06/11/2022
Unique Facts about Buah Merah, the Biggest Commodity of West Papua
unique-facts-about-buah-merah
Have you ever heard of buah merah? This biggest commodity in West Papua has a huge benefit for health. Find out more here!
Papua has a wealth of commodities such as sweet potatoes, taro, gembili, sago, and millet, which the indigenous people have cultivated for generations. Meanwhile, there are 5 leading commodities in Papua which are under development. They are coffee, cocoa, seaweed, nutmeg, and deep coconut.
Besides those commodities, Papua also has a distinctive fruit known as Pandanus Conoideus or Buah Merah (Red Fruit). Red Fruit spreads in several areas such as the Baliem Valley, Wamena, and the Arfak Mountains.
The Red Fruit gets its name from the crimson tint. It can be used as food for both humans and animals, and it is also very effective in the treatment of numerous diseases. The Fruit’s flesh is eaten by humans, while the seeds and pith are fed to animals. Humans cannot consume this pith due to its unusual taste and harshness.
This crimson fruit tree grows up to 16 meters tall, with a branch-free stem height of 5 to 8 meters. The length of red Fruit is 55 cm, width 10-15 cm, and it weighs about 2-3 kg. This Fruit has several facts, including:
1. Papuan Endemic Plants
The fruit thrives in Papua and West Papua areas including Jayapura, Jayawijaya mountains, Mimika, Merauke, Sorong, Manukwari, as well as the Biak and Serui Island. This red Fruit is also known as Marita, which is the local language of Papua New Guinea. In Wamena it is called Kuansu.
This Fruit is typically specific to distinguish them from other fruits. Their very concentrated color indicates that Buah Merah is rich in beta carotene. The local people of Papua prepared this Fruit in unique ways. The split, wrap it in leaves, then cook it in an earth oven.
2. Also Used for Essential Oil
The flesh of Red Fruit is often consumed directly and can also be extracted into oil essence. Red Fruit has a soft and oily texture, especially when cooked. First, we can cook the Fruit and seeds parts together and filter the pasta. Then re-cook the pasta until the oil is extracted perfectly.
The essential oil of Red Fruit is 10-15 times higher than ordinary essential oils. It is used for health purposes such as maintaining immunity, increasing body metabolism, and many more.
3. Used As Traditional Medicine
Red Fruit’s flesh is also used as traditional medicine by the people of Papua. This Fruit contains many important compounds for the human body, such as anticancer, calcium, fiber, protein, vitamin B1, vitamin C, myristic acid, linoleic acid, decanoic acid, omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9. Red Fruit is also used as a natural dye and hair moisturizer.
4. There Are Variety of Types
Red Fruit has a variety of types, including Menjib Rumbai, Memeri, Monsrus, Mbarugum, Monsor, Hityom, Himbiak, and Hibcau. They have differences in size: medium and long.
The medium size is usually found in Menjib Rumbai, and Monsor. Other varieties are included in the long size. This difference is influenced by environmental conditions, such as air, soil type, and humidity.
Health Benefits of Red Fruit
As mentioned before, red Fruit has many health benefits. People usually use its oil or extract in capsules. The health benefits of Red Fruit include:
Increase immunity
Red Fruit contains carotene, beta carotene, and high tocopherols. These nutrients help maintain the body’s metabolism. They also work as antioxidants that can fight bacteria or external particles to increase immunity.
Maintain eye health
Red Fruit is rich in vitamin A which can reduce inflammation and help protect the eyes from myopia. There is omega 3 which provides moisture to dry eyes. It also has vitamin E, zinc, and also vitamin C that helps maintain eye health.
Improve blood circulation
Red Fruit contains beta carotene, which works to improve blood circulation to the heart and brain without obstruction. Beta carotene works with proteins to increase antibodies. They also increase the number of natural killer cells that are useful for the body’s immunity.
Prevents cancer
Beta carotene in Red Fruit produces natural cells that can eradicate diseases, including cancer. These natural cells suppress cancer cells and carcinogenic compounds that cause it. Red Fruit prevents the growth of cancer cells and slows down the spread.
Even Red Fruit can support cancer treatment. Patients should communicate with their doctor before consuming it. It is important to make sure the Red Fruit has no contraindication with other medicines.
Improve brain function
The content of omega 3 and omega 6 in Red Fruit can improve brain function and cognition. Omega-3 is well known to maintain brain function, improve memory and concentration, and reduce the risk of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Prevent diabetes
Tocopherol, a high antioxidant found in Red Fruit, helps reduce blood glucose levels. It offers a sufficient amount of insulin by supporting the pancreas. That way, blood glucose levels return to normal.
Maintain blood pressure
Red Fruit increases blood circulation in the human body, thus ensuring that the oxygen in the blood remains stable. It helps lower blood pressure and supports the heart pump properly.
Those are unique facts and health benefits of Buah Merah or Red Fruit. In case you visit West Papua someday, don’t forget to have a bite of it!
