Hawaiian mountain apple is a member of the Myrtaceae family, and related to the Java plum, guava, eucalyptus and Surinam cherry trees. The Hawaiian mountain apple is botanically known as Syzygium malaceense. It is also commonly known as Malay apple, pomerac, rose apple, water apple or “Ohi’a ‘ai” in Hawaiian. Hawaiian mountain apples are known as “canoe plants,” touting an arrival to the islands by ancient Polynesians who traveled by canoe to Hawaii before the arrival of Tahitian and eventually European settlers.

The Hawaiian mountain apple is a tropical fruit. The thin outer skin has a very waxy texture that is smooth, shiny, and very delicate. As the Hawaiian mountain apple ripens, the skin becomes a darker shade of red, with possible splotches of pink and white. The white pulp of the Hawaiian mountain apple offers a very crisp texture similar to jicama, is juicy and overall tart flavor with lingering sweet nuances, reminiscent of ripe pear.

Serving Ideas

Hawaiian mountain apples are most commonly eaten fresh, out of hand. However, they have proven to be versatile in other preparation styles such as drying, pickling, made into sauces or preserves. Known to have high water content. Stewed Hawaiian mountain apples pair well with spices such as cloves or cinnamon and go well with cream as a dessert. The skin can be cooked separately to make a deeply colored syrup to add to cooked fruits. Hawaiian mountain apples are also fermented to make both red and white table wines in Puerto Rico.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Hawaii, the flowers of the Hawaiian mountain apple tree are believed to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess. Ancient Hawaiians also considered the wood of the Hawaiian mountain apple sacred and sculpted it into religious images. There are also local medicinal uses for the bark of the Hawaiian mountain apple tree that help ease symptoms of sore throats.

Geography/History

The Hawaiian mountain apple is native to Malaysia and spread throughout the Pacific Islands via Malaysian settlers. The wood of the tree was used by ancient Hawaiians to make idols. The trees grow in strictly tropical, humid climates and are cultivated from sea-level to high elevations. Hawaiian mountain apples are grown in valleys and on mountain slopes of the lowest forest zone of the Hawaiian Islands. The flower blossoms and fruit sprout anywhere along the branches and on the trunk as well.

Seasons/Availability

Hawaiian mountain apples are available year-round from tropical climates. Peak season in Hawaii is late summer through fall.