Chempedak Tree (榴莲蜜)

Description

Chempedak (Artocarpus integer) is a tropical fruit closely related to jackfruit and native to Southeast Asia, especially found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and southern Thailand. It is highly prized for its unique aroma and sweet, custard-like flavor.

Fruit Shape & Appearance

• The fruit is elongated or cylindrical, often slightly curved.

• It resembles a smaller jackfruit, with green to yellowish-brown skin covered in small spikes when mature.

• The inside contains bulb-like pods of edible flesh surrounding each seed.

 Fruit Weight

• Typically weighs between 1.5 to 3 kg (some can reach up to 5 kg).

• Smaller and more slender than jackfruit but denser in flavor.

Harvest Time

• Varies by region but generally harvested during the rainy season, typically between June and August, and sometimes again in December to January in certain areas.

• Fruits mature about 3–4 months after flowering.

Taste & Texture

• The flesh is soft, creamy, and fibrous, with a rich, sweet, and musky flavor.

• The taste is often described as a mix of jackfruit, banana, and durian, with a buttery texture and strong aroma.

• Can be eaten raw or deep-fried in batter, which is a popular street food in Malaysia and Indonesia.