Snake Fruit: Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, How to Eat & All

Have you ever tried snake fruit? This unusual fruit is gaining popularity for its many health benefits.

Learn more about nutrition, side effects, and how to eat snake fruit in this blog post. You may be surprised at all the ways you can enjoy this nutrient-rich fruit!

Few Snake fruits

What is Snake Fruit?

Snake fruit, also known as salak, is a type of palm tree native to Indonesia.

It has scaly brown skin and white flesh with a distinct sweet and sour taste. The fruit grows in clusters on the trunk of the tree, similar to coconuts.

Why Does It Call Snake Fruit?

The fruit gets its name from its scaly brown skin, which resembles the scales of a snake. It’s also known as salak in Indonesia and has a number of other local names such as siwalan, sawo kecik, and nyangki.

Also Read:

Nutrition

One serving (100 grams) of snake fruit contains:

  • Calories: 72
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Vitamin C: 26% of the RDI
  • Potassium: 6% of the RDI

Snake fruit also contains smaller amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Health Benefits

Due to its high vitamin C content, snake fruit can help boost the immune system and aid in wound healing.

The fruit also contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and prevent chronic diseases.

Snake fruit may also have benefits for heart health due to its potassium content. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and can lower the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

In traditional medicine, snake fruit has been used as a remedy for digestive issues, headaches, and fever. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of snake fruit.

Side Effects

Snake fruit is generally safe to eat in moderation. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction or stomach discomfort due to its high fiber content.

It is also important to note that the skin and seeds of snake fruit contain toxins, so they should not be eaten.

How to Eat

To eat snake fruit, peel off the scaly skin with your hands or a knife. Then enjoy the fleshy white segments inside, taking care to spit out the inedible seeds.

The flesh can be eaten as is or added to salads, smoothies, and other dishes for a unique sweet and sour flavor.

You can also try cooking snake fruit by baking, grilling, or making it into jam. The skin can also be used to make syrup or flavoring for alcoholic drinks.

Overall, snake fruit is a tasty and nutritious addition to any diet. Give it a try the next time you spot it at the market!

Snake Fruit Recipes

Grilled Snake Fruit with Coconut and Lime

Ingredients:

  • 4 snake fruits, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the slices of snake fruit with coconut oil and sprinkle with lime juice, brown sugar, and salt.

Grill for about 2 minutes on each side, until lightly charred and tender.

Serve as a side dish or topping for salads and other dishes.

Snake Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen snake fruit chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Serve chilled for a refreshing snack or breakfast option. You can also add protein powder for an extra boost of nutrition. Enjoy!

Salak Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mashed cooked salak
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a muffin tin with liners. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the mashed salak. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Fold in the shredded coconut and walnuts. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool before serving. These muffins make for a tasty breakfast or snack option.

Note: Salak can be substituted with other cooked and mashed fruits, such as bananas or apples. Feel free to play around with different mix-ins and flavor combinations!

Salak Jam (Salacca Jelly)

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds salak, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the salak, sugar, and water.

Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the fruit is soft and the mixture thickens. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Let cool before transferring to a jar or container for storage. Enjoy on toast, as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or with other desserts.

Note: You can also add spices such as cinnamon or ginger to enhance the flavor of the jam. Adjust the amount of sugar to your desired level of sweetness. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture before cooling and storage.

How to Store Snake Fruit?

Fresh snake fruit can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days.

To extend its shelf life, keep the fruits in the refrigerator, where they will last for about 1-2 weeks.

You can also freeze peeled and sliced snake fruit for up to 6 months. Thawed frozen snake fruit is best used in cooked or blended dishes, as it will have a softer texture.

Enjoy your snake fruit in a variety of ways, fresh or frozen!

Some related FAQs:

Can the skin of snake fruit be eaten?

Yes, the skin is edible and often used to make syrup or flavoring for drinks. It can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable dish.

Can you eat snake fruit raw?

Yes, snake fruits are often enjoyed raw or added to salads or smoothies. They can also be cooked in various dishes or made into jams and preserves.

Are snake fruits good for you?

Snake fruits are high in fiber and vitamin C, and have antioxidant properties. They also contain some beneficial plant compounds.

However, they should be consumed in moderation as they are high in sugar. Consult with a healthcare professional before adding them to your diet.

How do you peel a snake fruit?

To peel a snake fruit, first slice off the top and bottom ends. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut lengthwise through the skin to remove it in sections.

Then, slice or scoop out the flesh from each section. Alternatively, you can also peel with your hands by removing the top and bottom ends and gently tearing or peeling off the skin in sections.
The flesh can then be scooped out with a spoon.

Conclusion

So, the next time you’re looking for a nutritious snack with some added benefits, reach for a snake fruit! With its impressive nutritional content and potential health perks, it’s definitely worth adding to your diet.

Just be sure to eat it in moderation—too much of anything can have adverse effects. And don’t forget to enjoy it fresh; the taste is unbeatable that way.

Have you tried snake fruit before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Leave a Comment