The fruits of the Dominican land are as versatile as the physical characteristics of its people; but many times we internationalize our tastes so much that we forget to enjoy the richness that our country has.
Vitamins, proteins and minerals are the basics of what a person needs to have the balanced diet that nutritionists advise so much. It does not have to be limited to the same type of food always because it is the one you usually see in the store of your choice, there are many other varieties that escape from the shelves and provide all the flavor and health you are looking for.
Consuming what is ours is part of the plan of a circular economy, more environmentally friendly and a way to know through flavor what our soil gives us; it is something like making internal tourism of flavor.
We have chosen five foods that you may have forgotten what they taste like or exist because you don’t usually find them in regular stores, but they have multiple benefits that you should take advantage of.
1. Vinagrillo
Its exotic flavor is incomparable to that of any other fruit.
The closest thing to a vinegarette that you can find in the supermarket is a carambola, which although it is related to the vinegarette is not the same and is not the same. In appearance the carambola is bigger and in taste much more tasteless, and in terms of health it is contraindicated for people with renal pathologies.
While the vinagrillo is a small and elongated fruit, of intense green color, but the acidity of its flavor is used to marinate “the sour” of the Dominican gastronomy, or to make a juice or cocktail to refresh the afternoon.
The reason why you should consider consuming it is because it is rich in water, has protein, fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflamina and ascorbic acid.
If after tasting it you consider that it is too strong for you, do not worry, there are other fruits with similar properties.
2. The mamon
This is a sweet and creamy fruit.
In recent years we have seen its relative the guanábana being included in the stores, but the mamón is only found in some markets and patios, especially if you go to the fields of the Cibao.
Its appearance stands out because it looks like a heart, its pulp is white and similar to that of the soursop, it contains seeds and its texture, although less slimy, creamy and close to the peel, is somewhat sandy. In terms of flavor, it is sweet and smooth, perfect for people who have gastric problems.
It is an excellent choice of nutritious snack, even for those who want to lose weight because it satiates for much longer than other fruits. It is also an antioxidant and contains iron, calcium and phosphorus; vitamins B, A and C; proteins and sugars. An important fact is that it can be consumed by diabetics, as it is a glucose regulator.
3. Currant
An excellent dessert and ornament for the home.
The times that we have seen it has been forming part of a garden, because the beauty of the plant and the fruit is ornamental. It has a certain resemblance to a cherry. It is a very beautiful and delicate looking fruit, capable of adorning any confectionery creation. There are red, yellow, orange and there are even some so dark that you could say they are black.
It is extremely fragrant and its flavor is ideal for making sweets, desserts or eaten alone. It is sweet, somewhat spotty (at a low level), totally different from any species that physically resembles it. It has the texture and size of a cherry.
As for its properties, it is said to be useful for gastric ailments, hypertension and fluid retention. It contains cineol, a component used to treat lung conditions; it is an antioxidant and a source of calcium, iron and phosphorus. It also contains vitamin A, C and group B vitamins.
4. The jobo
Its small size in no way reduces the intensity of its flavor.
In the Dominican towns of the Northern Region there are still people “surnamed” with the word “jarta e’ jobo”; for example María jarta e’ jobo. For a long time it was said that it was exclusive food for goats and pigs, so whoever liked to eat jobos did it on the sly with the risk that if they were found in such an act they would be labeled with the jocular phrase.
There are smaller and slightly larger versions of this tropical fruit, the latter is usually called plums. They have a sour taste, although there are also some extremely sweet ones; due to their small size they are a good snack to entertain the mouth.
They are usually sold by stacks or cans in informal markets and the reasons why we consider that you should consume it are the following properties, besides being a different snack: it is rich in vitamin C, water, high calcium, iron and phosphorus content.
5. The golden apple
Green or ripe is a fruit that is well worth enjoying.
This is one of those fruits that, like the lemongrass or quenepa, you can find in the streets of the city.
It is an imposing tree, so not everyone can afford to plant it at home and enjoy its benefits.
It is popularly said that it is a fruit for pregnant women, since it is attributed to eliminate the annoying nausea during the gestation period. It has an acid taste, more if consumed green or half ripe; but it also highlights a certain sweetness that makes it ideal for making wines, juices and other preparations. Although for many people, eating the fruit as is is is a delicious experience.
It contains tannins, which consumed daily have great antioxidant effects on our body. It also contains water, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, vitamin C, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorus. When eating it, be careful with some fibers that come out of the seed, as they could hurt the gums.
