What is the composition of salak and what are the benefits of this fruit
Salak is a low-calorie fruit rich in nutrients. In Indonesia, it is called the "memory fruit" due to its high potassium and pectin content, which are important nutrients for brain health and development.
In 100 g of salak, there are:
- Calories: 82
- Carbohydrates: 21.7 g
- Proteins: 0.6 g
- Fats: 0.1 g
- Vitamin C: 8.4 mg
- Potassium: 400 mg
Snake fruit contains sufficient vitamins C and A, fiber, is a good source of antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Salak stimulates metabolism and increases endurance, and its carbohydrates provide enough energy. The beta-carotene in it positively affects vision.
How to choose and store salak
Choose fruits without spots or damage on the skin. Listen to the aroma: it should be slightly sweet and have a hint of musk.
Like any other fruit, salak should not be too soft or hard. It is better to eat the fruits immediately or within a couple of days after purchase, keeping them in the refrigerator.
How to peel and eat snake fruit
Snake fruit is eaten raw, but only the flesh, without the skin and seed.
1. Rinse the fruits well with water and dry them.
2. Cut off the top and bottom of the fruit; it is unlikely you will be able to slice the skin along its length.
3. Now you can peel the skin by pulling at the edges. Be careful: you can get poked.
4. Inside, the segments have a thin film on top: it can be removed. The flesh separates from the seed with difficulty, so it's best to eat it whole and then discard the seed.
What does salak taste like? The fruit has a complex flavor: sweet, spicy, and sour, reminiscent of a mix of bananas, apples, pineapples, and jackfruit.
Use of salak in cooking
Generally, snake fruit is eaten fresh, but it can also be candied, pickled, made into juices, canned, dried, fried like chips, boiled, and used to prepare pastille. This fruit is often used in desserts, such as fruit salads, smoothies, and pies.
Another way to use salak in cooking is in syrups or jams. The fruits are boiled with sugar and water until a thick sweet mass forms. This jam can be eaten with toast, pancakes, or waffles.
A common use of snake fruit is in drinks. It can be mixed with ice and water or with other fruits, such as mango or pineapple, to make a flavorful smoothie.
How to grow salak at home
You can try to plant salak at home and grow a palm from the leftover seed. However, you are unlikely to wait for fruits. Since this is a tropical plant, it is difficult to grow it in a cold and dry climate.
Those who have managed to grow a palm receive a compact plant with spikes on the stem and leaves resembling a whale's tail. Over time, salak grows significantly and is not very suitable for apartment conditions.