Common names: Rose apple (general Name) or Wax Jambu, Zamb (in Konkani), Plum rose or Malabar plum (in English). Chambaka (Malayalam), Perala Hannu (Kannada) , Koya Palam / Jambakai ( Tamil)
Origin: Southeast Asia.
Scientific Name:Syzygium jambos
History of the Rose Apple Tree
Rose Apples are native to Malaysia and were first brought to Hawaii in 1852 from Brazil. The earliest known evidence of this apple in Florida dates back to sometime before 1877. They are one of the many fruits that bear the name apple, but it’s not part of the malus domestica family.
European fruit naming conventions often use the name apple to label any fruit that is close enough in resemblance to the malus domestica. Rose Apple, as a common name, applies to a variety of fruits from the same family.
These fruits are notoriously tricky to grow which makes the Rose Apple tree something of a specialty. You can commonly find these apple trees throughout North America, but they are typically not fruiting trees.
They are grown in climates too far north for these trees to bear fruit, but are used as ornamental decorations for gardens instead. Many people grow Rose Apple trees and their yards, but do not know that these are fruit bearing trees.
European fruit naming conventions often use the name apple to label any fruit that is close enough in resemblance to the malus domestica. Rose Apple, as a common name, applies to a variety of fruits from the same family.
These fruits are notoriously tricky to grow which makes the Rose Apple tree something of a specialty. You can commonly find these apple trees throughout North America, but they are typically not fruiting trees.
They are grown in climates too far north for these trees to bear fruit, but are used as ornamental decorations for gardens instead. Many people grow Rose Apple trees and their yards, but do not know that these are fruit bearing trees.
Rose Apple Tree Characteristics
Rose Apples have some very interesting characteristics.
These trees are occasionally just as small as shrubs, but often grow to around 40 feet in height. They also have a spread that can be wider than the tree is tall. All in all, this makes for one imposing and large tree.
These apple trees also have a few more unique characteristics. The leaves can grow up to 10 inches long and the fruit takes on a characteristic bell shape. A 40-foot tall tree with bell shaped fruit that can have a greater than 40 foot spread is quite the statement piece for any yard or garden.
Many of the ornamental rose trees grown in the United States are considerably smaller than this maximum height.
Planting Zones
Rose Apple trees are grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. While they can grow in much more northern climates, they are often unable to bear fruit with too much exposure to the cold.
Typically, the fruit-bearing versions of these trees are only grown in Florida and Hawaii. These are the only North American climates that are hot enough for the to produce the apple. Due to their restricted geographic range and the difficulty in growing them, the fruits are very rare.
Sunlight
As with many fruit trees, the Rose Apple tree is a full sunlight tree. This means that you’re going to want to plant this tree in an area that gets 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. Avoid planting this tree near taller plants that can overshadow it as well as large buildings.
Watering
Watering Rose Apple trees can be a little bit tricky. These trees tend to do better in areas that have a little bit more moisture than in drier climates. While these trees can handle slightly arid soil, perpetual droughts can quickly lead to serious problems with these trees.
What Does The Rose Apple Taste Like?
This apple has both an interesting texture as well as a unique flavor.
The texture of this fruit is very similar to that of a watermelon. It has a yielding flesh with a high water content making it incredibly juicy.
After you bite into a Rose Apple, you’ll first notice it’s interesting and fruity flavor. The Apple initially has a very sweet taste that has some citrus notes later on.
One thing you’ll notice about the eating experience is the interesting floral flavor that this fruit possesses. You might be able to guess this from its name, but many people say that this tastes like rose!
Cooking
Rose Apples can open up a whole new frontier for cooking.
These fruits are very difficult to find in North America. This means that they don’t have an established place in our culinary traditions. If you’re looking to break out into unexplored culinary territory, this is a fruit that you can make a lot of use out of.
These fruits are also staples in a variety of food cultures throughout the world. If you’re looking for an excuse to explore international cuisine, you can start growing Rose Apples in your yard.
Eating Raw
Yes. You can eat this fruit raw, provided that you can find one in your local market. One of the downsides of this particular type of fruit, and the single reason why it’s incredibly difficult to find in stores, is that it does not store very well.
A raw Rose Apple will start to go bad within several days of being picked. This means you’re going to want to cook or eat your fruit almost immediately. Remember that the seeds of this fruit can be toxic so make sure to remove those before enjoying.
Canning / Freezing / Drying
Rose Apples do not stand up very well to either canning or freezing. This means if you’re looking to preserve your fruit for the coming season, you’re going to want to dry them. You can find them dried online fairly easily. If you’re lucky enough to get these fresh, you can also try drying them on your own.
Here is a recipe for Deliciously Healthy Oven Baked Apple Chips that you can certainly use Rose Apples for.
Grasping the Culinary Power of the Rose Apple
You’re going to have to be a little adventurous if you want to start cooking with the Rose Apple.
One of the classic dishes that use this fruit to its fullest potential is a rice dish known as Chambakka Sadham. You’ll be able to find this recipe fairly easily online. You can also use this fruit to make a traditional kind of jam known as Chambakka jam.
Here is a great recipe idea for Chambakka wine. Also, check out this beautiful video showing the process of cooking rose apple fruit soup with seafood.
There are also a variety of other ways that you can use the fruit of the Rose Apple tree for an exciting new spin on your favorite recipes.
Health Benefits of the Rose Apple
This fruit is packed full of a variety of health benefits that you can enjoy whether you’re cooking or eating it raw.
As with most fruit, it is a great choice for people looking to get a sweet snack that doesn’t involve processed foods or refined sugars. You can easily switch out your go to sweet snacks with an apple for an added health boost. These apples are also rich in fiber as well as a variety of nutrients that can boost your immune system and heart health in addition to giving you a tasty treat.
Nutrition in Rose Apple :
Mineralsprotein0.5-0.7 gfat0.2-0.3 giron0.45-1.2 mgcalcium29-45.2 mgcarbohydrate14.2 gFiber1.1-1.9 gcalories56
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