If you’re not a fan of snakes, this fruit may give you the heebee geebees because that’s exactly what the snake fruit is like. It has reddish-brown scaly skin and holds a sweet and sour taste inside.
The taste of snake fruit is a tropical flavor combined with pineapple and banana, with a hint of tartness that tickles your taste buds.
But snake fruit isn’t just about the taste. It’s a journey, an experience. Every step is part of the adventure, from peeling off its scaly skin to savoring its succulent pulp.
How Does Snake Fruit Taste?
The taste of snake fruit is a unique blend of sweet and sour, with a citrusy undertone that adds a refreshing twist. The texture is another part of the experience. It’s similar to an apple, with a slight crunch that gives way to a juicy pulp.
Types Of Snake Fruit
- Salak Pondoh: This variety is known for its sweet taste and hint of tartness. It’s the most popular variety and is often used in desserts.
- Salak Bali: This type has a stronger sour taste, which makes it perfect for those who like a bit of tang in their fruit.
- Salak Condet: This variety is smaller in size and has a more balanced sweet and sour flavor.
Comparing Snake Fruit With Other Fruits
- Pineapple: Snake fruit has a sweet and sour flavor similar to pineapple but without intense acidity.
- Apple: The texture of snake fruit is similar to an apple, with a slight crunch and juicy pulp.
- Banana: Some people find the taste of snake fruit to be similar to a ripe banana but with a more complex flavor profile.
Do Snake Fruits Taste Good?
The freshness of the fruit plays a significant role in its taste. As the fruit ripens, the sweetness becomes more pronounced, which can be a bit overwhelming for some.
If you do not like overly sweet fruits, you might want to stick to the fresh ones. But don’t let that deter you from trying it out.
You can always freeze the fruit if you find it too ripe for your liking. Freezing preserves the fruit and tones down the sweetness a bit, giving it a more balanced flavor.
What Does Snake Fruit Look Like?
Snake fruit is quite distinctive in appearance. It’s not your usual round or oval-shaped fruit. It’s more akin to a fig or a date in shape.
The skin is what sets it apart. It’s reddish-brown, scaly, and resembles the skin of a snake, hence the name.
When you’re out buying snake fruit, look for ones that have firm, unblemished skin. The scales should be tight and not peeling off. If there are any signs of mold or if the fruit feels too soft, it’s best to pass.
The key to enjoying snake fruit is freshness. The fresher the fruit, the better the taste.
Do Snake Fruits Have Seeds?
Yes, snake fruits do have seeds. Each fruit typically contains one to two seeds, depending on the size and variety of the fruit.
The seeds are quite large and take up a significant portion of the fruit. They’re hard, dark brown, and somewhat resemble a large watermelon seed.
The seeds are not edible. They’re too hard to chew and don’t have much flavor. So, when you’re enjoying a snake fruit, it’s best to discard the seeds.
How To Make Snake Fruit Taste Good
While snake fruit has a unique flavor that’s enjoyable on its own, you can enhance its taste in a few ways.
- Choose the right fruit: The taste of snake fruit can vary greatly depending on its ripeness. Choose a fruit that’s slightly soft to the touch for a sweeter taste. If you prefer a more tart flavor, go for a firmer fruit.
- Chill it: Snake fruit tastes great when it’s chilled. The cool temperature can help tone down the sweetness and bring out the fruit’s refreshing tartness.
- Pair it with the right foods: Snake fruit pairs well with a variety of foods. Try eating it with some cheese or nuts for a delicious snack.
Remember, the key to enjoying snake fruit is experimenting and discovering your favorite way to enjoy this exotic fruit.
How To Use Snake Fruit In Recipes And Side Dishes
Snake fruit is not just a snack. Here are some popular recipes and side dishes where snake fruit shines:
Recipes
- Snake Fruit Salsa: This is a tropical twist on the classic salsa. The sweet and sour flavor of snake fruit pairs well with the heat of jalapenos. Just chop up some snake fruit, add diced onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a refreshing topping for grilled fish or chicken.
- Snake Fruit Smoothie: Try a snake fruit smoothie for a refreshing drink. Blend snake fruit with some yogurt, honey, and ice. The result is a creamy, tangy smoothie that’s perfect for a hot day.
- Snake Fruit Salad: Add some diced snake fruit to your favorite salad for a tropical twist. The tartness of the fruit balances out the richness of creamy dressings.
Side Dishes
- Snake Fruit Chutney: This sweet and tangy condiment goes well with grilled meats. Cook snake fruit with some sugar, vinegar, and spices until it becomes a thick sauce. It’s a great way to add flavor to your meals.
- Snake Fruit Pickles: Pickled snake fruit is a unique side dish that’s sure to impress. The tartness of the fruit works well with the tang of the pickling liquid. It’s a crunchy, tangy treat that’s perfect as a side dish or a snack.
Snake Fruit FAQs
How Do You Eat Snake Fruit?
To eat snake fruit, you must first peel off the scaly skin. Once peeled, you’ll find the flesh inside comes in three lobes, each containing a large seed. The flesh is the edible part and you should discard the seeds.
Can You Eat Snake Fruit Skin?
No, the skin of the snake fruit is not edible. It’s tough and scaly and not pleasant to eat. Always peel the skin before eating the fruit.
How Do You Know When Snake Fruit Is Ripe?
Ripe snake fruit is slightly soft to the touch. The scales on the skin should be tight and not peeling off. Also, a ripe snake fruit has a sweet aroma.
My Tasty Thoughts
I think snake fruit is worth checking out if you can. Its unique flavor, a mix of sweet, sour, and tart, is something you won’t find in many other fruits. It’s a refreshing change from the usual fruits.
However, snake fruit is not readily available in all grocery stores. You might have to look for it in specialty stores or online. Also, its unique flavor might not appeal to everyone. But don’t let that stop you.
Trying new foods is part of the fun of cooking. So, if you get the chance, give snake fruit a try. You might just find a new favorite fruit!
