Miracle fruit juice

Do you know why the fruit of the calabash tree (Crescentia cujete) is called miracle fruit? Here's a miracle fruit juice made very simply. Many of those who have calabash, popularly known as the miracle fruit tree, in Mindanao and other parts of the country, don't know what to do with the fruits of this tree. Here's one of the simplest ways how to prepare and enjoy the best benefits of the fruits.  Do it this way and you can enjoy a daily refreshing healthy drink. It tastes exactly like buko juice, sweetish but black. Try this juice and see for yourself why the fruit of the calabash tree is called "miracle fruit" in the Philippines.

Miracle fruit juice is also known as miracle fruit tea, especially when served freshly cooked and still warm.

Ingredients:

• Miracle fruit (1 whole calabash fruit, mature and still green)
• Water (1 glass)

You also need:

• Hand saw  (for cutting the fruit into halves)
• Ladle  (for scraping the meat of calabash fruit)
• Pot or deep pan  (for boiling calabash)
• Strainer (to strain juice)
• Bottle (very clean, sanitize if possible, for keeping/storing the calabash juice)

Cooking Procedure:

Cut the calabash fruit into halves with a saw. The  outer shell is very hard that you cannot just cut it with knife.

Split open then scoop out the flesh of calabash fruit.




Mash the flesh into pulp (it usually froths).



Transfer the mashed calabash into the cooking pot and add some water enough to cover the calabash.



Boil on medium fire.



When the calabash turns pitch black, remove it from fire or turn off the heat.



Strain the boiled calabash



Transfer the produced calabash juice in a clean bottle or pitcher.



Serve when cool.

Or served warm as a cup of miracle fruit tea. Enjoy.

Personal notes:

Miracle fruit, or calabash, is a tree that bears huge fruits that looks like a coconut. It is growing abundantly anywhere in Mindanao, some parts of the Bicol region and in the Visayas. Few are also growing in Luzon up to the northern part of Ilocos and Cagayan region.

Sad to see that most of the fruits were left to fall and rot on the ground. Our folks do not know what to do to make good use of this wonderful fruit. They dreaded the black color of its flesh and its gummy smell. But what they do not realize is that this black juice is sweet and has healing wonders, the reason why our old folks called it miracle fruit.

I tried one and yes, it's wonderful.

Many who have tried this drink claimed they experienced rejuvenating vigor and increased mental alertness, good when you are going to study, review, or take an exam.   

It helps you go to sleep easily, relieve stress, and feel well-rested as you wake up. It makes your skin glow healthy making you feel younger again.

It also helps ease the menstrual pain of women. Good for those who are recuperating from sickness and a treat after a weary activity. 

I experimented to make my first fruit wine at home in Metro Manila using calabash fruit. I hand-carried one fresh green fruit of calabash on my flight directly from Misamis Oriental to Metro Manila. I processed the fruit into juice and then made it into wine. After three months of fermentation, I had the wine and enjoyed it.

I even thought if this fruit once grew in the fountain of youth. It feels me younger when I tried it. Next time, I will no longer bring a calabash fruit. I will bring the tree.

How to make miracle fruit wine.

Now that you have the miracle fruit juice, you are now ready to make a miracle fruit wine.

Miracle fruit

• See this link to know more about calabash.