Local Fruits

Mangoes

Mangoes, originally uploaded by tidaknama.

Mangoes are a favourite just as it is so sweet and colourful. A local "pencuci mulut" or literally to wash the mouth ie. Dessert. Serve chilled. There are many types of mangos and all have a slightly different shape and taste. These are elephant tusk mangoes.

Mango with Asam Spices, originally uploaded by tidaknama.

There are many ways to enjoy mangoes. These mango slices are sprinkled with asam and sugar spices wwo give it an extra tangy taste. Very nice indeed.

Dokong

Dokong, originally uploaded by tidaknama.

Ah another classic local fruit. There are many types, the langsat, dokong and duku langsat. This is the Dokong which is larger and comes in bunches. It has a sweet,mildly sappy flesh.

Lychees

Lychees, originally uploaded by tidaknama.

Although Lychees are not a local Malaysian fruit, they are commonly imported from China and sold here. Sweet and juicy

Pomalos

Pomalos, originally uploaded by tidaknama.

Pomalos are like big oranges. It has a very special sweet taste however its hard to get a good pomalo. Do not buy the ones with the red colouring as they are bitter. Get the pale white coloured ones inside. Best just to ask the seller to let you try a slice first.

Durians

My Durian
Originally uploaded by doctorchan.

One thing peculiar to Malaysia is the Durian, the reputable King of Fruits. It's thorny exterior protects a yellow creamy flesh not unlike custard except for it's overpowering smell. You either love it or hate it. Well I love it, and that�s why I am awake at 4am. The durian is actually very rich in carbohydrates and ferments in your tummy leaving you hot and sweaty through the night. Normally during this durian season from May to June, diabetic gluciose control goes out the window. More cases of gout and peptic ulcers are reported. Why? Because it tastes sooo good!

Durian Vitamins!

Durian Nutritional Characteristics(average per 100 grams)

calories 134-153
carotene (Vit. A) 20-30 IU
moisture 58-70 g
thiamin (Vit. B1) 0.20-0.28 mg
protein 2.0-3.3 g
riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.10-0.28 mg
carbohydrates 30.0-36.1 g
niacin 0.68-1.1 mg
fat 1.2-4.3 g
Vitamin C 23-62 mg
calcium 7.4-18 mg
Vitamin E "high"
phosphorus 27-56 mg
trace minerals "many"
iron 0.73-2.0 mg

Info from

Durianplace.com

Exotic Mangosteens

Exotic Mangosteens, originally uploaded by tidaknama.


Diabetic Sugar Control During Fruit Seasons
Originally uploaded by docfiles.

Eating in Penang is not complete without a taste of its exotic fruits. June is the season for Durians and Mangosteens. Mangosteens are unique. Firstly it is the purple cardboard like skin that you have to crush between your palms to open. Careful as the purple stains are difficult to remove.

Then it reveals its moist white flesh in segments lie an orange inside. The taste is hard to describe. It has that tangy slightly sour bite of pineapples with a milky sweetness.