Fresh Ambarella (approx 500g)

Fresh Ambarella (approx 500g)

Product Description

Ambarella fruits are small to medium in size, averaging 18-20 centimeters in diameter and 6-9 centimeters in length, and grow in dangling clusters of up to twelve fruits. The oval to ellipsoidal fruits have tough, thin skin that may bear some russeting and matures from green to yellow. Underneath the surface, the flesh is dense, hard, juicy, and ranges in color from pale yellow to white. In the center of the flesh, there is also a fibrous pit that contains a few, flat seeds. As the fruit matures, the coarse nature of the pit extends into the flesh creating a tougher consistency. Ambarella fruits are crisp and semi-juicy with a mildly acidic, green flavor emitting notes of pineapple and mango.

Ambarella, botanically classified as Spondias dulcis, are clustered fruits that grow on tropical trees reaching up to twenty meters in height and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Known by many names including the Hog Apple, Kedondong, Umbra, Buah Long Long, and June Plum, Ambarella trees are found in tropical forests across the world and are used for their timber and fruits. The fruits fall to the ground while still unripe, and this green state is the most popular version of the fruits to be gathered and consumed. When young, the fruits are favored for their mild flesh and are utilized as a neutral vessel to add salts, seasonings, and sugar. When the fruits mature, the flavor becomes more tart and the texture fibrous. In local markets in Asia, green Ambarella fruits are the most commonly sold versions, while the yellow, more mature versions are also sold but on a much smaller scale.

Nutrition Facts

For a Serving Size of 100 grams  :  Calories 41

				% DAILY VALUE*
Total Fat		0.27 g		0%
Sodium		3 mg		0%
Potassium		250 mg		7%
Carbohydrates		10 g		3%
Fiber		2.2 g		9%
Sugar		5.95 g
Protein		0.88 g
Vitamin A				15%
Vitamin C				127%
Calcium				2%
Iron				1%

Applications

Ambarella fruits are versatile and can be consumed in both raw and cooked applications. When eaten fresh, the green fruits are the preferred maturity and are sprinkled with salt, sugar, shrimp paste, and chile powder for added flavoring. The fruits can also be sliced and tossed into fruit and green salads for extra crunch, juiced and mixed in with other fruits, or dried and made into a spicy paste that is used as a condiment. In addition to raw preparations, Ambarella fruits can be cooked and are often made into jams, preserves, and jellies. They are also cooked into soups, curries, and stews, pickled for extended use, or cooked in sugar water and mashed to create an applesauce-like consistency. In Samoa, Ambarella fruits are used to make otai, which is a refreshing drink made up of watermelon, coconut, pineapple, Ambarella, and lime, while in Indonesia, the fruits are steamed and consumed as a side dish to salted fish and rice. The fruits are also used to make a sour beer in Vietnam, and the leaves of the Ambarella plant are edible and are used in salads or are lightly sautéed. Ambarella fruit pairs well with onions, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, curry leaves, and mustard leaves. The fruits will keep up to one week when stored at room temperature and 2-4 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.