Nephelium rambutan-ake, the pulasan, is a tropical fruit in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. It is closely related to the rambutan and sometimes confused with it. Other related soapberry family fruits include lychee and longan. Usually eaten fresh, it is sweeter than the rambutan and lychee, but very rare outside Southeast Asia.
| Pulasan Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Pulasan |
| Scientific Name: | Nephelium mutabile |
| Origin | Peninsular Malaysia |
| Colors | Dark red |
| Shapes | Ovoid, ellipsoid to subglobular schizocarp, up to 7 x 5 cm |
| Flesh colors | White or creamy-white |
| Taste | Sweet |
Pulasan is ultra-tropical and thrives in very humid regions between 360 and 1150 feet of altitude. The name pulasan is derived from the Malay word “pulas” which means pillars. Fruit is opened through the act of twisting the fruit with both hands so the name pulasan occurred. The tree is ornamental which attains a height of 10 to 15 m with a short trunk 30 to 40 cm thick. Young branchlets are hairy and brown. Leaves are alternate, pinnate, or odd-pinnate. Leaves are 17 to 45 cm long with 2-5 pairs of opposite or nearly opposite leaflets which are oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, 6.25-17.5 cm long, and up to 5 cm wide. Flowers are small, petalless, greenish with 4 to 5 hairy sepals that are borne singly or in clusters on the branches of erect, axillary, or terminal. Fruit is ovoid, 5 to 7.5 cm long, dark red and rind is leathery with conical, blunt-tipped tubercles or thick and straight spines that are 1 cm long. The fruit consists of a single seed that resembles the shape and size of an almond. Seed is ovoid, light brown, oblong or ellipsoid and flattened on one side and about 2 to 3.5 cm long. Seeds are separated easily from the pulp.
Health Benefits of Pulasan
- Lose weight
This fruit is helpful for those who want to shed extra pounds from the body. It is due to the high content of dietary fiber that makes one feel heavier in the stomach. It also helps to suppress hunger effectively.
- Control blood sugar levels
This fruit is helpful for diabetic patients as well. It manages sugar levels by regulating the amount of sugar that is released into the bloodstream.
- Bowel movement
Dietary fiber is essential for digestion and crucial for promoting regular bowel movement. It also prevents constipation.
- Anti-aging
The fruit has Vitamin C that is crucial for making one look younger than actual age. It also eliminates free radicals by protecting skin cells.
- Acts as antioxidant
This fruit has hydroquinone, ascorbic acid, and pyrogallol in fruit that acts as potent antioxidants which eliminate free radicals from the body.
Traditional uses
- Roots are used for treating fevers.
- Use the root decoction for treating fevers.
Culinary uses
- Consume the fruit raw or make jams and compotes.
- Use the seeds to extract oil.
- Dry or freeze it and use it to flavor puddings and ice cream.
- Made it into jellies, jams, preserves, and sauces.
- Seeds are boiled or roasted and used for preparing cocoa-like beverages.
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