Health tip # 66

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a species of flowering plant native to tropical rain forests of southern Mexico, south to Colombia. The name is derived from ‘monstrous’ in reference to the size it grows and deliciosa means “delicious”, referring to the edible fruit.

It has a taste similar to Banana and Pineapple mixed together. Some also say it has a fruity taste similar to jack-fruit and pineapple. The fruit must only be eaten mature when the outer green sections fall of their own accord to reveal a white interior flesh on a hard core.

This tropical fruit plant is found mostly in the southern and western parts of India commonly as a house plant.

• Monstera Deliciosa Fruit is full of large amounts of Vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant that keeps away disease.
• The fruit can be is eaten raw after fully ripen, can be made into jellies and jams, and also used in ice creams, sherbets.
• It is said that it tastes different on different day. First day of the day it is picked would taste like guava, third day would be like lychee….. 9th day is suggested to eat for its best flavor and taste.

Note: Consuming too much of the fruit has been known to cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and gas. The outer substance is toxic fresh and, if eaten, makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if hundreds of small needles are digging in to them.