Salak (or snake fruit) strengthens memory and has a high content of potassium and pectin
The exotic fruit Salak (or Snake Fruit) has the Latin name Salacca Zalacca. It grows in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Another name is “Snake fruit” because it has red-brown rough skin covered with scales, so it resembles a snake. The taste is similar to the slightly sweet taste of pineapple. Salak is a type of palm tree from the family Arecaceaei. It is close to the phoenix palm trees. It is grown throughout Indonesia. There are at least 30 species, the most famous of which are two species: Salak pondoh (from Yogyakarta province) and Salak Bali from the island of Bali. The fruit is very popular among locals as well as tourists. This type tastes like a mixture of pineapple and lemon juice.
Salak belongs to 20 types of fruit that are relatively unknown to the rest of the world. This fruit is still popular in Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. The fruits grow in the form of a cluster. They look a bit like large heads of garlic with a brown coating. Salak peels easily. From the fruit we get 2 smaller and 1 larger fruit with a hard shell.
Salak is very rich in potassium and pectin, so it is called “food for the brain”. Or the fruit of memory. Salak is a useful fruit for eye health.
Beta carotene in salak is a valuable antioxidant (which has a beneficial effect on the eyes). It is thought to have more beta-carotene than carrots. The content of this fruit makes salak an excellent remedy against diarrhea, constipation and indigestion. Salak is a powerful antioxidant. It is rich in phytonutrients and fiber, so it is a suitable fruit for dietary nutrition. Salak is a useful fruit in maintaining the health of nails and skin.
People with ulcers and inflammatory conditions in the intestines should consume this fruit in moderate quantities. The high tannin content of the fruit can cause additional complications.
Each fruit weighs about 90 grams. Young fruits should not be touched with hands because they have sharp spines. Salak does not have a long shelf life. This fruit can’t stay fresh for long, so it’s harder to find in stores around the world. Choose smaller fruits that have a strong but even color. Too soft fruits with an unpleasant smell are spoiled and do not buy such fruits.
The salak fruit contains vitamin C, proteins, carbohydrates, beta carotene, thiamin, calcium, phosphorus, iron and dietary fiber. This fruit also contains saponins and phenols.
The consistency of salak is similar to that of an apple
The inner part of the fruit is soft yellow with a sweet and sour taste of pineapple (although the fruit is crunchy inside). Fruit flesh has 3 pitfalls that should be avoided. This fruit has a refreshing taste. The fruits are eaten fresh or in cakes. Salak can also be used unpeeled to decorate cakes. Canned salak (juice or with sugar) can be bought in Indonesia. Sufficiently immature fruits are marinated and added to salads with meat. In Bali there are family wineries where wine is made from salak. One bottle of wine is obtained from about 9 kg of fruit. A bottle of wine usually costs around 10 US$.