Have You Tasted a Macopa ( Mountain Apple)?

When I was growing up in the Philippines (late 1930's), we have a macopa (tambis) tree in our backyard. Here in the US it is called Jambu Wax Apple or Mountain Apple.

I have not tasted the fruit since then. Recently a FB friend posted a picture of the macopa fruit( from her backyard) that aroused my interest and reminded me of the taste of this delicious fruit. The blog below list all of the tropical fruits growing abundantly in my orchard in Boac, Marinbduque. Needless to say, the macopa tree is not in the list.

I did some search and here's what I found: ( see reference).

Macopa – Syzygium samarangense – is a tropical fruit that grows very well in the Philippines. The fruit is bell shaped but the name macopa is from the Spanish word copa which means a goblet or wine glass. If you look at the fruit upside down it resembles a cup. The fruit has light fibers and one seed inside. The color is varied from light green to pink and red to dark maroon coloration. It is often the dark colored one that’s the sweetest of all.

The tree grows up to 12 meters and quite prolific when its time to flower. The flowers are white and keeps flowering even if some fruits are ripe, so you have a continuous supply of macopa all summer long.

The fruit is not so sweet compare to a regular apple, its actually a bit on the bland side. But it is a refreshing fruit and have enough moisture to quench your thirst. Besides, there are healthful benefits (https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/fruits/health-benefits-of-macopa-fruits) you can get from this macopa fruit. It contains vitamin C and other antioxidants which are considered cancer-fighters.

There is a fruit called “tambis” in other parts of the country. I’m sure it is in the same family as macopa with a slight difference in size and coloration. Here's also a short video of the fruit for your viewing pleasure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbqabzKaykc

Reference: http://www.maribehlla.com/fruits/macopamountain-apple-2/

*The blog below listed all the fruit trees in my orchard in Amoingon, Boac, Philippines.

planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2013/10/tropical-fruits-in-gardens-of-chateau.html