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By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, June 17: Apart from durian, rambutan and other fruits, the eye-pleasing and uniquely Sarawak ‘jambu kampung’ is also in season.
If you were to go to some markets that sell local produce, it is not hard to find the fruit, which is a smaller variation of the usual ‘jambu air’ which is commonly known as rose apple in English.
Compared to the rose apple, jambu kampung which is the size of the old 50-cent coin looks more like mini roses. There are at least two types, one that is whitish-pink and the other, a scarlet red.
Due to their high water content and their bright colours, they appear to be little crystal rose apples; a delight for the eyes.
In terms of taste, their texture is the same as that of the rose apple but unlike rose apples, they are not sweet.
Instead they carry a slight tartness which is not overwhelming but maintaining the unique taste of rose apple.
It is thus not surprising that the young vendor at Bandar Riyal Market of Kota Samarahan selling it said that the fruit is best to be served as ‘ulam’, or local salad dish.
“You will not find worms in this kind of jambu, unlike the jambu air (rose apple),” said the young vendor.
The ones that are found at Bandar Riyal Market are sold at RM2 for a small basket. — DayakDaily
