Pini Jambu (Syzygium Samarangense)

Jambu (Scientific - Syzygium Samarangense | Sin - පිනි ජම්බු) also known as Java apple or love apple is an evergreen tree with an open, irregular, wide-spreading crown; it can grow 5 - 15 metres tall. It has a short, crooked bole 25 - 50cm in diameter, that branches from near the base.The tree is valued mainly for its edible fruit, which is gathered from the wild and consumed locally. It also supplies a timber, is planted to provide shelter, and has various medicinal uses. It is sometimes cultivated in the tropics, especially in home gardens, for its edible fruit. Although not grown commercially, the fruit is often sold in local markets. It is occasionally exported to ethnic markets in Canada and Europe.

Wax jambu with red is known as rose apple. It looks like a pear shaped fruit with waxy skin and crusty flesh. Fruit is regularly juicy, with a faint sweet taste similar to that of an apple. Superior varieties of the fruits are of excellent quality with crunchy taste.

Jambu is highly rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. Its bark contains an alkaloid compound Jambosine, which has therapeutic properties against diabetes. Organic compounds like betulinic acid and friedelolactone are also present in it.

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