Ovoid, ellipsoid to subglobular schizocarp, up to 7 x 5 cm
Flesh colors
White or creamy-white
Taste
Sweet
Pulasan is a ultra-tropical and thrives in very humid regions between 360 and 1150 feet of altitude. The name pulasan is derived from Malay word “pulas” which means pilas. Fruit is opened through act of twisting the fruit with both hands so the name pulasan occurred. The tree is ornamental which attains the height of 10 to 15 m with short trunk 30 to 40 cm thick. Young branchlets are hairy and brown. Leaves are alternate, pinnate or odd-pinnate. Leaves are 17 to 45 cm long with 2-5 pairs of opposite or nearly opposite leaflets which are oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, 6.25-17.5 cm long and up to 5 cm wide. Flowers are small, petalless, greenish with 4 to 5 hairy sepals that borne singly or in clusters on the branches of erect, axillary or terminal. Fruit is ovoid, 5 to 7.5 cm long, dark red and rind is leathery with conical, blunt tipped tubercles or thick and straight spines that are 1 cm long. Fruit consists of single seed which resembles the shape and size of almond. Seed is ovoid, light brown, oblong or ellipsoid and flattened on one side and about 2 to 3.5 cm long. Seeds are separated easily from the pulp.
This fruit is helpful for those who wants to shed extra pounds from the body. It is due to high content of dietary fiber that makes one feel heavier in the stomach. It also helps to suppress hunger effectively.
Control blood sugar levels
This fruit is helpful for diabetic patients as well. It manages sugar levels by regulating amount of sugar that is released into bloodstream.
Bowel movement
Dietary fiber is essential for digestion and crucial for promoting regular bowel movement. It also prevents constipation.
Anti-aging
The fruit has Vitamin C that is crucial for making one to look younger than actual age. It also eliminates free radicals by protecting skin cells.
Acts as antioxidant
This fruit has hydroquinone, ascorbic acid and pyrogallol in the fruit that acts as potent antioxidants which eliminates free radicals from the body.
Traditional uses
Roots are used for treating fevers.
Use the root decoction for treating fevers.
Culinary uses
Consume the fruit raw or make jams and compotes.
Use the seeds to extract oil.
Dry or frozen it and use it to flavor puddings and ice cream.
