Longan

For those who care to give a fig about their health, Cambodia offers a fruity bonanza (a bananza!!). Cambodia’s massive range of fresh, fragrant fruits in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, green, brown, pink and purple, can be found piled high at every market. They’re not only delicious, but also come packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are essential to a healthy and balanced diet. So we’ve cherry picked some of our favourites to give you a run-down on just how lusciously good they really are. Durian Known as “Thouren” in Khmer, durian is frequently called the “King” of tropical fruits. It’s recognisable from a great distance thanks to its relatively huge size and distinctively mud-green, spiky rind. And some prefer their observations to rest entirely there, at a great distance, thanks to the durian’s famously stinky flesh. Its fragrance is so pungent, penetrating and persistent that it is famously barred from hotels, public spaces and transport all over Asia. Whatever about getting caught in a lift, imagine being stuck on a plane next to one. But if you’re able to pinch your nose and put the matter of the ‘perfume’ to one side, it is possible to join the ranks of very serious durian fans. This is the Marmite of fruits: people either hate it (from their distance vantage point), or they love it once they’ve tasted it. Durian’s fragrance is so strong, and distinctive, that it is famously banned from hotels, transport and other public places. While opinions about the aroma can vary, it is widely agreed that the flesh is nonetheless very, very tasty. Peeling away the layer of short, hard thorns reveals the soft, creamy-yellow flesh inside that can be cut into segments and eaten raw or mixed into desserts. Early in the durian’s season, which runs from May until June, it’s also possible to cook it into a curry like jackfruit. The fruit itself is packed full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals that it is considered one of the most nutritious fruits in the world. It’s also rich in antioxidants, and all their healing powers. In Cambodia, all parts of the durian tree – leaves, skin, roots and fruit – are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including fever, jaundice and skin conditions. Research is currently being done on durian nut flours for making high-energy and protein outputs. The rind contains compounds that have antibacterial properties. Coconut Another staple of the Cambodian diet, coconut is a regular sight on Cambodia’s streets where vendors pile them in pyramids ready for immediate consumption to cool down on a hot day. The juice of young coconuts is incredibly refreshing, and may be exactly what you need if you’re dehydrated. The clear sweet water contains the electrolytes your body needs in order to stimulate its ability to absorb water. Ironically, when you’re dehydrated, your body’s capacity to absorb liquid is depleted. While it is not more hydrating than plain water, water on its own can’t trigger the body’s mechanisms for absorption as efficiently as coconut water can. The flesh of these young fruits is sweeter and slicker than the flesh of a mature coconut, but it is also highly beneficial, rich in minerals and vitamins, and contains some powerful antioxidants Mangosteen The mangosteen, called “Meangkhout” in Khmer, is an exquisite fruit. Composed of either five or seven dazzling white wedges with a sublime sweet, tart and juicy taste wrapped up in a rind that scarcely be duller or more unappealing. Secret trick: if you want to impress someone, or win a bet though that would be devious, make a bet on how many segments are inside. The number will always match the number of “petals” on the little flower-like stub at the bottom of the fruit. Mangosteen has unique antioxidant properties. It contains several nutrients with antioxidant capacities, including an antioxidant powerhouse, xanthone. Studies have demonstrated serious benefits from daily consumption of mangosteen. Lychee Called “Koulen” in Khmer, the lychee is small, round and spiny and red on the outside with translucent, pearly white flesh wrapped around a hard, dark seed on the inside. In Asia, lychees will only grow in a narrow band of territory stretching across South and Southeast Asia. They were once highly desired by the courtiers of a suite of Chinese dynasties. In the 1st Century, a special courier service run by especially swift horses was created to transport fresh lychees from Canton to the Imperial Court in the north. A single glass of fresh lychee juice contains more than twice the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. It is also a good source of copper. Moreover, lychees have a high concentration of antioxidants which can help to minimise cancer, heart disease, diabetes and ageing. Definitely one to linger over. Longan Known as ‘Mean’ in the Khmer language, the longan is another small, round, sweet tropical fruit and is part of the lychee family. It is less striking than the lychee though, with a dull, ruddy and brittle shell, but once peeled, the snow-white flesh is silky and sweet, though perhaps not as sweetly flavoured as its cousin, the lychee. The longan’s advantage though is that it is easier to grow, and ripens longer and later than the lychee. The shiny black seed in the centre has helped to give rise to the nickname, “dragons eye”. Longan is rich in vitamin C and polyphenols. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve appetite, reduce fever and fight parasitic infections. Rambutan Another close relation of the lychee, rambutan, known as ‘Saomao’ in Khmer, has a unique appearance, with a ruddy outer shell that is covered with thick the outer skin being a squishy ruddy-pink shell that is covered with thick, lime-green hairs. The sweet, succulent flesh is translucent white, and contains a small stone. Rambutan is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds and offers health benefits … Read more