History
The coffee plum (Flacourtia jangomas) is also called Indian plum or paniala. It would be native to India and Malaysia before arriving in the Caribbean late 18th century. It was during this period that the coffee plum would arrive in Martinique.
Varieties
There are many varieties depending on the size and color of the fruit. The Indian plum tree is a medium-sized tree not to exceed 10 meters in height which is grown for its ornamental value and of course fruit.
Its branches are drooping and branched with thin sheets of elliptical oval, pointed at the tip. Its small flowers of white or yellow-green color give rise to small almost globular berries of reddish-brown to brown-black when ripe.
The pulp of yellow-green color contains 4-10 small seeds. The fruit measures between 2 to 3 cm in diameter and changes from green to red dark purple color when they mature.
After sowing grain hope you will harvest fruit after 2-3 years. The fructification is usually from June to September. It is advisable to wait until the fruit is red for harvest.
Health benefits
The leaves and young shoots have a taste of rhubarb, they are astringent, anti-diarrheal and stomachic. The leaves also help fight against hemorrhoids and different types of coughs they use to treat diarrhea. They can be used in case of chronic bronchitis.
The leaves and bark are useful for bleeding gums and teeth. An infusion of the bark is used as a gargle.
They also act against asthma, inflammation, skin disorders, nausea, and dyspepsia. The coffee plum acts as an appetite stimulant, it is a diuretic and digestive, and also fights the problems of the spleen and treats jaundice. The coffee plum fights against diabetes and tumors. It has good antioxidant activity.
The roots of the Indian plum are used as a refrigerant, they have alexipharmic and purifying properties.
In Ayurveda, the roots help remedy ulcers.
Uses
Coffee plum is eaten when the fruit is ripe and you have kneaded it between the fingers. This reduces the bitter taste of the fruit which is then tangy and sweet. Its taste is close to the plum. It is used to make delicious pies, marmalades and jams.
