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Jamaican otaheite apple

jamaican otaheite apple

Syzygium malaccense is known by various names in other countries. In Jamaica, it is called Otaheite, or simply just ‘apple’. In 1793, Capt. Bligh  introduced what we now call otaheite apples. Their name comes from their island of origin ­ Tahiti, (Pacific Islands)  in the 16th and 17th centuries was widely known as Otaheite. Although not indigenous to Jamaica, otaheite apples grow abundantly here. (Otahhite apples are ‘presumed’ to be native to Malaysia).

About Otaheite apple

Otaheite is refreshing and delicious because of its high water content and its balanced sweetness. . Some varieties are slightly round with a firm texture and with colours ranging from streaks of red to pink. The flesh ranges in texture from crispy to soft and sponge-like. It has a mild flavour.

For me personally these are the better varieties--they are much sweeter and the flesh texture is soft and sponge-like.

Jamaican appleJamaican apple

This variety flesh texture is crispy

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Health Benefits

It is also a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and a good source of calcium, thiamine and riboflavin. This is one fruit you can consume in larger amounts than normal without worrying too much about a high caloric intake. It is also good to have after exercising, as it helps to hydrate and take the edge off hunger.

Choosing apples

Choose your apples carefully. Some of the deep crimson ones are also home to worms and they spoil easily because of the high water content.  So buy the amount that can be consumed in one to two days, although they may last up to three days in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Jamaican appleJamaican apple

Otaheite apples are in abundance now in Jamaica.

The tree flowers in May and June, and fruits ripen in August and September. the apple is in season earlier and ends during the first week of June. It may flower two or three times a year, in spring, summer and fall, the blooming season covering 40 to 60 days. The spring and fall flowering seasons produce the biggest crops. Fruits mature in 60 days from the full opening of flowers and they fall quickly after they become fully ripe and deteriorate rapidly.

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