Tag: Santol

Botanically, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, which contains the seed or seeds. Santol, known scientifically as *Sandoricum koetjape*, is the textbook definition of a fruit, producing large, seed-containing orbs from its flowers. This tropical delicacy, often referred to as the cotton fruit, is unequivocally a fruit, not a vegetable, despite its various culinary applications.

A common misconception about sweet-tasting fruits is that they automatically have a high glycemic index, but santol breaks this stereotype. Because this tropical fruit is rich in dietary fiber, it is known to have a low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Native to maritime Southeast Asia, the santol fruit has a variety of English names that reflect its unique characteristics. It is most frequently referred to as 'cotton fruit' due to its fluffy, white pulp, but is also known by the intriguing name 'wild mangosteen'.

According to nutritional data, the tropical fruit santol, also known as cotton fruit, is indeed a rich source of potassium, with studies indicating a range of 156 to 328 milligrams per 100 grams of edible portion depending on the variety. This makes santol a significant dietary contributor of this essential mineral.

Santol, a popular fruit in Southeast Asia, is often touted for its health benefits, including a rich vitamin C content. However, when considering its mineral profile, the question often arises: does santol have iron and is it a meaningful source for your diet?

While many tropical fruits, including santol, are known for their nutritional value and contain soluble dietary fiber, the pectin content can vary significantly and affect its gelling capabilities. We examine if santol is high in pectin and what this means for using it in recipes requiring a gelling agent.

Multiple scientific reviews have highlighted that various parts of the santol plant (Sandoricum koetjape) contain bioactive compounds with marked anti-inflammatory properties. This evidence supports the fruit's long-standing use in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for treating inflammation.

Multiple reports from Southeast Asia have detailed cases of intestinal obstruction caused by swallowing the seeds of the santol fruit. While the seeds are highly dangerous, the pulp and rind of this popular tropical fruit are perfectly safe and nutritious when prepared properly.

According to traditional folk medicine, various parts of the santol tree possess anti-inflammatory properties, a testament to its long-held health virtues. The wide-ranging benefits of eating santol fruit are a result of its rich nutritional profile, offering everything from immune support to improved digestive wellness.