DURIAN: SWEETEST PUNGENT ODOR

Native in Brunei and other Asian countries. It bears fruit after 5 years. A seasonal fruit. Durian tree grows more than 26 meters from the ground. It has an oblong fruit weighing more or less 10 kilos. It has a thick rind and pointed spines. It has yellow-green color of the rind. It has an edible flesh or pulp. Inside the fruit has different compartment where the creamy-white or yellowish pulp is located. It has a seed with red-brown color.

In Asia, it was now locally and commercially produced. It is abundant during fruiting season. It has a very strong, pungent odor that can turned-off people to eat. Its offensive smell turned people away from the source.

The sweetness of the pulps is beyond compare with other fruits in the market. The first taste can let you look for the second. Once you become familiar with the taste, you will be looking and eating more.

During harvest time, it is not being plucked from the tree. They let it fall to the ground. This is the nature of this fruit during ripening stage. Its sweetness is due to sugars (fructose, sucrose).

Properties: pytonutrients, anti-oxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals. High in calories and carbohydrates, organosulfur compound, tryptophan, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial.

Durian is highly nutritious because of its vitamin E and iron. It has vitamin C and B. It helps lower cholesterol. Found to be a strong blood cleanser. It has high level of amino acid called trytophan found to pacify anxiety and stress. It is good for insomnia (hard to sleep). It raised the level of serotonin in the brain that will cause a happy feeling. It is good muscle builder due to its high level of soft protein. Many had experienced that durian acted as a aphrodisiacs which is good in sex problems. Its roots and leaves is good for the treatment of jaundice and fever.

The decoction of leaves and its fruit can cure swelling. It has a beneficial effect in skin condition. It replenishes energy. Good in the revitalization of the body. Used as supplement food for malnourished children. It has fats but does not have cholesterol.

A good laxative because of its fiber content by protecting the mucous of the colon membrane. It controls and eliminate cancer-causing chemicals that will affect the colon.

Because of its vitamin C, it has the the capacity to resist infection and eliminate free radicals harmful in nature. It has B-element (B-complex, B5,B6,B1), essential in body’s growth and development and resistance against many diseases. It has copper necessary in the production of red blood cells, iron for the formation of red blood cells. Its potassium acts an electrolyte of cells and body fluids. Potassium is the reason for controlled heart rate and normal blood pressure.

It is good for yeast infection because of iron helping the white blood cells of the body to make a chemical that will counter the infection. It decreases the effect of aging on the skin as it slow down the destruction of cells from free radicals.

Uses: Flavor base of sweet products (candy, biscuits, etc.), preparation of ice cream and milkshakes. Unripe durian can be served as vegetables for different menu. Durian seeds can be eaten roasted or boiled, frying. It is used as canned syrup.

PAPAYA: GOOD FOR INDIGESTION

It has a soft, butter-like consistency. It is deliciously sweet to eat. It can be found in the market a whole year round. It is spherical or pear-shaped with measurement of more or less 20 inches. The flesh has rich orange in color with yellow or pink hues. It contains papain, good for indigestion. It can be found in raw fruit. It came from Central America. It grows in clusters drawn by a tuft of leaves on long footstalks. It has thick rind and black seeds. Used as meat tenderizer (raw) by using juice or slice raw fruits. It has hollow cavity with numerous small seeds.

Properties: Rich source in anti-oxidant like carotenes, vitamin C, flavonoids. Has vitamin B, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Paraoxonase, an enzyme that inhibits LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol oxidation. Has homocysteine, cysteine, methionine, papain, chymopapain, chitinases, tonic, stomachic, stimulant, laxative, digestive and rejuvenative. Has pepsin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and benzyl isothiocyanates, tocopherols.

Good in the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. The presence of plaque may cause heart attack or strokes. Good source of fiber. Good in lowering high cholesterol level. It has the capacity to prevent colon cancer by binding the toxin of the colon.

It has a protein-digesting enzymes to lower inflammation and improve the healing of skin burn. It helps for the proper function of a healthy immune system. It is proven to control ear infection, colds and flu. It can lower the risk of aged-related macular degeneration that cause vision loss in adults. Can protect rheumatoid arthritis because of its anti-oxidant that can protect inflammation of the joints.

It has vitamin A that can help to prevent disease due to secondhand smoke or being a smoker. By smoking, it can cause lung inflammation and emphysema. Due to its lycopene properties, it can control prostate cancer. Good alternative for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Useful in relieving digestive disorders and stomach troubles.

It has pepsin properties, a powerful protein digesting enzyme that has a digestive action in the stomach. When the natural juice in the body reduced or decline, it can cause incomplete digestion and further the presence of gas, bloating, stomach discomfort and heartburn.

It has an active blood clotting agent to control bleeding. Good in the control of intestinal worms. The juice of raw fruit can prevent skin diseases (corns, wart, pimples, horny skin). It removes freckles and make the skin smooth and delicate in appearance. A paste of seeds is good for ringworm. Alternative treatment of chronic diarrhea. Good in the stimulation  to secret more milk of mother during childbirth. Vitamin A accelerates formation of new cells. Vitamin C builds capillary strength.

JACKFRUIT: GOOD IN NUTRITION

Jackfruit came from Asian countries including Philippines. It was cultivated in a tropical environment. It is the largest fruits ever known by man. Has a fleshy fruit, sweet aroma, delicious taste. Enormous, prickly (spine), oval in outside appearance. It has pods and bulbs inside. The bulbs s the fleshy covering to the seed, sticky with white milk. The bulb can be eaten, cut or cooked. Unripe is good as vegetables, a substitute to meat.

Properties: Phytonutrients: lignans, isoflavones, saponins, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-ulcer, anti-aging.

It contains Vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc and niacin. It has low calorie content. Seeds valued for its high value in nutrition.

Potassium help to lower blood pressure. Has anti-oxidant properties due to its vitamin C. It protects the body from free radicals  by holding the cells together. It strengthen the immune system against infection. Make the gum healthy. It prevent any form of cancers in the body. It slowdown the degeneration of cells making the skin soft, glow, youthful in complexion and with radiant look.

It can fight against digestive problems like stomach ulcers, indigestion, hyperacidity. For those suffering from asthma, jackfruit can help. It has low saturated fat. It increases energy levels, build up longer strength and energy. It can extend life span. Less vulnerable to illness due to improve immune system. Boiled roots is helpful in the prevention of diarrhea and fever.

Other uses:

-Ripe meat can be frozen, dried, in can (brine), made into syrup.

-Its seeds can be eaten roasted, boiled, dried, salted.

-Used in chutney, jam, jellies, paste, preserved fruits, candies, in honey or syrup.

-Pulp in ice cream, beverages, jackfruit honey.

-Reduced to concentrated powder.

-Used in preparing drinks.

-Seeds can be grounded t make into flour blended with wheat for baking purposes.

-Young leaves used as fodder for cattle and other livestocks.