Would this marble-like plump Brazilian fruit be the next 'rambutan'?

Have you seen this marble ball-like fruit before? They look like java plums but are round in shape. Unlike the java plums, however, Malayalis are not too familiar with this exotic delight.

After rambutan, jabuticaba or the Brazilian grape tree fruit could very well be the next foreign fruit Keralites may fall in love with since it suits the state's climate, grows in abundance and can be made into delicious jams and jellies easily.

Jabuticaba is a perfectly round and plump fruit that is lightly sweet and sour. The skin of the fruit has an attractive purple colour. It grows close to the stem of the tree. This tasty fruit could be enjoyed as it is or could be made into value added products like jam and fruit syrup. Besides, these are perfect to make wine and delicious tarts. However, they do not have longer shelf life.

Even though jabuticaba tree grows slowly, they could grow up to 45 feet if the stems aren’t pruned. Plinia Cauliflora is the scientific name of jaboticaba that belong to the family of Myrciaria. This tree grows well in moist soil that has adequate acidity. In favourable conditions, jabuticaba could bear fruits all through out the year.

The sweet pulp would have 3-4 pits in the centre. In case you wish to grow jaboticaba, the seeds have to be sowed within a few days of taking them out of the fruit. If not, the seeds would lose its productive quality. This could be tended as a bonsai plant as it grows at a slower rate.

Information courtesy: Ainet Farms, Arunoottimangalam. Phone: 04829 295121