If you like fruits, your life is fruitful. Fruits are excellent sources of the vitamins and minerals we need daily to keep us all strong, healthy, and bright. That includes being happy and joyful. Why do you think the orangutans always smile (and are happy)? They eat bananas (a fruit) at every opportunity, don’t they?

Before our subject goes to Tarzan and Cheetah, let me point out that fruits are generally for everyone and benefit us all. We will discuss some fruits that we should eat regularly, but sadly, we don’t. We seldom eat them for reasons like being unaware that they exist or being unable to find them easily. But they are available if you really wish to grab them.

And for now, put aside the apples, oranges, grapes, and pomegranates that you find in supermarkets, wet markets, dry markets, and ukay-ukay (oh, okay, not this one) here in Hong Kong. 

They are all great fruits, of course, but for now, our focus are the fruits you would dearly need to know and eat, not only because they will give you the energy you need – not to mention they’re all delicious – but also because industrious farmers are producing them in the Philippines.

Guyabano

If you do not know guyabano, you probably know it through its many other names like pawpaw (in Brazil), corossol (French), guanábana (Spanish), graviola (Portuguese), and soursop (English). So, pick the name you like. Me? I’ll stick with guyabano.

The tree can grow to around 6 metres high. The fruit shape can vary from round to oblong and sometimes resembles an alien’s head (have you ever seen an alien?). The colour is green, and when it ripens, the spine is soft. Although you can grow it in your backyard, there are also some real guyabano plantations in Cebu, Cavite, Davao, and Camarines Sur.

Guyabano is a fruit that you must try to eat regularly. Its nutrients are vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, phosphorus, thiamine, calcium, carbohydrates, niacin, and fibre.

It also alleviates pain stemming from arthritis, joint and back problems, and rheumatism; prevents urinary tract infections; helps relieve migraine and headaches; prevents constipation; promotes healthy bones; and boosts energy levels.

It is really great knowing that it can make you feel younger and more energetic. Some folks even say that guyabano is an aphrodisiac; yes, it’s true, not a joke. 

One day, I was about to cross the road in Tuen Mun, but I did not see that a vehicle was coming. It was a white van. Thank goodness, a lady was behind me and gave me a warning before I crossed. She yelled, “Kuya, van oh!’  Alright, that’s the joke part. 

Marang

I bet most of you do not know this fruit. There was a time when I did not know about it either, so I don’t blame you; this isn’t a very popular fruit. I first saw and tasted a marang when I visited Davao; it was one of the most remarkable experiences I have ever had.

Marang’s interior is similar to a jackfruit, but with smaller arils – bulb-like structures inside it that encapsulate the seeds. When it is still young, it is round to oblong, with a thick rind covered with supple and broad spines. When it matures, it becomes stiff and frail.

It is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, crude fibre, retinol, beta-carotene, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamins A and C. Marang is also the fruit for athletes, even better than a banana.

After we bought a ripe marang, we were told that once we opened it, we would need to eat it as soon as possible, because it would oxidise quickly and lose its flavour. 

So we did gobble it, and we were swiftly satisfied… just don’t speak when you still have seeds in your mouth because your words will sound weird. I wanted to take a picture of it so I wouldn’t forget what it looks like, so I immediately reached for my caMARANG… I mean, my camera (okay, fine, I’m still eating it).  

Pomelo

I know what you are going to ask. ‘Is there a pomela, the female version of pomelo?’. The answer is yes, I mean… no. Pomelo is its real name, but it is also known as pamplemousse (don’t ask me why). Its English name is shaddok (again, don’t ask me; ask Martin, or Alamin nyo, kasama si Aileen [check out Aileen’s new radio show here!]).

Pomelo is considered a citrus fruit, and grapefruit is its cousin. When it is ripe, it is pale green to yellow outside. It has sweet white, pink, or red flesh and thick albedo. Its taste is fantastic, lovely, and pleasant – like grapefruit, but without the bitter flavour. Its size can be between 6 to 10 inches in diameter, and it weighs 1 to 2 kg.

Most pomelos or sweet suha (a variety of pomelo) in the Philippines originate from Mindanao, but there are also numerous pomelo farms in Luzon and the Visayas. 

Pomelo is rich in vitamins. It has significant amounts of beta carotene and folic acid. If you want to keep your heart and lungs healthy, eat pomelo, because it contains an impressive amount of potassium. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, bioflavonoids, healthy fats, protein, fibre, antioxidants, and enzymes.

Other benefits include preventing urinary tract infections, promoting healing, producing healthy gums, preventing anaemia, repelling cold and flu, fighting ageing, preventing osteoporosis, and aiding digestion. So that’s pomelo for you. 

That’s why, when you eat pomelo, you’ll be enticed to sing ‘Pomelo  one, igalaw ang katawan. Pomelo  two, kumembot nang ganito’. 

Mangosteen

Mangosteen (pronounced as Mang Gustin…, and no, it’s not a cousin of Mang Tomas) is round, purple, and celebrated for its distinctive appearance and taste. It is appreciated chiefly as the Queen of tropical fruits. 

If you’re familiar with santol (another excellent fruit), you’ll realise that the inside of mangosteen is quite similar. It has three parts:  the deep purple rind, white edible flesh, segmented, and the seeds within the flesh. But don’t eat the seeds (unless you want to plant a garden in your stomach); they taste so bitter and are not edible. Just eat the soft and sweet flesh.

Mangosteen is low in calories and high in fibre. The potassium in every piece helps control heart rate and regulate blood pressure and helps in preventing stroke and coronary heart disease. There is also manganese and magnesium in it. 

It contains a powerful antioxidant that helps combat infections, skin disorders, pain, allergies, and fatigue. Mangosteen has good vitamin C content and B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folate, helping the body metabolise carbohydrates, protein, and fats. 

So let it go. Go for ManGOsteeen. With mangosteen, you’ll boost your self-esteem and have the strength of a teen (rhyme not intended).

Durian

Of course, you know durian. You may not be a fan (does its smell put you off?), but you’ve heard about it, seen it, and know people who either love it or abhor it. You see, durian is considered the King of Fruits.

Love it or hate it, pick one. Me? I like it. I was a late bloomer when it came to liking durian. I tried it only a few years ago; fortunately, the first ones I tried were from Davao and Malaysia, and they both tasted exotic and heavenly. They were pretty good. Just a warning: don’t talk too much and kiss anyone after devouring a whole durian… your breath might smell like you kissed a pig and an onion.

Say what you want to say about its taste and smell, but the fact is that durian has many health benefits. It is a good source of energy; acts as a natural anti-depressant; promotes healthy bones and teeth; aids in delaying ageing, assists in a healthy digestive system; maintains blood sugar levels, and helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. 

But please refrain from giving a lengthy speech immediately after eating durian, otherwise the people near you might sing you a song by Rex Smith, ‘You Take My Breath Away.’ 

What are you waiting for? Happy eating!