Have you ever heard of a fruit that looks
like snake skin? Yes, that fruit is called snake fruit. Scientifically,
it is known as Salacca. This unique fruit is wrapped in a scaly reddish-brown
skin that looks like snake scales. No need to fear. There is a sweet and tangy
flesh inside the fruit. It tastes like a mix of pineapple, banana, and
honey. The fruit is full of valuable nutrients and has many surprising
health benefits. It is native to Southeast Asia. If you wish, you
can grow snake fruit in your home. Are you interested in knowing more
about this fruit? So, let's enter the fascinating world of snake fruit.
Snake Fruit
What Is Snake Fruit?
Snake fruit is an excellent fruit. It
originates from Java and Sumatra islands in Indonesia. It has been cultivated
there for centuries. History shows that it was enjoyed by royalty in the
ancient kingdom of Java. In course of time, its cultivation spread to other
Southeast Asian countries and became a favorite fruit in these countries. Now
it is grown in many parts of the world.
Snake Fruit Nutrition
Snake fruit is full of many valuable
nutrients. It contains calories, water, protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber,
fat, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, iron etc. However, these nutrients may
vary slightly depending on the specific variety of snake fruit.
Snake Fruit Benefits
Snake fruit or Salacca has many health
benefits. It is packed with valuable antioxidants. It boosts the immune system,
keeps skin healthy, prevents anemia, helps digestion, regulates bowel
movements, and keeps the heart healthy. Besides, it is a refreshing and
hydrating snack because of its low-calorie and high-water content.
Read More
How to Grow Snake Fruit
Generally, snake fruit growing is very
easy. If you wish, you can grow snake fruit in your home garden. Now let's
learn the easiest way to grow snake fruit step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Know the Best Time to Plant Snake Fruit
Usually, snake fruit is planted during the
rainy season. The best time to plant snake fruit is April to October. It grows
well at temperatures of 20-30°C or 68-86°F.
2. Select Soil
Well-drained and slightly acidic soil is
good for snake fruit. Usually, a sandy loam or clay loam soil with good organic
manure is needed for growing snake fruit. So, choose this type of soil.
3. Plant Snake Fruit
Snake fruit is grown by seeds or by
cuttings from mature plants. So, germinate seeds or collect snake fruit plants
from the nursery. Then dig a hole twice the root ball for each seedling and
plant it 8-10 feet apart.
4. Water Properly
Sufficient watering is necessary for snake
fruit during the dry season. So, water the snake fruit plants occasionally to
keep the soil moist. But don't water them excessively.
5. Fertilize
Apply potassium-rich fertilizer to snake
fruit for the growth of the plants. In this case, you can apply cow dung cake
tea or leaf rot water to the plants. Take a glass of cow dung cake tea or leaf
rot water, mix it with 10 glasses of normal water and give a glass of that
water to each plant.
6. Prune the Tree
For good air circulation, you must prune
the unnecessary and dry leaves of the snake fruit tree regularly.
7. Control Diseases and Pests
Anthracnose (dark spots on fruits), leaf
spot (yellow-brown spots), and powdery mildew (white powdery growth) are
the main diseases of snake fruit. Control them by spraying copper fungicides,
neem oil, and pruning. On the other hand, fruit flies, mealybugs, scale
insects, and caterpillars are the culprits of star fruit. Control them by
managing traps, natural predators, and organic sprays.
8. Harvest Snake Fruit
Snake fruit is harvested when the pulp of
the fruit turns reddish-brown. You will pull the snake fruits from the trees by
twisting them gently. In this way, you can harvest snake fruit easily.
Finally, snake fruit is a magical
beneficial fruit. It is a favorite fruit of all for its unique flavor. If you
want to grow this fruit in your home garden, follow the instructions in the
article. I think you will be successful in growing and getting a bumper yield
of snake fruit. No doubt, from this article, you have got a clear idea about
snake fruit. Now grow snake fruit and enjoy its fascinating taste. If
you like the article, don't forget to comment below.
Do you want to grow snake fruit? Go to your local market or
order online to collect snake fruit plants.
Related Posts
