Wild Berries: A Delicious and Healthy Treat from Vietnam’s Countryside
When it comes to wild berries, there’s a particular fruit that stands out for its delicious taste and health benefits: the tram fruit. Native to the countryside of Vietnam, especially in An Giang province, tram fruit has become an integral part of many generations’ childhood memories.
These berries typically grow in clusters and have an oval shape. As they ripen, they turn into attractive shades of red, purple, or shiny black, resembling tiny grapes. From May to July on the lunar calendar, the tram trees are laden with these glossy purple fruits, ready to catch the eye of anyone passing by.
Biting into a tram fruit, you’ll experience a unique blend of sweet and sour flavors with a mild astringent note, stimulating your taste buds. During the tram season, rural children often go berry-picking, choosing the ripest fruits to eat right off the tree or dipped in spicy salt. The sight of purple-stained lips, teeth, and tongues is a memorable part of the tram fruit experience. And on sunny days, the sweetness of the fruit seems to intensify.
In recent years, the tram fruit has made its unexpected debut in big cities, becoming a delicacy with a unique flavor that piques the curiosity of many. Tram fruit picking has become a stable source of income for locals in Tri Ton and Tinh Bien districts of An Giang province, with each tree yielding 40 to 50 kg of fruit.
On e-commerce platforms, the price of tram fruit typically ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per kg, depending on the time of purchase. Vendors suggest that the fruit can be enjoyed fresh like any other berry or turned into a tasty snack with spicy salt.
The soft skin of the tram fruit easily absorbs flavors when tossed with salt and spices. A gentle toss of 2-3 times is all it takes to enjoy this treat. After absorbing the salt, the fruit’s flavor blends beautifully with the spiciness of the chili, making it an ideal snack, especially for those who enjoy savory nibbles, including office ladies.
Additionally, many people use tram fruit to make infusions with alcohol or sugar, resulting in attractive products such as tram liquor or colorful, delicious syrups.
Little did people know that this often-overlooked wild fruit offers a plethora of health benefits. Tram fruit is packed with vitamins C and A, potassium, calcium, and iron, along with fiber, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
According to HealthShots, an Indian health website, the tram fruit boasts the following incredible benefits:
Blood Sugar Control
With its low-calorie content, the tram fruit is ideal for those watching their weight. Moreover, it’s rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Rich Source of Fiber
The tram fruit is abundant in fiber, which promotes a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing overall calorie intake. It also aids digestion and reduces water retention in the body, contributing to effective weight loss.
Abundant in Antioxidants
The tram fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, protecting your body from free radicals. If left unchecked, these free radicals can damage cells and increase the risk of serious illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Skin Benefits
The tram fruit helps tighten pores, protecting the skin from issues like dark spots, acne, wrinkles, and pimples. Additionally, the vitamins in the fruit contribute to maintaining skin brightness and softness, leaving it feeling supple.
Cardiovascular Benefits
A 100-gram serving of tram fruit provides approximately 55 mg of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining cardiovascular health. Potassium helps reduce the risk of heart-related issues such as stroke and atherosclerosis.
Oral Health Improvement
According to HealthShots, the tram fruit has antibacterial properties that protect the mouth from infections and bacterial growth. It also helps address gum problems, including pain and tooth sensitivity.
While the tram fruit offers numerous health benefits, experts advise that those with kidney problems, sensitive constitutions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should refrain from consuming excessive amounts at once, as it may cause some side effects. The fruit contains high levels of oxalate, which can exacerbate kidney issues. Moreover, overconsumption may lead to constipation due to the fruit’s high tannin content.
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