Jambolan (Syzygium cumini)

Family: Myrtaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Syzygium cumini, Jambolan or otherwise known as Java Plum, is a medium-sized tropical and evergreen tree, about 10-30 m in height. The leaves are smooth, opposite, shiny, leathery and oval. The flowers are pink or nearly white. The fruits are oval, green to black when ripe, with dark purple flesh. it contains a large seed. The seeds and fruits are used in the treatment of diabetes. Seeds and bark are used against dysentery.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant, slightly bitter, astringent taste. — Fruit - raw or made into jams, sherbet, jellies, juice, tarts, puddings etc.; The fruit is juicy, almost odourless, with a pleasant, slightly bitter, astringent taste.; The purple, olive-shaped fruit is somewhat astringent.; The astringency can be removed by soaking the fruit in salt water prior to cooking it.

Habitat & North American Range

Most tropical and subtropical forest habitats in India, ranging from evergreen broadleaved to deciduous and coniferous, from wet to fairly dry areas, near the coast and even in swamps. (Zone 8)