Santol: Asia's "wonder fig" and its characteristics
Santol, one of the fascinating fruits found in tropical corners of the world, especially in Southeast Asia, amazes with its unique appearance and taste. Scientifically known as Sandoricum koetjape, this plant is also known as "wild mangosteen" by the local population. Popularly called "santol" in the Philippines and "kraton" in Thailand, this fruit resembles a nut or a fig in its outward appearance.
The edible part of the orange-skinned, thick-shelled santol is white and segmented like garlic cloves. These segments, which remind one of the inside of a cotton boll, are juicy and have a flavor that evokes a blend of peach and orange. You can eat the fruit by dividing it into segments or peeling it like an apple. It has a sweet-and-sour taste and ripens during the summer season.
Each country has its own unique way of processing santol:
- Thailand: Thais love to eat santol with salt.
- Other countries: In many countries, this fruit is added to appetizers and various dishes.
Safety rule: The main thing to pay attention to when eating santol is its seeds. Swallowing the fruit along with its seeds is considered very dangerous for your health.
The santol tree is an evergreen, fast-growing plant that loves tropical climate conditions. Reaching a height of 15–30 meters, this tree comes in two varieties: those that bear yellow fruits and those that bear red ones. This tree, whose branches consist of three-leaf clusters, yields a bountiful harvest in the wild and thrives in its natural habitat.
If you are interested in the fascinating world of tropical fruits, it is definitely worth trying this unique fruit that the local people call the "wild mangosteen."
