08/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 8, 2025 VI theSunday Special

The underrated power of kedondong

for show, it actually triggers saliva produc tion and gets your digestive enzymes going. In traditional Malay eating habits, you’ll often find ambra served before or with meals, either raw or pickled. The reason? It kickstarts digestion and sharpens the appetite. People who feel sluggish after eating or struggle with EORDWLQJ PD\ EHQH¿W IURP DGGLQJ D IHZ slices of kedondong to their plate – just a IHZ ELWHV FDQ PDNH D GL̆ HUHQFH It’s loaded with vitamin C Kedondong packs a punch, especially in terms of vitamin C. Just a small serving offers a solid boost for your immune V\VWHP KHOSLQJ \RXU ERG\ ¿JKW LQIHFWLRQV and recover from colds or minor illnesses. That’s why ambra juice is often served when someone’s “catching something” or feeling under the weather. It’s not just refreshing; it’s functional. The sourness UHÀHFWV LWV DVFRUELF DFLG FRQWHQW QDWXUH¶V way of telling you it’s working. It soothes sore throats Here’s something your grandmother may already know: Kedondong juice is D VXUSULVLQJO\ H̆ HFWLYH UHPHG\ IRU VRUH throats. The combination of vitamin C and its mild astringency helps reduce irritation and clear phlegm. When mixed with asam boi , the drink becomes even more cooling and hydrating, perfect for Malaysia’s humid climate or post-festival fatigue.

T HE first bite is a wake-up call. Tangy, puckering, almost electric – the kind of taste that makes your jaw clench and your brain say, “Wow, what was that?” That’s ambra, also known as kedondong . It’s not a fruit that tiptoes. It arrives bold and unapologetic, usually with a side of chillies or a wrinkled asam boi IRU GUDPDWLF ÀDLU In Malaysia, kedondong is everywhere, if you know where to look. It’s a favourite at roadside juice stalls, a staple in tradi tional ulam spreads and sometimes even grows wild in kampung gardens. But despite its popularity as a sour treat or juice ingredient, many overlook just how EHQH¿FLDO WKLV KXPEOH IUXLW FDQ EH It stimulates digestion naturally One of kedondong’s signature traits is its intense tartness. That sour burst isn’t just It’s sour, crunchy and often overshadowed by trendier fruits, ambra quietly packed with DGPGƓVU [QWT DQF[ YKNN thank you for

If you’re watching your sugar intake, go easy on the syrup or asam boi when ordering it as a drink.

I W¶V ULFK LQ ¿EUH DQG KHOSV \RX VWD\ regular Crisp, fibrous and satisfying to chew, ambra also supports gut health. Its natural fibre helps move things along gently, without the intensity of strong laxatives or fibre powders. For those who want a little help staying regular or who are adjusting to lighter, more natural foods, incorporating a few slices of ambra a few times a week may help smooth things out. A touch of iron for energy Ambra isn’t just about vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of iron, which contributes to healthy red blood cell pro duction. While it won’t replace your iron supplements, every bit counts, especially for people who experience fatigue or low energy levels. Interestingly, because it’s also high in vitamin C, ambra helps your body absorb iron from other foods more H̆ HFWLYHO\ I W¶V LQFUHGLEO\ ORFDO DQG VXVWDLQDEOH Unlike imported “superfruits”, kedondong thrives in our climate and grows easily in backyards and small farms across Ma laysia. It’s been part of kampung life for generations – no packaging, no air miles, just real food from real trees. Whether it’s plucked fresh, pickled in jars or turned into kerabu , ambra is proof that we don’t

always need to look far (or spend big) for foods that support health and wellbeing. In many homes, ambra is still eaten the way it always has been – raw, pickled with chillies or juiced with asam boi and ice. Some blend it into smoothies with guava or pineapple. Others use it in salads for a sharp contrast to sweet fruits or leafy greens. The versatility of kedondong PHDQV LW ¿WV LQWR PRGHUQ KHDOWK URXWLQHV ZLWK PLQLPDO H̆ RUW If you’ve got kids or teens who don’t love fruits, kedondong juice (with minimal added sugar) can be a fun introduction WR PRUH QDWXUDO RSWLRQV ,WV EROG ÀDYRXU appeals to people who prefer tangy over sweet and once they’re hooked, they’re getting a bonus dose of nutrients in every glass. Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. Its acidity may not be suitable for those with gastritis, ulcers or sensitive teeth. If you’re watching your sugar intake, go easy on the syrup or asam boi when ordering it as a drink. Like any fruit, it’s best enjoyed in its natural form or with just a dash of lime and salt, kampung -style. So the next time you’re at the pasar malam or a juice stall and you see that green, slightly wrinkled fruit sitting quietly in the corner, don’t pass it by. That’s not just a childhood memory or a quirky thirst quencher; it’s a little green powerhouse hiding in plain sight.

Ambra juice is a surprisingly effective soother for sore throats.