This is a slow-growing, evergreen tree from the genus Euphorbiaceae (phyllant) of the Baccorea species, can reach a height of 25 meters and has a crown up to 7 meters wide. The bunches have a rounded-elongated shape, there are large, yellowish-pink fruits, with a diameter of about 3.5 cm. When ripe, they melt red. The berry is divided into 3-4 slices with elongated seeds inside. The berry is filled with a non-transparent white pulp with good taste characteristics. If you cut the fruit, it will resemble garlic, mangosteen or langsat, and it tastes like a Chinese plum. Begins to bear fruit in April, which means that the crop can be harvested for the whole season, until the end of summer.
Burmese grapes have several varieties and differ from each other in the size and color of the fruit, which varies from cream to bright red with a purple hue. Among these varieties, there are varieties that have red fruits with red flesh and a sweet-sour taste. Such fruits in Thailand are called the most delicious exotic berries. The fruits of almost all types of this evergreen plant resemble ordinary grapes in aroma.
The only problem with these exotic fruits is that they cannot be stored for a long time, which makes them almost impossible to find on the shelves of stores in other countries. They simply cannot withstand long-term transportation. Freshly picked fruits retain their presentation for no more than 5 days, then they darken and begin to disappear.
This unique tree grows mainly in Thailand, although some species can be found in Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, South China and India.
Benefits of Burmese Grapes
Burmese grapes are rich in vitamins C, phosphorus, iron, calcium and magnesium. For medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant are used - leaves, fruit pulp, fruit gruel. They make ointments for, for the treatment of skin diseases, prepare tinctures and decoctions. The presence of certain beneficial substances allows the use of teas prepared from this plant to improve the functioning of the stomach, heart and kidneys. These fruits help with arthritis and gout.
Growing
This plant is very capricious and its cultivation in our conditions is very problematic. For its normal evolution, a lot of light, high humidity and appropriate temperature are required. As practice shows, seeds give amicable shoots and, reaching a height of 10-15 cm, their growth practically stops. Some amateur gardeners still manage to create the appropriate conditions for this tree.
Cooking use
Due to the fact that Burmese grapes are poorly stored, it is better to use it fresh, to make non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, to cook preserves, jellies, and jams. But, paradoxically, it is stewed in a pan with the addition of various seasonings - nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, orange and lemon juice. To do this, the fruits are cut into components (slices) and poured into the pan and covered with a lid. Season with seasonings before being ready. It goes well with grapes, pomegranate, kiwi, tomato, lychee, etc.
The only restriction in the use of this fruit can be individual intolerance.
Jaboticaba
This interesting tree is somewhat similar to Burmese grapes with the same difference that the fruits do not grow on the branches, but directly on the tree trunk. It grows in Brazil and is called the Brazilian grape tree. It is a very rare but delicious exotic fruit. The fruit is almost the same size as the fruit of the Burmese grapes, dark purple in color. Not cultivated due to very slow growth process.
