BILIMBI, Averrhoa bilimbi

The bilimbi is a close relative to the carambola however it is quite different in its appearance, manner of fruiting and uses. Originating and grown extensively in Indonesia it is also cultivated and semi-wild everywhere in the Philippines and is very common in , Ceylon, Burma, Thailand, Malaya and Singapore.

The mature fruits have a crunchy watery flesh and resemble small cucumbers. They usually range from 5 to 8cm in length. The fruit is crisp when unripe, turns from bright-green to yellowish-green, ivory or nearly white when ripe and falls to the ground. The outer skin is glossy, very thin, soft and tender, and the flesh green, jelly-like, juicy and extremely acid. They are sometimes faintly five-angled with an acid pulp. The fruits are picked by hand, singly or in clusters. They need gentle handling because of the thin skin and cannot be kept for more than 4 to 5 days.

The fruit is generally regarded as too acid for eating raw, but in Costa Rica, the green, uncooked fruits are prepared as a relish that is served with rice and beans. Sometimes it is an accompaniment for fish and meat. Ripe fruits are frequently added to curries in the Far East. Bilimbi is often used in place of mango to make chutney. To reduce acidity, it may be first pricked and soaked in water overnight, or soaked in salted water for a shorter time; then boiled with sugar to make a delicious jam. Half-ripe fruits are salted, set out in the sun, and pickled in brine.

An attractive and medium sized tree the bilimbi displays attractive dark-red flowers that are produced in panicles from the trunk and older branches. The leaves are used medicinally as a tonic throughout many countries. A tropical species the bilimbi is more cold sensitive than the carambola especially when very young. It does best in rich, moist, but well-drained soil, it grows and fruits quite well on sand or limestone. No pests or diseases have been reported specifically for the bilimbi

Medicinally the leaves are applied as a paste or poulticed on itches, swellings of mumps and rheumatism, and on skin eruptions.

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Updated: 23rd of February, 2007 at 9:22am © Disclaimer/Privacy/Copyright