Manila Tamarind, Childhood snack

អំពិលទឹក read as [Ampil Teuok, translate as Water Tamarind, I have no idea why they call it like that] is Madras Thorn or Manila Tamarind or Camachile [Pithecellobium dulce] is childhood fruit to many of us here in Cambodia. English name can be Sweet tamarind, Monkeypod and Blackbead. This fruit is a native of Southern Mexico, South America and Central America. However, I grown up eating them from my childhood up to now. I love eating them when sitting in the car/during travel.

 

Type of trees/fruits:

• Draught resistant tree with thorns, not easy to climb on this tree - it is between 3-15meters heights. It starts giving fruits since it is small.
• Goats love to eat its leaves.
• It is grown as the fence along the land territory
• The tree is found almost everywhere in Cambodia, especially in plain area
• It was valueless before, now it can be sold from 3-6$/kilo
• The fruits can be either white or red, depends on species. It has seeds inside.
• It tastes bitter/harsh when green and very sweet when ripe. You need a water near you when you eat them​​ to prevent choking
• Older people believe that this fruit is very good to get rid of Taenia/tapeworms from your intestine system. 

The internal - this tastes so good!

Health benefits of manila tamarind:

 

•  Manages toothaches, sore gums and mouth ulcers. 
•  Works as an antiseptic
• The abundance of vitamin C in Manila tamarinds, boost the immune system and reduces phlegm.
• The bark extract is used to cure dysentery and chronic diarrheas.
• Its high thiamine content, promote the body to convert sugars into energy, which impacts the mood and helps stabilize stress levels.
• Manila tamarind fruit exhibited strong anti-ulcer activity comparable to the standard drug, omeprazole.
• Manilla tamarind fruit extracts protected the liver from oxidative
• Treats oily scalp and prevents hair loss.
• Slow down the ageing - lightens the skin, removes dark spots, and cures acne.