This is a Bilimbi Fruits, a close relative to star fruits. A native to southeast asia. This fruit -bearing tree produce hundreds of fruits all year round. In the Philippines, We have two types of Bilimbi fruits. One is sour which we called it Kamias, while the sweet version is we called it Balimbing.
Bilimbi fruit-bearing tree is not only used for cooking, It is also use for traditional remedies for certain illnesses. The leaves are used for the treatment of cough, fever, venereal disease and rectal inflammation. It is also known to lower cholesterol and helps to alleviate internal hemmorhoids.
We usually use Bilimbi fruits as a natural souring agent for cooking. Sometimes, we eat it raw and is sprinkled with a bit of salt. It's extremely very sour and too acidic.
When the fruit ripes, it falls in the ground. It's skin is shiny and the flesh is greenish to white in color and again its overly sour!
We preserved Bilimbi fruits by sun drying for longer shelf life, though its available all year round.
Bilimbi tree is also called cucumber tree. It is rich in vitamins, potassium and has an antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This post is my contribution to #fruitsandveggiesmonday by a wonderful Steemian @lenasveganliving. Thank you so much for the opportunity to introduce local produce from the tropic countries.
