Mountain Apple (Jambu): The Crisp Tropical Pomarrosa
Mountain apple — also called rose apple or pomarrosa — has crisp watery flesh and a delicate rose-water scent. A guide to this widely-naturalized tropical fruit.
Mountain apple (Syzygium malaccense), called jambu in Southeast Asia, ohia ai in Hawaii, and pomarrosa in Latin America, is a pear-shaped pink-red fruit with crisp watery flesh and a subtle floral aroma. Native to Malaysia, it has been carried across the tropics for over 2,000 years.
Origin and history
Native to peninsular Malaysia. Austronesian voyagers carried it across the Pacific into Hawaii over 1,000 years ago. Spanish galleons brought it to Latin America in the 1500s.
Where it grows today
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hawaii, and parts of the Caribbean and Latin America.
How to grow
Tropical lowland, USDA Zones 10-11. Tree 8-15m. Self-fertile. First fruit in 3-5 years.
Bottom line
A refreshing tropical fruit with a delicate flavor that does not travel well — try fresh when you can.
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