Introduction of Lillypilly fruit
Scientific name - Syzygium luehmannii
Syzygium luehmannii commonly known as Lillypilly is a medium-sized coastal tropical forest tree inhabitant to Australia. Commonly grown for the edible fruit, they are an ornament tree in addition. Some of the other names include: Riberry, Small Leaved Lilly Pilly, Cherry Satinash, Cherry Alder, or Clove Lilli Pilli. The fruit of this tree is known as Ribbery and it matures from December to February; being a pear shaped red berry, they grow to 13 mm long, covering a single seed, 4 mm in diameter. Flanked by the Macleay River in New South Wales to near Cairns in tropical Queensland, they grow on volcanic soils; they are sometimes deep and sandy.
Nutritional Value of Lillypilly fruit
Vitamins | value |
Energy | 325kJ / 100gm |
H2O | 82 gm / 100 gm |
Protein | 0.9 gm / 100 gm |
Fat | 0.4 gm / 100 gm |
Carbohydrates | 18.4 gm / 100 gm |
Total Sugar | 3.3 gm / 100 gm |
Fibre | 6.8 gm / 100 gm |
Na | 11 mg |
K | 250 mg |
Mg | 48 mg |
Ca | 100mg |
Fe | 0.9 mg |
Zn | 0.2 mg |
Cu | 0 |
In general, the fruit is used to make a jam that has a unique flavor and it is commonly used in other items like sauces, syrups and confectionaries. Loaded with high levels of essential oils, in order to bring the culinary attributes, it is recommended that the fruit is consumed with other ingredients. They are also added to fruit salads, savory salads, ice creams, salsas, pureed and used as a soak for meats and seafood and served flanking hard cheeses, such as cheddar, manchego and aged gouda.
Botanically classified as Syzygium Australe, there are more than 50 Lilly Pilly species and each tree bears fruits that vary in color, size and flavor. The most fit for human consumption species of Lilly Pilly berries, Syzygium luehmannii, also happens to be the sweetest one.
Health Benefits of Lillypilly fruit
L. Pilly was used by the native aborigines for its anti-bacterial properties. In addition, it also had great healing components present in it. Rich in vitamin C, it has good astringent properties that improve the firmness of the skin which in turn helps your skin look radiant and youthful.