The horse apple tree is a member of the mulberry family, Moraceae. It can be found in parts of North America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The horse apple tree, while not often noticed, is a unique species as it produces a unique fruit. The fruit, known as the horse apple, is a type of mulberry that has its own unique characteristics. The outer material of the horse apple is a thick, leathery rind with a white powdery substance inside. The rind is tough and requires pressure in order to be broken, revealing the inner core or seed that is of a sweet, honey-like flavor. Horse apples are not only a food source but also have a variety of uses in traditional medicines and even folklore.
Uses
The horse apple has been used for centuries by various cultures for medicinal as well as gastronomic purposes.The fruit has been used primarily for diuretic, laxative, and antispasmodic medicinal effects. Horse apples have also been used to treat a range of ailments such as colic, hemorrhoids, and the common cold. It has also been used as an antiseptic, as a mild abrasive, and as a flea repellent.
The pulp and seeds of the fruit are edible and used to make jams and jellies, as well as sour-pickles and other such food delicacies. The leaves of the tree are used in salad, curries, and sauces, while the flowers are used to make a sauce called lokchole. Horse apples are a popular culinary ingredient in the Caribbean, where they are used to make sweet desserts such as Coco-Horse Apple Pudding and Horse-Apple Pie.
Appearance
The horse apple tree usually grows in groups to a maximum height of 10-12 meters although single specimens may reach a height of 18 meters. Its leaves are glossy, with three or five lobes, and grow in spirals at the end of the twigs. The flowers are white, fragrant and grow in panicles. The fruits, horse apples, are round or oblong in shape, with a thick, leathery skin and a white, creamy flesh. The average weight of the fruit is about 20 grams.
The horse apples can be harvested anywhere between two to four months after the flowers bloom. It is best to harvest the horse apples when they are still green and unripe as they become more difficult to open and the pulp becomes more gritty when they are ripe. The ripe fruits are orange or golden yellow in color with a sweet and pungent taste.
Folklore
Because of their unique shape and appearance, horse apples have long been believed to possess special powers and magical properties. There are many different legends and myths associated with this fruit. In the Caribbean, it is believed that if one places a horse apple under the pillow, it will help one have prophetic dreams. In other cultures, the horse apple is believed to have the power to exorcise evil spirits and bring good luck.
In some parts of the world, it is said that the horse apple tree is able to sway according to the direction of the wind, and that its fruits carry the souls of the dead to Heaven. The horse apple has even been known to ward off bad luck and curses from witches, by keeping it either in a pantry or garden.
Conservation
The horse apple tree is not widely cultivated and is, in fact, declining in numbers due to the destruction of its natural habitat, which has been cleared for the cultivation of other crops. It is also threatened by feral animals such as pigs and deer, who have been known to consume the fruits in large numbers. The trees are now protected in some parts of the world and conservation efforts are being made in an effort to increase numbers.
Nutrition
Horse apples are rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins and they contain a high amount of dietary fiber. They are low in calories and are a good source of antioxidants, minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, and vitamins A and C, as well as B vitamins. Horse apples are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds known to promote healthy vision and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
Harvesting
Horse apples can be harvested by hand or with the use of special tools. Harvest usually takes place when the fruits are still green and unripe. They can be stored for up to a month if kept in a cool and dry place. It is important to note that the horse apples will have to be handled with great care to avoid bruising as the fruits are ripe, as the skin is very delicate.
Propagation
The horse apple tree is usually propagated through the use of seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be harvested from ripe fruits and stored in moist sand for several months or until the seeds are ready to be planted. The seedlings are then transplanted into the ground and should be placed in well-drained soils.The cuttings should be taken from the lower branches of the tree and planted in soil that has been enriched with a good amount of organic matter.
