Batuan ,an unfamous fruit.

*** Riddle: There are many fruits in the forest _but one _ is the best.What fruit is it??
Answer: Batuan ( but one )

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Many Filipinos are not aware of the existence of this fruit.But, Batuan for the Ilonggos is the best ingredient that makes their dish distinct from other cuisines.It is the best souring ingredient for sinigang, KBL (kadyos,langka, baboy ) , and pinamalhang isda.

Batuan is usually grown in highland areas since it needs to have a low temperature to grow. Nowadays, people in lowland areas are trying to grow them as well.It's seasonal and you could rarely see vendors selling them in Metro Manila markets.I always miss cooking using this rare fruit.

Batuan is rich in Vit. C, my children just wash the fruits and eat them directly.Its fruity sourness is addictive and makes my mouth water just thinking about how it tastes. Batuan is a counterpart of Tamarind for the Tagalogs.

This is ginataang kalabasa with shrimp and I use batuan instead of tomatoes.It gives you tickling flavor that refreshes your senses. ( I'm exaggerated with my explanation )But yes, It is.I am not using any artificial flavorings at home.That's why I'm very picky about what I have to use to spice up the foods I'm feeding my family.

Aside from giving your dish a satisfying taste, there are some studies claiming that Batuan could help prevent diabetes and obesity.But I am just using it to any recipe that uses a souring agent.

*****Things to Ponder ****
Although we Ilonggos would love to claim batuan as endemic to us, it is not only abundant in Negros and Panay but in most parts of the Philippines as well. Our batuan is also called ballok (Benguet); balikot (Ilocos Norte); bangkok (Zambales); bilukao (Rizal, Bataan, Batangas, Camarines); binukao (Laguna, Bataan, Batangas, Camarines); buragris (Camarines); kamangsi (Tayabas); kandis (Palawan); kamurai; kulilem (Cagayan); and maninila (Albay). Batuan also grows abundantly in Vietnam where it is called binucao.

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