Mombin

What Is Mombin?

Mombin (species in the genus Spondias) is a plum-like fruit that grows in tropical and subtropical regions; in English, it is known as “hog plum.” It comes in different colors and varieties, including yellow and red mombin.

Inside its thin skin is juicy, sweet-tart flesh and a large, fibrous seed. It is eaten fresh, but because of its tangy flavor it is more often used in juice, jam, and sauces.

Mombin Nutrition Facts

Like juicy tropical fruits, mombin is moderate in calories, with about 65 kcal per 100 g. It has a high water content and contains vitamin C and fiber. The values are approximate and based on a similar fruit profile.

What Are the Benefits of Mombin?

With its water, vitamin C, and fiber, mombin can be part of a balanced diet rich in fruit.

This is general information; mombin is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Mombin

Good mombin has bright yellow or red skin, yields slightly to gentle pressure, and smells sweet and tangy. Avoid fruit that is overly soft, wrinkled, or fermented.

• The skin should be bright yellow or red.
• The fruit should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Avoid wrinkled or fermented fruit.

How to Store Mombin

Let unripe mombin ripen at room temperature. Ripe fruit softens quickly, so store it in the refrigerator for a few days and use it soon, or make juice or jam with it.

Using Mombin in the Kitchen

Mombin is most often used in juice, jam, jelly, and tangy sauces; it is also eaten fresh as a snack when ripe. In some regions, the unripe green fruit is eaten as a snack with salt and spices.

How to Eat Mombin

Ripe mombin can be washed and bitten into with the skin on; eat the juicy flesh around the large seed. To make juice, separate the flesh from the seed and strain it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mombin a true plum?

No. Although it resembles a plum, it belongs to a different plant family. Because of its appearance and flavor, it is also called a “tropical plum.”

What does mombin taste like?

It has a juicy, sweet-tart, refreshing flavor. It becomes sweeter as it ripens, while unripe fruit is more sour.

Can you eat the mombin seed?

No. The large, fibrous seed inside is not eaten; the juicy flesh around it is.