Unlike most fruit trees, jaboticaba produces its fruit directly from the trunk and branches, giving it one of the most unusual appearances in the plant world. (Wikipedia pic)KULAI: Imagine strolling through an orchard and spotting what look like clusters of glossy black grapes growing directly from the trunks of trees.It may seem like something out of a fantasy novel, but it's exactly what visitors encounter at Superfruits Farm in Senai, Johor, where hundreds of trees produce one of the world's most unusual fruits.Native to Brazil's Amazon region, the jaboticaba - often called the Brazilian grape tree - is attracting growing interest in Malaysia, not only owing to its eye-catching appearance but also for its nutritional value and long-term commercial potential.The farm, recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as home to the country's largest jaboticaba plantation, has become a popular stop for visitors eager to see the remarkable fruit up close.Unlike many fruit trees, jaboticaba demands patience. It takes about nine years before a tree bears its first crop, but once established, it can continue producing fruit for centuries.
Some trees are believed to live for as long as 300 years.Superfruits Farm director Kelvin Ooi said the long wait is rewarded by a tree that becomes increasingly productive with age. "The older the tree gets, the more fruit it produces along its trunk," he told Bernama.Malaysia's tropical climate also gives growers an advantage: while jaboticaba is typically harvested only once a year in countries such as China and Taiwan, Malaysian trees can produce between four and six harvests annually.Additionally, jaboticaba is prized for its nutritional profile. According to Ooi, laboratory studies have found the fruit contains high levels of anthocyanins - antioxidants associated with eye health and improved blood circulation - as well as vitamins B, C and D.Superfruits Farm director Kelvin Ooi says the jaboticaba tree, a Brazilian native, is now one of Johor's more intriguing agrotourism attractions.
(Bernama pic) The fruit's biggest challenge, however, is its short shelf life. Its high water and sugar content means it softens and oxidises quickly, making freezing essential within two days of harvest to preserve its quality.To overcome this, Superfruits Farm has partnered with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to develop value-added products, inc…
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