Sunday, July 20

    Garcinia atroviridis facts

    Though it is usually known as tamarind skin or sliced tamarind, it is not a tamarind. The tree of Asam gelugur is woody that reach upto 20 meter in height. The reproduction takes place through grafting and seeds. Fruits are usually green while young and turns to bright orange when got ripened. The fruit has sour taste so it is not consumed raw.

    Name Asam gelugur
    Scientific Name Garcinia atroviridis
    Native Native to Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and India. It is widely cultivated in Myanmar and Southern Thailand. It is a tropical species which appears as individual trees in humid and mixed lowland forest on plains and 600 m in highlands of high rainfall areas in Southeast Asia.
    Common/English Name Asam gelugor, Gelugor, Asam gelugo, Som-Khaek
    Name in Other Languages Indonesia: Asam Potong;
    Malaysia:-
    Semang: Boh No,
    Malay: Asa Keping ;
    Thailand:-
    Malay: A Sa Ka Lu Ko,
    Thai: Som-Khaek
    Plant Size Height: 20 m
    Lifespan Perennial
    Bark Smooth grey
    Branches Drooping
    Leaf Dark green, shiny, elliptic or oblong, narrow with pointed tip & upturned edges; up to 20(-30) cm x 6(-7.5) cm
    Flower Dark red; Width: 4-5 cm
    Fruit shape & size Round; Diameter: 7-10 cm.
    Fruit weight 300-500 g
    Fruit color Yellow-orange
    Flesh color Yellow, sour, firm
    Fruit stalk Length: 3-4 cm
    Fruit skin Smooth, thin
    Fruit Taste Sour
    Seed Several, flattened; Length: 1.5 cm
    Health Benefits
    • Source of antioxidants
    • Prevent tumor
    • Weight loss supplement
    Traditional uses
    • It is helps to reduce weight and excess fat.
    • The leaf decoction treats earache.
    • The plant is used to treat acne.
    • The decoction enhances the blood circulation, lower cholesterol and treats high blood pressure.
    • Dried fruits improve blood circulation and cure coughs.
    • The fruit extract is lowers the level of cholesterol and enlarge the blood vessels.
    Precautions
    • Do not consume in excess amounts.
    • Allergic to Asam gelugur should stay away from it.
    How to Eat
    • Dried fruits are used in curries and also stewed in sugar.
    • The fruit gives acidity to cooked dishes.
    • The fruits are used in curries and sour relish.
    • Dried rind is used in herbal health teas.
    • It is available as Som-khaek tea, Som-khaek capsules and Som-khaek fruit.
    • Young leafy shoots and leaves are consumed fresh.
    • It is cooked as ulam or as sour relish.
    • It is also used as ingredient in soup and curries.