Pangium edule

Pangium edule, also known as the Keluak or Kepayang, is a tall tree native to the mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia. It produces a large, poisonous fruit which can be made edible through fermentation.

Description

The Pangium edule tree can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has large, glossy leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit of the tree is large, about the size of a human head, and has a hard shell. Inside the shell are large seeds which are initially poisonous due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide.

Cultivation and uses

Pangium edule is cultivated for its fruit in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The seeds are harvested and then fermented to remove the poisonous hydrogen cyanide. This process involves boiling the seeds, burying them in ash, banana leaves and earth for forty days, and then washing them thoroughly. The resulting product has a unique flavor and is used in a variety of dishes, including the popular Indonesian dish Rawon.

Toxicity and treatment

The seeds of the Pangium edule tree are initially highly toxic due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide. Consumption of untreated seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal. However, the seeds can be made safe to eat through a process of fermentation, as described above.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• List of Indonesian dishes