Mombin

What Is Mombin?

Mombin (species of the genus Spondias) is a fruit resembling a plum, grown in tropical and subtropical regions; it is known in English as “hog plum”. There are varieties and colors such as yellow mombin and red mombin.

Inside its thin skin is a juicy, sweet-sour flesh and a large, fibrous seed. Besides being eaten fresh, its tart taste means it is more often used in juices, jams and sauces.

Nutritional Value of Mombin

Like juicy tropical fruits, mombin is moderate in calories with approximately 65 kcal energy per 100 grams; it contains high water, vitamin C and fiber. Values are approximate, based on a similar fruit profile.

What Are the Benefits of Mombin?

With its water, vitamin C and fiber content, mombin can be part of a balanced, fruit-forward diet.

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

How to Choose Mombin?

Good mombin is a fruit with a vivid yellow or red skin, that softens slightly under light pressure and smells sweet-tart. Overly soft, shriveled and fermented samples are not preferred.

• Skin should be vivid yellow/red
• Should soften slightly under light pressure
• Shriveled and fermented samples should not be bought

How to Store Mombin?

Unripe mombin is ripened at room temperature; ripe fruit softens quickly, so it is stored in the refrigerator for a few days and consumed soon, or made into juice/jam.

Using Mombin in the Kitchen

Mombin is mostly used in juice, jam, jelly and tart sauces; it is also eaten fresh and ripe as a snack. In some regions, the unripe-green form is also eaten as a snack with salt and spices.

How Is Mombin Eaten?

Ripe mombin is washed and bitten directly, with the juicy flesh around the large seed eaten; if the juice will be extracted, the flesh is separated from the seed and strained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mombin a real plum?

No; although it resembles a plum, it comes from a different plant family. It is called names like “tropical plum” because of its appearance and taste.

What does mombin taste like?

It has a juicy, sweet-sour and refreshing taste; its sweetness increases as it ripens, while the unripe form is more sour.

Is the mombin seed edible?

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