Rattan Fruit or Littuko is a rarity in Southeast Asia. I've traveled all over the region and hardly see the "fruits" in abundance. It's scaly, as though they come from snakes or some other reptile. You peel them like you do with lansones and out pops a triumvirate of clustered pods with the sourest taste this side of Datu Puti. While I love fruits, these are another matter.
Online research reveals that, and I quote,
"The fruit of some rattans exudes a red resin called dragon's blood. This resin was thought to have medicinal properties in
antiquity and was also used as a dye for violins, among other things." Red resin, I didn't notice, except for the stains at the bottom of the fruit stalk, but the fruit inside is fleshy, almost transparent. "Dragon's blood" sounds interesting though, and I'd love to know the origin of such terms.
I'd probably acquire the taste after a hundred pieces. But allow me not to wait for a hundred.
This is the Eye in the Sky!
Hello, very interesting information. The photos are lovely. I have not seen this fruit
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Thanks. It isn't very common.
ReplyDeleteHave to try this when I come back to Davao.
ReplyDeleteThese are rarely found even in Davao.
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