Monstera deliciosa, also known as the swiss cheese plant, is a tropical plant whose name means “delicious monster.” The name originated from the Latin binomial naming system due to its appearance and taste.
Monstera, the genus name, comes from the characteristic gigantic nature of the plant and its substantial perforated leaves with distinctive holes that form beautiful patterns. This plant can grow up to 60 feet or more in its natural tropical habitat.
Deliciosa, the species name, was coined from the delicious nature of the fruit when it is ripe.
The Monstera deliciosa fruit
Is Monstera deliciosa fruit edible?
The ripe fruit of Monstera deliciosa combines intense and sweet tropical flavors of banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut. That’s why it earns nicknames like fruit salad, delicious monster, and Mexican breadfruit.
The fruit is safe for human consumption, but animals should not consume it.
The fruit is not edible in its raw form due to its high oxalic acid content and calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a burning sensation in your mouth, throat, and stomach. However, when fully ripe, the fruit is sweet and edible.
Health benefits of Monstera deliciosa fruit
The fruit is packed with the goodness of vitamin B, which helps promote cell growth, boost energy levels, reduce nausea in pregnant women, and properly digest protein.
It also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the body against some free radicals and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C also helps restore worn-out tissues and tendons quickly. It also relieves stress and fatigue.
The fruit contains proteins that promote speedy muscle recovery after exercise or injury and help maintain a healthy weight. It is also an instant energy replenishment for athletes due to its high nutritional value.
Monstera deliciosa fruit also contains calcium and phosphorus, which helps promote the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
The fruit is also packed with nutrients good for people recovering from radiotherapy, as it helps fight against infections and promote tissue regeneration.
The fiber promotes gastrointestinal health, as it helps bowel movement and prevents constipation.
Do all Monstera plants produce edible fruits?
Not all Monstera genera plants produce edible fruits. Only the delicious species do. Also, Monstera deliciosa rarely has fruits when grown indoors. It can only produce fruits in its natural habitat, where it grows to full maturity under optimum conditions.
Most Monstera deliciosa plants are grown indoors for ornamental and aesthetic purposes. So your plant may fail to produce fruits when kept indoors because it lacks ideal conditions.
How do you know when the fruit is ripe?
When the fruit turns light green, it is ready to be picked from the tree. It can then be put in a dark-colored paper bag (black or brown) and stored in a warm (room temperature) dry place to ripen.
When ripe, the scales will start to fall off, producing a sweet scent, and the white edible part will be exposed. The fruit can be eaten as it is, blended into a smoothie, or converted into a fruit jam. However, people with acid reflux or peptic ulcers should avoid the fruit.
What to avoid about Monstera deliciosa
As mentioned, avoid eating the food raw because oxalic acid can irritate your tongue, mouth, throat, or stomach. In addition, it takes about 10-14 months for the fruit to ripen, so avoid eating it when raw.
Also, don’t overeat Monstera deliciosa since it has laxative properties. Overeating fruit can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, and excessive diarrhea.
Conclusion
Most people grow Monstera deliciosa for its jungle-like vibrant green appearance. Also called the “Swiss cheese plant,” this plant is trendy, exotic, easy to care for, and a great indoor plant.
But given the right conditions, the plant can produce healthy and aromatic fruits for you.
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