Bilimbi-Belenbi

The bilimbi fruit or tree cucumber, commonly found in most Seychellois family backyards, is a relative of the carambola (star fruit) family. It is a small finger like fruit growing in clumps on the tree. The light green acidic fruit, which is crunchy when unripe, is between 3 to 5cm in length, with a firm, slightly waxy skin and looks like a small under-ripe cucumber. It turns from bright-green to yellowish-green, when it is ripe. Once it is ripe it falls on the ground. Most of the time the bilimbi is consumed when it is unripe.

Bilimbi is used to impart a sour taste to foods and provides a special acidic taste to dishes such as curries and grilled fish or even chilli sauce. It pairs well with fish and is an essential ingredient in the fish bouyon.

Bilimbi fruit may be processed into pickles, chutney and preserves. As a young boy, I used to eat bilimbi raw, enjoyed as is, or dipped in salt. Bilimbi fruit may be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator or frozen for a considerable time. It is rich in vitamins A and C, and potassium. It also is good in eliminating sour teeth!