Monstera Deliciosa Fruit & Its Health Benefits

Monstera deliciosa is a tropical climbing fruit-bearing plant that is native to humid temperatures. They bear fruit if grown outdoors otherwise as an indoor plant it doesn't produce fruit.

Generally, new fruits start during Summer and if the fruit has already formed it ripens during this month too.

Monstera deliciosa is otherwise called fruit salad plant, wild honey, Swiss cheese plant,  Japanese pineapple, and Penglai banana. All these names have been given to this plant according to the taste of its fruit. 

There is a faint tartness to the fruit, but it is not sour or astringent. The kernels have a stiff texture, some sliminess, and are juicier when cut.

The fruit generally ripens in 10-14 months which obviously takes a lot of time so you need to have some patience if you want to taste the fruit. 

The fruit should not be consumed when they are unripe as they possess calcium oxalate crystals and will impart irritation and tingling sensation in your mouth.

The best way to know whether the fruit is ready to eat is when the scales of the fruit fall off easily and the fruit gives a sweet fruity scent.

If the fruit becomes overripe then it gives a foul smell of fermentation which obviously nobody will like to eat. 

Nutritional value and Health benefits

In a 2.2 kg fruit or 335 calories/pounds, there is 1.18% protein, 2% fat, 57% fibre, 85% Ash, 16.19% Sugar and 77.88% moisture. 

These are low in calories and contain high amounts of vitamin C and Potassium like many other fruits. Minimal consumption of this fruit is good for health.

Previously the root infusions of this plant were used against arthritis pain and snake bites too. Some parts were used as a remedy for cough, cold, and fever in China. 

But consuming this fruit in large amounts might upset your stomach causing diarrhea and gas.

However, in one of the research papers, it has been published that this plant has some antidiabetic compounds in its extracts.

Conclusion

A raw Monstera deliciosa fruit can be stored in a brown paper bag along with a banana in order to make it ripe. In a week it will start to ripen. You can keep the fruit for a year in the freezer. 

You can make various delicious recipes with this fruit such as Jam. It can be used in baked foods due to its easy blend with other fruits like banana, pineapple etc. 

The kernels can be used in fruit salads and smoothies and surprisingly Monstera is also known as the “fruit salad plant” due to its beautiful blend of flavors.

So one should definitely try their hands to grow this beautiful and versatile plant at their own house and enjoy its beauty.