Java Apple

Syzygium samarangense is a flowering plant in the Myrtaceae family that is indigenous to the Greater Sunda Islands, Malay Peninsula, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands but was brought to a broader area in ancient times and is now widely grown throughout the tropical areas.

In English, famous nicknames encompass wax apples, Java apples, Semarang rose-apples, and wax jambus.

Quick Overview

Java apple is indigenous to Malaysia. Java apples are often referred to as Wax apples, and so is the Water apple.

Other Names

AKA: Java Rose Apples, Semarang Rose Apples, Wax Jambu

Scientific Name: Syzygium samarangense

French: Jambose de Java

German: Java-Apfel

Dutch: Curacaose appel

Spanish: Cashu di Surinam

Indian: Amrool, Jamrul, Jumrool

Java Apples are tropical fruit, not apples.

Although the tree grows true to seeds, superior variants are created through grafting. It can reach a height of 15 to 50 feet (4 1/2 to 15 meters), with leaves that are 4 to 10 inches in length (10 to 25 cm) and 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) broad. When a tree is three years old, it begins to bear fruit, and it first blooms with fragrant flowers that are up to 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) wide with a pale red or yellowish-white color.

The Java Apple has the shape of bell pepper; however, it is narrower at the base. It is little, measuring only around 2 inches (5 cm) in length. The fruit’s exterior can be pale red, greenish-white, or cream-colored. The skin is waxy and thin.

The flesh of the Java Apple is spongy and dried inside, too, though superior cultivars are crisper and more luscious. Superior varieties will also have a slightly sweet flavor. On the other hand, most cultivars have absolutely no discernible flavor and, when consumed, are frequently dusted with sugar or salt to add flavor.

On the other hand, most kinds have absolutely no flavor to speak of and, when eaten, are frequently dusted with sugar or salt to add some appeal. Red ones usually have the more juice and more flavour.

These have mostly between 0 and 2 seeds. Java apples can be eaten fresh or cooked into a sauce, and Malaysia, Indonesia, and Central America are among the countries that cultivate them.

Description

Syzygium samarangense is a tropical tree that may reach a height of 12 meters (39 feet) and has evergreen leaves 10-25 centimeters (4-10 in) long and 5-10 centimeters (2-4 in) wide. The leaves are elliptic in shape but round at the bottom; they emit a pleasant perfume when crushed. The trunk is quite short, with a broad – but open – crown that begins low on the tree. The bark of the tree is pink-grey in hue and easily peels.

The flower are white-yellow in colour-white in color, 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, and have four petals and many stamens. They grow in spikelets of 3 to 30 near the top of the branch. The resultant fruit is a bell in shape, delectable berry that ranges in color from whitish to light greenish, or greenish to redish, purple, reddish, deep purple, or black. In wild plants, the fruit is 4-6 centimeters (1.6-2.4 in) long and has four fleshy calyx lobes at the apex.

The flesh is whitish and spongy, with thin skin. Each fruit contains 1-2 spherical seeds little larger than and eight millimeters in diameter (0.3 in).

Flower and fruit is not confined to the axils of the leaves but may develop on practically any part of the trunks and branches. When fully mature, the forest is called a heavy bearer, producing up to 700 apples.

When the fruit is mature, it will puff outward and have a little concavity in the center of the underside of the “bell.” Better and healthier wax apples have a gentle shine to them. Despite the title, a ripe apple only appears or resembles an apple from the exterior. It does not taste like that of an ordinary apple, and it lacks the aroma and solidity of an apple. Its flavor is comparable to that of a snow pear, and its liquid-to-flesh proportion is similar to that of a watermelon. Unlike apple or watermelon, the flesh of the wax apple has an extremely loose weaving. The very center contains a seed encased in cotton candy-like netting. This mesh is edible; however, it has no flavor. The color of its juice varies according to the cultivar; it may be purplish or even colorless.

Food

Several cultivars with bigger fruit have been chosen. The lighter or deeper the color, in general, the sweeter it is. The black or the dark ones are known as “Black Pearl” or “Black Diamond” in Southeast Asia, while the light greenish-white varieties, known as “Pearl,” are some of the most expensive in fruit marketplaces.

The java apple is often presented uncut but with the core separated to maintain the distinctive bell-shaped appearance. The fruit is widely used within salads and gently sautéed meals in Indian Ocean island cuisine.

It is mostly consumed as a fruit but is also used to produce pickles (chambakka achar). In the Philippines, it is known as macopa (prior to colonialism, it was known as ‘dambo’). It is frequently confused with tambis (Syzygium aqueum) due to their similar look, despite the fact that the other is much more regularly cultivated.

Benefits/Advantages of Java Apple

The java apple offers numerous health benefits, and it can decrease the risk of stroke, increase immunity, and enhance metabolic activity. The wax apple can also help with constipation and muscle spasms and moisturize the body.

Here are the top health benefits of Wax Apple.

1. Regulate Diabetes

Wax apples contain Jambosine, which helps to control diabetes, and it is an alkaloid molecule that is useful to diabetic individuals. This is due to the fact that the jambosine found in wax apples can inhibit or regulate the conversion of starch to sugar. So, if you have diabetes, don’t forget to add a wax apple to your meals.

2. Cancer Prevention

Java apples contain a high concentration of active chemical substances, and it also contains a lot of vitamin C and A. These components can help with prostate and breast cancer. This apple can also help to enhance one’s immunity. Java apple seeds are also an excellent remedy for dysentery and diarrhea.

3. Helps with Digestion

Since these are high in fiber, they are excellent for regulating food flow through the digestive tract in our bodies. This aids in the relief of stomach constipation and other digestive-related health issues.

4. Bladder Infection Treatment

Java apples should be included in the diet of people suffering from bladder infections. Bladder infections frequently happen due to the bacteria that enters the urethra. Because the fruit is high in chemical components, it helps in the elimination of contaminants.

5. Strengthen Bones

Calcium is always beneficial to bones, and rose apples contain a high calcium concentration that helps maintain bone health. A 100 gram serving of rose apples contains 29 milligrams of calcium, and including these apples in your diet is a great idea.

Traditional uses and benefits (Java apple)

• Several portions of the tree are utilized in traditional medicine, but some have been demonstrated to have antibacterial activity.
• The plant has tannins and is astringent in nature.
• In particular, Malay apple bark, leaves, and roots are being used to treat a variety of diseases.
• Flowers have astringent properties and are used to reduce fevers and stop diarrhea.
• It is believed that a sweetened concoction of the blossoms might alleviate fever.
• The seeds are effective and can be utilized for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and catarrh.
• People with diabetes in Nicaragua are said to benefit from an infusion of roasted, powdered seeds.
  
• In Colombia, the seeds are said to have anesthetic properties.
• An infusion of the leaves is given to irritated eyes, and it also acts as a diuretic, expectorant, and rheumatism therapy.
• As a febrifuge, macerated leaf juice is consumed.
• For a cooling effect, powdered leaves have been smeared on the skin of smallpox sufferers.
• A bark decoction is used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and hoarseness.
• The root is thought to be a good epilepsy treatment in Cuba.
• These fruits also assist in avoiding sunstroke and eliminate all of the bad effects of dehydration.
• They are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and a variety of inflammatory disorders such as sore throat.
• The fruit’s antibacterial activity is helpful in treatment of the herpes virus.
• They are beneficial in ensuring the good health of our digestive tract while also reducing constipation.
• You could also use the juice of a Java apple to replace medication diuretics.

• The entire plant has a wide range of medical applications, including dermatological, digestive, head and throat, and endocrine treatment.
• In Malaysia, the powder made from dried plants is used on cracked tongues.
• Formulation of the roots is often used to cure itching, swelling, dysentery and acts as an emmenagogue and abortifacient.
• In Taiwan, individuals create apple soup with crystal sugar to alleviate coughing without phlegm.
• Fruit is also given as a cold dish at banquets to help people recover from the effects of alcohol.
• The fruit is recognized as a brain and liver tonic in India.

Culinary applications

• Mature apple is consumed fresh or chopped and served in cocktails or sprinkled with salt, or immersed in sweet dark soya sauce, or a eaten in the fruit salad “rujak” blended with a chilly peanut dip.
• In Indonesia, the fruit is frequently stored in pickles known as “asinan.”
• Java apples can also be cooked in the similar way like ordinary apples.
• Fruit is commonly utilized in salad and mild sautéed meals in Indian Ocean island cuisines.
  
• Perfectly ripe fruit can range in color from yellowish-greenish white to light pink to scarlet to a rich reddish-purple.
• Java apples can also be utilized in making vinegar and wine.
• The juice taken from the ripened apples is used to make jellies, jams, and several sorts of sauces.
• Apart from eating ripe java apple fruits uncooked, they can also be used in salad dressings.
• Furthermore, the fruits can be dipped in slightly sweet and spicy sauces.

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