The snake fruit, also known as Salak in Malaysia and Indonesia, is a fruit in the Arecaceae or palm family. The small fruit is wildly popular in Bali and India, just as apples and oranges are in the US, yet it is rarely seen outside of its native region. Snake fruit is also known as Salacca Fruit, after its botanical name ‘Salacca Zalacca’, and has over 30 known varieties.

With a shape similar to that of a fig, snake fruit has a scaly outer skin that is sometimes covered in tiny spikes. Snake fruit purchased in markets is typically smoothed. Most varieties of snake fruit have dark brown skin when mature and have a bulbous appearance that tapers to a point at one end. Beneath its scaly skin lies three white to yellowish colored lobes that look similar to large cloves of peeled garlic. Each lobe contains a hard brown, inedible seed. The texture of Salak fruit is similar to that of garlic, crunchy and crisp. The flavor is tropical, with hints of pineapple with a slightly acidic taste. Some varieties are drier and have a flaky consistency while some snake fruit are moist and juicy. Some say Salak fruit is an acquired taste.

Nutritional Value

Snake fruit is called the Fruit of Memory in Indonesia due to its levels of potassium and pectin. It contains nutrients like thiamine, iron and calcium as well as vitamin C. The Indonesian fruit has anti-diarrheal properties; if too many snake fruit are consumed it can result in constipation.

Serving Ideas

To eat, remove the stem and peel back the scaly brown skin. Each lobe within is covered in a white film, similar to that on the outside of a hardboiled egg. Be sure to remove the layer of film before eating. Most snake fruit is eaten fresh, out-of-hand as a snack. The sweetly sour flavor compliments pies and jams. Snake fruit can be candied or pickled or made into syrup. One variety of snake fruit, Salak gula pasir is fermented into a wine. The pineapple-like scent of the snake fruit is also used as an aromatic.

Geography/History

Snake fruit are native to Indonesia and Malaysia and can be found growing in Bali, Thailand and India. The name Salak means ‘bark’ in its native regions. The popular fruit is sold in farmer’s markets throughout Southeast Asia. The fruit are used to help poor eyesight and treat digestive maladies.

Seasons/Availability

Snake fruit is available from mid-spring into the summer months.