruit is rich in vitamin C. It improves the function of the immune system. It also improves the formation of collagen and accelerates the wound healing process. The fruit also contains antioxidants and helps prevent free radical damage.
14. Improves Skin Health – The vitamin C content of the fruit helps in tissue repair and nourishes the skin. It increases the production of collagen and improves the beauty of the skin. It is also used to treat skin diseases. The leaves of the tree are boiled and the extract is used as a substitute for body lotion and moisturizers. Traditionally, the root of the tree is used to treat itchy skin.
15. Helps Treat Cough – The leaves extract are used to treat cough. About 3 or 4 fresh leaves of the tree is boiled in two cups of water and allowed to stand for few minutes. The concoction is strained and usually taken with honey. The fruit can also be used to treat cough. Two or three pieces of the fruit is shredded and the water is squeezed. A pinch of salt can be added to the extract and consumed thrice a day to relieve cough.
16. Helps Treat Digestive Problems – It is high in dietary fiber, which facilitates digestion and helps clear the bowel. The pulp of the fruit is recommended for those who suffer from constipation and dyspepsia (indigestion). The high water content of the fruit prevents dehydration.  The bark of the tree is used as a remedy to cure dysentery. People suffering from diarrhea, dysentery, can take a herbal concoction of the tree bark to ease discomfort. The herbal concoction is prepared using 5 grams of the bark. The clean bark is boiled in two cups of water until the water is reduced to half. The strained concoction can be consumed to provide instant relief for dysentery.
17. Improves Vision – The fruit is a good source of vitamin A. It plays an important role in the visual perception. The compound of vitamin A known as retinol helps distribute images that are received by the retina of the eye. The decoction of the leaves is used as a wash for sore eyes.
18. Provides Energy – The fruit is high in sugar mainly in the form of sucrose, which provides instant energy. It is a natural and wholesome way to boost vitality and endurance.
19. Helps in Weight Loss – The fruit is low in fat, carbohydrate and high in dietary fiber. Though the fruit is low in calories, it provides the required nutrients to the body. Thus, it is an ideal fruit for weight loss. The water content of the fruit provides a feeling of fullness and also prevents overeating.

Here is how to make sweet and sour golden apple chutney

Ingredients:

• Golden apple (peeled and grated) 400g
• Onion (sliced) 1
• Green Chilli 1
• brown-sugar 1 cup
• Cinnamon stick 1
• Cardamom pods 4
• Curry leaves 7 to 10 leaves
• Mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon
• Water 2 cups
• Oil 2 tablespoons
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a shallow pan, add oil; once the oil is heated, add the mustard seeds, curry leaves, cinnamon and cardamom.
2. Add the sliced onions, green chilli and cook until it turns translucent.
3. In a separate pan, to 2 cup of water, add the brown-sugar and boil until it is dissolved. Strain the syrup to remove dirt.
4. Once the onions are translucent, add the brown-sugar water, grated fruit and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until soft.

About Golden Apple

It is indigenous to Southeast Asia and is now widely distributed to other countries worldwide. It can being used to make a variety of dishes and also added to various foods and salads. In Guyana, it is eaten with salt and pepper and is used to make juice. It is packed with nutrients and health benefits.

Article References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondias_dulcis
• https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ambarella/
• https://www.fruitsinfo.com/ambarella-fruit.php