Jambul

Jamun fruits are also known as Jaam, Jambul, Java plum, Jambolan, Nerale, and Mahaphala and are often planted throughout neighborhoods, in home landscapes. Jamun fruits are small, averaging 1 to 5 centimeters in length, and bear an oblong to ovoid shape with curved, blunt ends. The fruit’s skin is thin, smooth, glossy, and taut, appearing in several shades depending on maturity. Jamun fruits are green when young, transitioning to variegated hues of green, pink, red, and finally, to a dark purple, almost black hue when ripe. Underneath the surface, the flesh ranges in color from pink to white and is aqueous, tender, and succulent, encasing a hard and rough, green-purple seed that should be discarded before consumption. Jamun fruits have a subtly sweet, tart, and sour flavor followed by an astringent aftertaste. The sweetness will vary per fruit, and it is important to note that when consumed, the juice of the fruit will stain the lips and mouth, sometimes lasting for several hours.