Melinjo is native to Southeast Asia which belongs to the Gnetaceae family. It is a dioecious gymnosperm plant that has a conical trunk. The tree is small to medium which has evergreen leaves. The strobilus has large nut-like a seed inside which is 2 to 4 cm long. The leaves and fruits are prominent in Indonesian cuisines. Melinjo is harvested twice a year between May to July and October to December. In Kalimantan, Sulawesi Island, and Java, the tree is planted near the roadside and house. From a long time ago, Melinjo trees are sophisticated and their leaves, flowers, and fruits are used.

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon), also known as Daeking Tree, Gnemon Tree, Joint-Fir Spinach, Paddy Oats, Melinjo Nut, Meminjau, Bago, Belinjo, and Padi oats is a species of tree in the family Gnetaceae. Gravels varieties, Sticky rice varieties, and Varieties barrel-shaped are the common varieties of Melinjo.

It is native to Assam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Melinjo fruit is well suited to tropical rainforests. The Melinjo tree is widely cultivated for food purposes. It has ellipsoid fruit about 1-3.5 cm long and half as wide. Leaves are simple and dark green. The fleshy strobili weigh about 5.5 g and the seeds weigh about 3.8 g. Melinjo is most commonly used in Indonesian cuisines.

History

It is cultivated everywhere in southeast W Yunnan, Xizang in China. Melinjo is natural resveratrol that is extracted from the Melinjo seeds. The tree is native to Southeast Asia. Melinjo is the common name for the plant. The Indonesian people were consumed for centuries.

Melinjo’s history is traced back to the Yogyakarta Kingdom, where the tree of Melinjo was grown in high concentration. The people of Yogyakarta have prolonged life expectancy in Indonesia, 10% more than the rest of the population.

Melinjo is sophisticated throughout Indonesia.  The leaves, flowers, and seeds are used as ingredients in various dishes. Melinjo seeds are used to produce emping. Emping is available in the well-stocked Asian supermarket. Additionally, Melinjo tree provides various benefits. In the villages, it provides shade which makes the pleasant living conditions during the extreme tropical heat. In Indonesian agro-forestry, the Melinjo tree is considered a vital plant. (1)

Plant

Melinjo trees are small to medium, dioecious and evergreen, growing to 5 to 10 m in height depending on the species. The leaves are opposite, simple, elliptical-oblong, dark green; 8-20 cm long, and 3-10 cm wide. The fruit can grow up to 1-3.5 cm long and half as wide. Its shape ranges from ellipsoid to ovoid and color ranges from yellow, purple-red to orange-red. The fruit has large seeds of ovoid or ellipsoid shape. The tree has a woody, round and gray bark. It has a well-branched stem, cylindrical bole, and 40 cm as a diameter.

Nutritional Value

The serving size of 100 grams of Melinjo fruit grants 92 calories, 72.6 gm of moisture, 5.2 gm of protein, 2.1 gm of fat, 1.8 gm of ash, 13.3 gm of carbohydrate, and 5.2 gm of crude fiber. It also provides 1478.265 of manganese, 211.11% of copper, 195% of iron, 107.27% of zinc, 13.28% of potassium, 12.38% of magnesium, 11.71% of phosphorus, 10.40% of protein, and 10.23% of carbohydrate.

Health Benefits of Melinjo

The seeds of Melinjo have a high amount of antioxidants which help to treat cancer, heart disease, and aging. It provides various health benefits which are discussed below:

1. Brain health

Manganese is vital for brain functions and also treats nervous disorders. The superoxide dismutase eliminates free radicals from the body which includes the neural pathways. The free radicals affect the brain and other parts. Manganese binds the neurotransmitters and promotes the efficient transmission of the electrical impulses in the body and also speeds up cognition. (2)

2. Assist growth

Copper is required to maintain health and growth. It is essential to add this mineral to a balanced diet daily. It helps to prevent the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The one with copper deficiency has it would be impossible to have the oxygenation of red blood cells and healthy growth of tissues and organs. The deficiency of copper results in the defect of growth in the third world countries. (3)

3. Regulate the temperature

Iron is essential for the regulation of body temperature. It helps to regulate the body temperature according to the absorption capacity of the body. The metabolic and enzymatic functions should happen in efficient temperatures and environments. (4)

4. Skin health

Zinc helps to treat acne and pimples effectively. Zinc helps to enhance the functions of white blood cells which are vital for the healing process. It prevents infections, ulcers, canker sores, surgical incisions, burns, and wounds. It is essential for collagen production which is a connective tissue important for the regrowth and repair of skin. (5)

5. Prevent stroke

Potassium is essential for the normal functioning of the brain. The high amount of potassium transports oxygen to the brain by enhancing cognitive function and neural activity. It helps to prevent the development and growth of stroke. It performs as a vasodilator and relaxes the blood vessels in the body. It assists in the flow of blood freely and has fewer chances of breaking off or clot which causes strokes. (6)

6. Treat cramps

Magnesium helps to cure kidney stress, relaxes back muscles and muscular tension. It assists in calcium absorption which speeds up bone healing. The deficiency of calcium in the body shows the symptoms such as cramps in the legs and general fatigue. The adequate intake of calcium helps to aid the problem of chronic leg cramps. (7)

7. Kidney health

Phosphorus helps in maintaining kidney health. It promotes the waste release from the kidneys through excretion and urination. It increases the frequency and quantity of urination so that the body maintains a balanced amount of water, uric acid, excess salts, and fat. Phosphorus promotes fluid balance which makes the healthy body and toxin-free. (8)

8. Muscles

Protein is essential for the coordination and contraction of muscles. Proteins in the form of microfilaments are found in the muscle tissues which provide structure to the muscles. The growth of muscles depends on the presence of an adequate amount of protein in the body. It is very important to balance the synthesis of muscle proteins. (9) (10) (11)  (12)

9. Regeneration of cells and tissues

Healthy body results due to the restoration and renewal of cells as well as tissues in the body. The body requires a fixed supply of amino acids to form the proteins that help to manufacture new tissues and cells such as hair, skin, and nails. The cells found in the skin, digestive system, and blood last for a couple of weeks and then perish. During that time the new cells begin to create and replenish the decreased ones. The protein helps in the process of revival of new tissues and cells which helps to maintain good health. (13) (14) (15)

10. Hair health

Protein helps to maintain the health of hair and prevents its damage. The studies show that protein has a vital role in the growth of hair. As protein has beneficial effects, it is used in the hair products like conditioners. (16)

Traditional uses

• In traditional medicine, the sap of leaf is used to cure eye ailments in traditional medicine.
• The Melinjo seeds are used to increase stamina.
• During early days, this plant is mixed with other ingredients to treat dog bites.
• The plants help to treat the diseases such as anemia.
• The protein found in this plant helps to eliminate free radicals which lead to the diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, blood vessel narrowing, premature aging, etc.

How to Eat

• Melinjo is generally used in Malay and Indonesian cuisines.
• The young inflorescences, leaves, and ripe fruits are cooked as vegetables.
• In Malaysia, young shoots and leaves are widely used with seafood such as prawns and fish in coconut milk or also used in spicy soups.
• Seeds are eaten boiled, raw, roasted, and processed into crackers or flat cakes.
• In Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia, sun-dried cakes are used to prepare emping.
• Emping is consumed with Gado-Gado, rice, or as a snack with coffee or tea.
• Melinda is a vital ingredient for Sayur Asem which consists of peanuts, Melinda U, jackfruit, chayote, carambola fruit, tamarind, and long bean.
• In Vanuatu, male inflorescence and leaves are boiled which is flavored with coconut cream.
• In Fiji, the young leaves are cooked with coconut milk.
• In the Philippines, fruits are a great substitute for coffee.
• In Papua New Guinea, young cones and leaves are cooked with meat and sauce which is made from the red pulp of Pandanus considers.
• The leaves are used to wrap the food.
• The seed has a fleshy coating that is fried and produces a chewy snack.
• Its female strobilus, young leaves, and male strobili are used as an ingredient in the traditional vegetable curry which is called kuah pliek.
• In Pidie, keureupuk muling is made from ripe fruit.
• Leaves, seeds, and flowers are used as vital ingredients in dishes

References

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