Snake fruit is in the Arecaceae or palm family, and is botanically classified as Salacca zalacca. It is known as Salak in Malaysia and Indonesia, but its thin, scale-like skin, very similar in appearance to that of a cobra or python, earned it the popular moniker, Snake fruit. There are actually about 30 different types of Snake fruit grown throughout their native land, and while many can be brutally bitter when raw and are used solely in cooking, the commonly cultivated types have a unique, sweet and sour flavor. Snake fruit is cultivated and sold year-round throughout Southeast Asia, such as in Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, and has also been introduced to China, India, Australia, and many islands in between. Indonesia exports both fresh and canned Snake fruit to destinations from China, to the Middle East, to parts of Europe, but unfortunately the tropical specialty is still rather rare here in the United States outside of select specialty shops and Asian markets.

Description/Taste

Snake fruit is similar in size and shape to a fig, with a bulbous body that tapers to a point at one end. The fruit is encased in shiny, dark to light reddish-brown scales, which are sometimes covered in tiny spikes. Though it is scaly and prickly, and may look tough, the skin is actually quite thin and can be easily peeled off by breaking the tip. Underneath the snake-like skin lies three white or light yellow lobes of juicy pulp that look similar to large peeled cloves of garlic, with hard, flat, dark brown, inedible seeds inside. The pulp has a garlic or apple-like crunch, though some varieties can be drier and have a flaky texture, while others are more spongy and succulent. The complex tropical flavor of Snake fruit is often described as a blend of apple, pineapple, and banana. It has the sweetness of honey with an acidic finish, leaving a citrusy tingle on the tongue, and leaning more sweet or sour depending on the variety. Snake fruits grow on short-trunked palm trees, sprouting off the base of the palm in little clusters. The plants have large spiked stems and leaves, which can grow up to six meters long.

Health benefits

Salak fruit consist of nutrition just like Protein, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin-C, Dietary fiber, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus and Carbohydrates which are great for overall health. Salak or Snake Fruit contains lots of Beta-Carotene which is a powerful antioxidant and works well to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer. Additionally it contains 5 times more Beta-Carotene than that found in watermelon, mangos, and 3 times more than found in guava. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of Salak fruit

Eye Medicine : Salak fruit is considered quite beneficial as eye medication. According to research by health specialists, salak fruit consists of beta-carotene that is great for eyes. For anyone who wish to keep the eyes healthy and balanced yet fed up with having to constantly consume carrot juice, now you have yet another option that is exchanging the carrot juice along with salak juice. SO including salak fruit in your regular diet is one of the best methods to get the required amount of beta carotene.

Good for Stomach:  Salak is one of the nutrients dense fruit which consists of calcium, tannin, saponin, flavonoid and beta-carotene. Because of these nutrients, salak has health benefits for human body. Tanin is anti-diarrhea, so salak help to cure diarrhea. Apart from that salak treat indigestion stomach. It is better to consume salak along with its epidermis, which can prevent constipation.

Memory Booster : Because of its higher nutritional value, Salak is called as a ‘memory fruit’. High amount of potassium and pectin present in salak helps to improves body’s cognitive functions and enhances memory.

Control Blood Sugar Level:  Skin of Salak fruit when made into a tea helps in cell regeneration in the pancreas that helps to control diabetes. Apart from that it also contains pterostilbene which is a blood glucose lowering agent that helps in controlling diabetes.  Therefore frequent use of salak fruit in your diet is quite beneficial for lowering blood glucose level.

Maintain Cardiovascular Health :  Salak consist of good amount of potassium content that makes heart healthy. High amount of antioxidants and minerals keep the cardiovascular system function properly and helps in water regulation within the body.

Maintain Stamina : Vitamin A is beneficial for maintaining eye health and is commonly recommended to consume a lot of carrots to meet the benefits of vitamin A. Though Dr. Pericone recommend staying away from the carrots in a wrinkle-free diet to suit him just as much food is loaded with vitamin A (carotenoids) can cause an inflammatory reaction related because of the high sugar content. Nach to the glass every time he tries to reduce facial lines young efforts should convert alias using carrot juice Salak.

Cure Nearsightedness :  A sharp eyesight cannot be corrected only by using the benefits of vitamin A. Vitamin A only improve the sharpness seen the light and dark (night blindness). Trouble nearsightedness is not a problem in the retina of the eye, but the axis is shortened, so that the drugs are also used. As the use of glasses can because a lot done, so the glasses are considered drugs of course. Apart from that frequent consumption of vitamin rich food is also quite beneficial for overcoming this problem.

Promote Overall Body Health : As mentioned before salak is one of the nutrient dense fruit that helps in improving overall health of the body. Its rich nutrient profile consisting of vital vitamins and minerals help in maintain proper body functions. Antioxidants help in fighting damage to the cells and tissues and prevent the body from harmful carcinogenic damage. Regular consumption of a portion of Salak in your diet helps to reduce the risk of hemorrhoid formation.

Good for Pregnant Women :  Pregnant women should select foods that are good for her as well as future baby, so healthy food should be a priority. Consumption of Salak is good for young pregnant women who experience morning sickness. But do not consume too much of salak, balanced amount of protein-rich foods such as nuts must be consumed frequently.

Helps in Weight Loss : Due to high fiber and antioxidant content, Salak is a sought-after diet for weight management diets. Since salak consists of calcium and carbohydrates it provides necessary energy and stamina to the body while on diet. Its tea is a wonderful astringent that is beneficial in reducing weight.