Abiyuch

Photo: flickr user bwohack

About

The edible fruit of a tropical flowering tree of the same name. Abiyuch provides a good source of iron, manganese, potassium, fiber and vitamin C.

A tropical Asian and African flowering tree, Crateva religiosa, of the caper family.

Information

Other names: Capparis spinosa, sacred garlic pear and temple plant

Translations: Абииуцх

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Spicy

Mouthfeel: Sharp

Food complements: Use as condiment

Selecting and Buying

Choosing: Fresh looking and smelling

Buying: Hard to find. Try Asian and African markets.

Procuring: The flower buds are harvested in the early morning and wilted before pickling them in white vinegar.

Preparation and Use

The flower buds are pickled and used as a flavouring in sauces, salads etc. The young fruits and tender branch tips can also be pickled and used as a condiment. The flower buds are harvested in the early morning and wilted before pickling them in white vinegar. Young shoots - cooked and used like asparagus.

It is used internally in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoea, gout and rheumatism. Externally, it is used to treat skin conditions, capillary weakness and easy bruising.

An extract of the root is used as a cosmetic and is particularly useful in treating rose-coloured rashes and capillary weaknesses.

Conserving and Storing

Fresh in refrigerator.

Social/Political

A tropical Asian and African fruit.

History: It is said to be native to the Mediterranean basin, but its range stretches from the Atlantic coasts of the Canary Islands and Morocco to the Black Sea to the Crimea and Armenia, and eastward to the Caspian Sea and into Iran. Capers probably originated from dry regions in west or central Asia. Known and used for millennia, capers were mentioned by Dioscorides as being a marketable product of the ancient Greeks. Capers are also mentioned by the Roman scholar, Pliny the Elder.