Dutch Eggplant Is Not Eggplant from the Netherlands. [Find Out About The Health Benefits.]

Have you ever heard of a fruit called "Dutch Eggplant"? Actually this fruit is more commonly known as Tamarillo.

Tamarillo in Indonesia is called the "Terong Belanda". Terong = Eggplant, Belanda = Dutch. But actually the fruit that is still included in the eggplant family is not from the Netherlands. Then why do Indonesians call it "Dutch eggplant"?

Let's discuss the origins of mentioning Tamarillo in Indonesia, and will also discuss the natural benefits of this exotic fruit.

Tamarillo Brought by the Dutch Army to Indonesia

Tamarillo is said by Indonesians to be a fruit related to the Dutch because of the origin of the spread of the fruit.

In 1941, the Dutch army brought Tamarillo to Indonesia to be cultivated. Then Tamarillo was first cultivated in Indonesia, in the Bogor region which is a plateau with cool air.

Currently it is not easy to find this exotic fruit in various markets or on the drink menu list in the restaurant. But, we can easily find Tamarillo if visiting North Sumatra. This is because Tamarillo which is cultivated in the Karo highlands, Berastagi, North Sumatra is quite popular to produce Tamarillo which is even exported to various other countries.

Fun Facts About Tamarillo

• Scientific name: Solanum Betaceum

• Originally from Latin America

Tamarillo is believed to have originated from Latin America, Peruvian Andes, Bolivia, Ecuador, and possibly Chile.

Now the Tamarillo tree has been an important commercial crop in New Zealand since the 1920s.

• A combination of passion fruit and tomatoes

In general, Tamarillo does look like an eggplant fruit, but with an oval shape exactly egg. In some areas, Tamarillo is also called "Tomato Tree."

Tamarillo fruit is orange and sometimes purple. Tamarillo is also seen as a combination of passion fruit and tomatoes. That is why it tastes sweeter, tangy and tart.

• Bitter skin
  Unlike tomatoes and eggplants, Tamarillo has a bitter skin. That is why it is required to peel the skin when consume it.

Natural Benefits of Tamarillo

Tamarillo has been shown to help the heart, eyes, metabolism and more. Every 100 grams of Tamarillo there are 85 grams of water, 1.5 grams of protein, 0.006-1.28 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1.4-4.2 grams of fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. This fruit also contains flavonoids that are known as an antioxidant to fight various chronic diseases.

Tamarillo is a good source for various vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2, and B6, beta carotene, chlorogenic acid, potassium, and anthocyanins.

Health benefits of Tamarillo In Indonesia, the most popular, known as a fruit that treats anemia and maintains eye health, is usually enjoyed by making juice.

• Treating Anemia

Tamarillo is rich in iron which is useful for treating anemia. The minerals contained in it contribute to regulating and promoting the production of red blood cells. Tamarillo also helps fight signs of anemia such as fatigue and dizziness.

• Eye Health Supports

Beta-carotene has been shown to combat age-related macular degeneration, while vitamin A deficiency is linked to eye trouble.

Vitamin A is important for good vision, a strong immune system and important cell growth and development.

Tamarillo contains vitamin A, it may help give those eyes the ability to see more clearly. It is the beta-carotene form of vitamin A in particular that comes from plants, such as tamarillo.

Beta-carotene, or vitamin A, is an antioxidant. Through the consumption of this useful antioxidant, the body can be given a boost to help acquire and maintain good health.

Tamarillo juice is worth to try

The sour taste of Tamarillo is indeed very unique. At first, glance also resembles the taste of passion fruit. In North Sumatra, even Tamarillo is paired with passion fruit as a regional specialty juice.

Usually, I make Tamarillo juice by adding a little sugar to decrease the sour and make it feel fresh! This is worth to try.

Besides, In Indonesia, Tamarillo is only popularly consumed as a juice. But from various sources that I read, Tamarillo can be used as a complement to salads, made into sauce, and made into jam.

Final Thoughts

Tamarillo is popularly used as a juice and can be mixed with other fruits that have the same antioxidant elements, such as plums, tomatoes, oranges, or peaches.

Tamarillo is quite exotic with its sexy fresh taste! Worth a try if you find this fruit in your area. It's nice to enjoy Tamarillo juice in hot weather, feels like a nice summer.

References:

• Top 5 Tamarillo Fruit Benefits for the Heart, Eyes & More. By Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS

• Tamarillo nutrition facts

• Ternyata Terong Belanda Tak Berasal dari Belanda

• Asal-usul Terong Belanda

All Images Are My Own Properties

Keep Steem On!

Regards,
A Content Writer and A Social Media Manager From Indonesia