Like durian, the elephant apple (or wood apple)* has a strong odor, and is a favorite of elephants, thus the reason for its name. It is enjoyed by many people in the non-western world. Elephant apple trees are native to Indonesia and also found in India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Trees grow to around 25 feet. The fruit has been compared to an unripe apple in taste and has a wood-like shell that must be cracked to open.
Nutritionally, it is a good source of phosphorus and vitamin C, and even contains calcium. In India in particular the elephant apple has been used for centuries for various cures, as treatment for nervousness, stomach upsets, fatigue, dandruff, and hair shedding. Other sources cite anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Elephant apple is used in curries, chutneys, and beverages. It is also used to make pickled condiments and jellies.
(Don't miss this. He convinced me it's really good!)
*Note: Many online sites refer to this fruit as either elephant or wood apple, as one and the same apple. But they really are two different apples, according to one site, so I add this qualifier. Wood apples are mostly found in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and India and have a different taste (as in video). Elephant apples are much tarter when fresh and have apple-like flesh and color (see recipe video).
Sources:
Sources:
http://theindianvegan.blogspot.com/2012/10/all-about-elephant-apple.html
Sharon M. Himsl
Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011.
Published with Evernight Teen:
~~The Shells of Mersing
Sharon M. Himsl
Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011.
Published with Evernight Teen:
~~The Shells of Mersing
I'm a great apple lover and have one nearly every day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog; it takes a while for me to approve any comments you leave.
Even though I enjoy apples, the elephant apple is new to me!
ReplyDeleteI never knew there was an "elephant" apple. I've learned something new. It's quite amazing how apple trees grow in so many countries. I wonder if they originated from one particular region?
ReplyDeleteThe elephant cartoon is cute.
I know apples but elephant apple is new concept to me!! One thing am sure of is, my general knowledge will be greatly improved by the end of this a-z challenge :)
ReplyDelete-Hi Bob. No problem....glad you saw my post. Thanks for visiting!
Delete-Heather, Hi, hope your'e having a good week. I really want to try this apple.
-Hi, Fanny. Apparently it's native to Indonesia. One online site said it is mostly found in rural areas.
-Swathi - This seems to be true for the A-Z in general. I'm learning a lot at other blogs! Thanks for stopping by.
Oh my gosh! His video really does make me wish I could run to the store to try one.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how to do it (not very good at this technical stuff), but I'd love to link this page to my blog post for E. I wrote about elephants, and this would be a great addition.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the read, Sharon.
I have got to try one of those apples. :)
ReplyDeleteElephant apple! I didn't know those existed. I can only imagine how challenging it's been to come up with fruits to represent all letters of the alphabet.
ReplyDelete--Hi, Andrea. I wonder if we can buy these in Asian markets in big cities like LA.
Delete--Debi. Oh, please feel free to link this! I need to check out your elephant post, too!
--David - Thanks for stopping by!
--Stephanie - Hi. Without some of Asian fruit, it would have been impossible!
I have never heard of this fruit before. Thanks for introducing new fruits to me dear Sharon. Love your concept of A-Z :)
ReplyDeleteElephants are one of my favorites animals and apples are one of my favorite fruits. I love that nature combined them into something unique and fun. I wish we had them around here so I could try them. Still loving this series you are doing!
ReplyDeleteAmanda at His and Her Hobbies
I would love to try that one. Actually all these strange fruits you keep pointing out make me anxious to travel and experience. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteYay for the 100 followers, Sharon! Keep going. In past years, I always tried to get between 50-75 new followers. I'm not going to make it this year, I don't think. A lot of the people out there to follow, I have already followed in the past, and they've followed me. But there's no reason why you shouldn't reach that goal!
ReplyDeleteWood apple sounds yummy.
--Anoosha - You are welcome!
Delete--Amanda - My favorite too. I have an elephant collection!
--Crystal - Oh, I'm with you. Definitely want to try next time I travel (I have family in Singapore :)
--Cathy--Thanks for noticing! Hope you're enjoying the A-Z!
What is it about funny smelling fruit? Yikes. I guess it's all about the nutrition...
ReplyDeleteLooks good, so many wonderful fruits out there, thanks for writing about this, Sharon. And big congrats on the blogging achievement. Woo-hoo!!!
ReplyDeleteSilvia @
SilviaWrites
I would probably try the wood apple, though It does look disgusting, however, I think I'll let you try the Durian fruit. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat video has me wondering "is he pulling our leg?" but he really seemed to be enjoying it. It looked disgusting to me
ReplyDeleteI love apples but never heard of this one. Cute to think of the elephants eating them. :)
ReplyDelete--Liz - Must have taken awhile for people to catch on they were nutritious.
Delete--Silvia - Thank you!
--Michelle - Welcome! Not very appetizing is it? Still, he made it sound good.
--Paula - Oh, do you think he is? Well, the joke's on us if he is!!
--Julie - And with those long trunks shaking the trees, it must be quite the sight!
I love your subject for the A to Z and I'm curious every day to see which fruit will be featured and how you could find one for each letter in the alphabet. I couldn't read this post this morning because it is too bright in here, my monitor is old, and so are my eyes. I will try again tonight. Just wanted to leave a note to let you know I was here and like this.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Really appreciate your visits, Inger. Have a restful weekend.
DeleteHello, Sharon
ReplyDeleteDown here in South Africa, we have a fruit called a maroela (pronounced exactly as it's spelled) which the elephants absolutely love. Their best is when the fruit has started rotting a bit and is in its fermented state. They get quite drunk on it at times.
Humans have also made an alcohol out of the fruit and it's quite a delicious liqueur.
Hi Fe. Have not heard of maroela and the elephants. South Africa is a fascinating country with so much that is unfamiliar to me.
DeleteThe elephant apple is new to me. I'd try this one at least once, though the odor may be offputting.
ReplyDelete