FRUIT-LOVING people like me always look forward to Kadayawan season because they know it's the fruits season, meaning fruits that are endemic and even those non-endemic to Davao City, are aplenty. And when the supply is bountiful, the price is low, one of the basic economic laws.
But did you know that the fruits we could often buy cheap during Kadayawan season, thus being called Kadayawan fruits, are also packed with vitamins and minerals? Read on.
1. Durian
Known as the King of the Fruits probably for its price, which could peak at around P250 (est. US$5) a kilo (one regular-sized durian fruit is more than one kilo) when off season, durian is packed with multivitamins and minerals.
According to a Malaysian university research titled "Exploring the Nutritional Contents and Benefits of Durian (Durio zibethinus)," durian fruits contain vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Folate. It also contains vitamins A and A1, Beta Carotene, Alpha Carotene and Beta Cryptoxanthin.
Durian is also rich in protein and fat (lipid). It also contains carbohydrates and fiber.
Minerals that can be found in durian are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, and manganese.
This must also be the reason why this is hailed as the King of fruits because its health benefits are countless, even preventing cancer and inhibiting free radical activity. But beware, when consumed in large quantity durian gives more harm than good, says the same research.
2. Mangosteen
If there's a king, there should be a queen, and Mangosteen is hailed as the Queen of Fruits. Mangosteen, which prices can also go as high as P150-P180 a kilo when off season, is also packed with nutritional value.
According to Healthline online magazine, Garcinia mangostana or mangosteen is packed with calories, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, protein, vitamins C, B9, B1, B2, manganese, copper, and magnesium.
But the biggest plus factor of this fruit is its unique anti-oxidant properties, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic effects. These anti-oxidant properties are provided by xanthones, a unique type of plant compound.
But there are also adverse health effects of consuming concentrated sources coming from this fruit, as "xanthones may slow the process of blood clotting."
3. Rambutan
This "curly-haired" fruit is one of my favorites. And only during Kadayawan season that I can indulge eating lots of it because its price can go as low as P15-P20.
Rambutan or Nephelium lappaceum is rich in vitamins and minerals as well. It contains vitamins C, copper, fiber manganese, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. It also contains anti-oxidants that may reduce or prevent certain diseases.
Researchers at Healthline found out that this fruit may reduce cancer risk, may protect against heart diseases, and also diabetes. There is no research yet that have found any adverse effect of eating large quantity of this fruit, but researchers prohibit people from eating its seed and peel as these may contain narcotic properties.
4. Lanzones
One of the most attractive fruits as they come in clusters, Lanzones's price can go as high as P80 to P120 per kilo when off season. Don't be deceived by this small fruit, as it is also packed with vitamins and minerals that may protect people from diseases. Lanzones contains tetranortriterpenoids, vitamins A1 and C2, together with 3 onoceranoid-type triterpenoid: B3; protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B1, and B12.
It also has antioxidant against DPPH [2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate] free radical and anti-tyrosinase activity that may cause certain kinds of cancer and other illnesses.
5. Marang
This meek fruit which is seen abundantly during Kadayawan season is also pricey when it's not in season. Loved by many but also loathed by some for its strong smell, this fruit contains several vitamins and minerals to keep the body healthy.
In a research titled Proximate analysis of Artocarpus odoratissimus (Tarap) in Brunei Darussalam, it was found out that this fruit has vitamins A, B complex, C, beta-carotene and dietary fiber. It also contains minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, protein, potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.