Wax Apple Has Arrived

Jambu Has Arrived 

Wax Apple or Water Apple is available at fruits shops for a limited period of three/ four months starting from the middle of Feb .  in Western and Southern part of India . The big, juicy, bell-shaped fruits when ripen, provides good nutrition and hydration especially for children during the hot summer months. These fruits range in color from creamish white, light green, green, pink, red, purple and even black depending on the species. The taste of the fruits also vary depending on the species ranging from very tangy, to mild and watery. Ripe fruits have a thin but waxy skin which protects the fruit from insects and pests, and gives it the name wax apple. The flesh is spongy with a cotton-candy-like center which contains 2-4 seeds. It has so many other names , in Maharashtra it is called Jambu , other names includes  Java apple, Rose apple, Wax jambu, Chambakka, Mountain apple, Cloud apple. 

The fruits have have a small cavity which houses the soft, round seeds. Seeds are white initially, turning dark brown when dried. The upper part of the fruit has 4 calyxes giving it a beautiful shape and pattern. Bunches of wax apples hanging like decorations from the tree is a lovely sight.

It’s trees grow to a height of 12-15 meters with broad leathery leaves that grow directly on the stem, without any stalk. Wax Apple flowers are very beautiful, with 4 petals and numerous tuft-like stamens giving the flower a powder-puff-like appearance. The flowers including the stamens, can be eaten raw and have a slightly tangy taste.Flowers develop in bunches of 3 to 20 at the tips of the stems, though they can also develop at different places along the stem of the tree. Wax apple trees branch well, very close to the roots, giving it a bushy rounded crown. As  far as the health benefits, they are plenty . High water content of the wax apple makes them a good source of hydration, especially during the summer. Wax apples are also good for diabetes patients because of their low sugar content. Wax apples are rich in Vitamin C and fibers, are used to treat a variety of health conditions like constipation, cholesterol, blood pressure, kidney stones, indigestion and liver disc orders. Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems also give high importance to this versatile fruit. 

These fruits are used to make, pickles, wines, juices and jams. Wax apples are also used in skin treatments because of their high Vitamin A and Vitamin C content.