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.

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