Rollinia is a tropical, exotic fruit valued for its unique taste and impressive nutrients. This fruit is also known as Rollinia deliciosa, which belongs to the Annonaceae family — the same group that includes soursop and custard apple. Indigenous to South America, the fruit has now found its place in tropical countries like Australia, Hawaii and India. It is also known as Biriba, which is the Brazilian name for the fruit. Rollinia fruit comes with ample reserves of nutrients that deliver numerous health-benefiting traits. It has a creamy, jelly-like texture with a flavour very similar to lemon meringue pie and can be relished fresh as a wholesome snack.
To Optimise Overall Health And Well-being, Shop From Our Wide Range Of Vitamins And Minerals
Dive into this article to get an overview of the rollinia plant, its nutritional value, health benefits, culinary uses and side effects.
Rollinia Plant Overview
This tropical tree grows well in a warm and subtropical climate. The subtropical climate of India is ideal for plant cultivation, and the tree has grown widely in the tropical regions of Kerala. The plant can be cultivated from the seeds as well as from the stems. The tree starts to bear fruit within three years of planting the seeds. Once the flowers bloom, the flowers may fall for two seasons, after which the plant begins to bear fruit. This tree is flood-tolerant and can grow in well-draining, rich loamy soil with an organic component. The leaves are humongous and sometimes grow up to 35 cm long, and the tree can grow up to 15 meters high. The fruit grows to 5cm to 20 cm in diameter, and one fruit may weigh up to 1.5 kg. The fruit is large, spiky, and yellow, and it has soft, sweet, creamy, custard-like pulp. This tropical fruit is also known by other common names across the globe, like lemon meringue fruit, wild sugar apple and Amazon custard apple.
Nutritional Content of Rollinia Fruit
This tropical fruit is power-packed with protein and contains essential amino acids like tryptophan, threonine, methionine, and lysine that support tissue growth and repair. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin C, which help to optimise overall health and well-being.
Also Read: Atemoya: Health Benefits, Culinary Uses And Recipe Of This Exotic Fruit
Health Benefits of Rollinia Fruit
Packed With Nutrients
Rollinia fruit is not only delicious but also packs a treasure trove of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus and iron. The potent antioxidant activity of vitamin C may safeguard against heart disease and certain types of cancer. Apart from this, it promotes collagen production and uplifts skin health and radiance.
Antioxidant Effects
Rollinia contains a storehouse of bioactive compounds which possess antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Studies reveal that Rollinia contains a wealth of phytonutrients such as beta-pinene, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, which are beneficial in preventing liver, kidney, lung, breast and prostate tumours.
Rich In Vitamin C
The goodness of vitamin C content in Rollinia fruit helps with tissue growth and repair, builds a robust immune system, and speeds up wound healing. Aside from this, it assists in collagen production, iron absorption, and maintains skin and brain health.
Strengthens Bones
The fruit packs good amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron that improve bone mineral density and strengthen the bones and teeth. Adding this fruit can assist in preventing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Also Read: Red Fruit/Buah Merah: 7 Striking Health Benefits Of This Tropical Fruit
Power-packed With Protein
Rollinia fruit supplies the body with an abundance of protein and essential amino acids that are vital for building muscle mass, growth and repair. Furthermore, protein holds a significant role in enzyme function, regulates hormone production, boosts mood, promotes sleep and controls appetite.
Loaded With Minerals
Being intrinsically rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium, rollinia fruit assists with metabolic function, protein synthesis, regulates blood pressure and augments cardiac function.
Rollinia vs Soursop
| Feature | Rollinia | Soursop (Graviola) |
| Texture | Custard-like, soft jelly | Fibrous, creamy |
| Taste | Sweet, lemony, banana-like | Tart, tropical |
| Appearance | Yellow-green, spiky skin | Dark green, soft spikes |
| Shelf Life | Very short (1–2 days) | Longer (up to 1 week) |
| Uses | Desserts, juices | Juices, smoothies |
| Availability | Rare | More widely available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where To Buy Rollinia Fruit?
Rollinia fruit is not easily available in stores. You can buy it from online stores and refrigerate it for up to 5 days, depending on its ripeness. Fully ripe fruit should be stored in the fridge and consumed within two days. Once cut the eat the fruit on the same day, as its flesh oxidizes quickly.
How Long Does Rollinia Fruiting Take?
The tree starts harvesting fruit within 2 to 3 years of cultivation in tropical climates. Peak fruiting time is during the warm season, and trees may yield more than dozens of fruits once mature.
What Does a Rollinia Fruit Taste Like?
Rollinia fruit has a creamy, jelly-like texture with a flavour much like lemon meringue pie, banana, or pineapple. It's sweet, mildly tangy, and best relished fresh due to its short shelf life.
How to have Rollinia Fruit?
Fresh ones can be consumed as a standalone snack, scoop out the soft, custard-like pulp and enjoy.
It can be blended with tender coconut or other fruits to make wholesome smoothies or juices.
Rollinia fruit is used extensively to make ice-creams, salads, sorbets or pie fillings.
Side Effects and Precautions
Rollinia fruit is safe and well tolerated by most healthy adults, however, overconsumption can result in allergic reactions in sensitive people. As the fruit has a shorter shelf life, it gets spoiled quickly once ripe. The seeds are nonedible, and they may be toxic if consumed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this fruit, as there is limited research on its safety and usage.
Conclusion
Rollinia is an exotic tropical fruit cherished for its distinct taste and creamy texture. Though rare, it's gaining popularity owing to its intense flavour, nutritional content and wellness benefits. From heart to skin health to wound healing and immune support, this creamy fruit extract is a great addition to your meal regimen. When taken mindfully, it serves as a nutritional treat that optimises overall health.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/rollinia
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/rollinia
Acetogenins from Annonaceae family. Their potential biological applications
https://ijalsr.org/index.php/journal/article/view/144/120
