Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Jamaican Java Plum
The "Fruit of Gods"
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!
by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer
On a recent trip to the South Coast, St. Elizabeth on a quest for a different fruit, we found this one instead. A lady who was among the group of ladies who advised us that the one we came for was out of season, told us about a fruit she had in her yard. But she couldn’t just remember its name.
New! How much do you love Jamaica?
Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
When she eventually remembered, she called it Ribena, but what we actually found out is that it was Java Plum (Syzygium cumini) . Have you heard of it?
Java Plum (Indian Blackberry), or Jamun/Jambul as it is called on the Asian continent where it is originally from, is highly sought after for its health benefits and is widely known as the fruit of gods in the Hindu religion.
Its natural habitat like a said are Asian countries specifically, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.
It isn’t clear how the Jamaican Ribena, another of its many names, made its way to Jamaica. But, like many other plants, Java Plum was brought to other parts of the world, when travel increased between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
What Does Java Plum look like?
At first glance, you can mistake Java Plum for many fruits, but if you take a closer look you will notice the differences. The leaves are long, slender leaves with white blossoms.
The fruits which are green when unfit, grow in clusters and change to varying shades of red before the deep purple it becomes when it is ripe. There is a single round seed at the centre surrounded by the “meat” of the fruit.
The fruit is seasonal and, while the tree begins flowering in August, the season is between the end of September and the end of November.
What does it taste like?
The fruit is tangy, sour and astringent. The purple colour of the fruit often transfers to your tongue and your clothes if you aren’t careful.
Can you eat Jamum while pregnant?
There is currently not enough evidence to support or advised against having the fruit while pregnant. The best advice, for now, is to consult with your doctor.
Nutritional Properties of Jamaican Java Plum
Java Plums are rich in:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Fibre
- Calcium
- Iron
- Glucose
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Protein
- Flavanoids
- Antioxidants
These nutritional properties of Jamaican Java Plum is beneficial for these health conditions:
- Diabetes Management
- Heart Health
- Weight Loss
- Oral Hygiene
- Skin Health
- Digestion
- Infections
- Anaemia
- Respiratory Conditions (like Asthma)
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Precautions
It naturally lowers blood sugar levels so it should be avoided if you have an upcoming surgery or right after one. I
Do not have Jamun on an empty stomach or after drinking milk
Persons suffering from atherosclerosis or a history of the formation of blood clots should avoid the fruit.
If you have an allergic reaction to the fruit, which usually manifests in the form of hives, skin rash, swollen gums, lips and eyelids, visit or speak with your medical practitioner immediately.
Watch Video! Jamaican Java Plum
Miss Rowe used it to make a wine-type drink each year, which is very easy to make but you might have to wait a couple of months for the results. All you’ll need is a sealable glass bottle. Then you’ll just have to wash the berries and put them in the bottle seed and all. Now just leave it, and allow the fruits to slowly break down into a stong Java Plum drink. She suggests adding a little rum if you are feeling spicy but if you wish not to, you can have it just the same.
I did a little research and found other recipes too, just in case you can’t wait months before you try the fruit.
Jamaican Java Plum Jam Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups Java Plum
- 2 apples
- 1 cup brown sugar/ sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ tbsp cinnamon powder
- 3 tbsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp fennel powder (optional)
PROCEDURE
- Wash and dice your fruits, make and an effort to remove all the seeds.
- Put the chopped plums and apples into a pan, cover with water and allow to simmer until soft (should be 15 minutes)
- Add the sugar and allow to boil until it reaches a thick consistency, be sure to stir consistently while it is boiling.
- When your jam is finished, ladle it into a jar, close it immediately and allow to cool.
Keep refrigerated and you’ll have jam for your bread, crackers and however else you use jam for up to a year. The colour of your jam depends on the portions, more java plum means a darker, tangy jam, so that is up to you.
Java Plum fruits, seeds and bark are used in supplements and other medication as well.
You might like these
Jamaican Coconut | The Uses & Health Benefits Of The Versatile Fruit
Jamaican Coconut, the versatility of this fruit is unmatched! From the health benefits to its various uses in our cuisine, there is hardly a day it isn’t used.
Refreshing Jamaican Sorrel | Here's A Simple Recipe
The Jamaican Sorrel drink has always been a integral part of food culture, and especially so in the festive season. Here's a little backround...plus the recipe!
How Healthy Is Breadfruit? Plus 10 Common Questions, Answered
How healthy is breadfruit? What does it taste like? Is breadfruit a fruit or vegetable? We answer these questions and more.
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Return to Jamaican Fruits from Jamaican Java Plum
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Java Plum
References & Sources For Jamaican Sorrel
- Chauhan, D., 2022. Jamun, Java plum (Syzygium cumini) - Properties, Benefits, Uses, Dosage. [online] Planet Ayurveda. Available at: [Accessed 30 August 2022].
- Fab Food 4 All. 2022. Plum & Apple Jam. [online] Available at: [Accessed 30 August 2022].
- Netmeds. 2022. Jamun: Medicinal Uses, Therapeutic Benefits For Skin, Diabetes And Supplements. [online] Available at: [Accessed 30 August 2022].
- Phalak, P., 2022. The Fruit of the Gods. [online] Giftingtrees.blogspot.com. Available at: [Accessed 30 August 2022].
- Netmeds. 2022. Jamun: Medicinal Uses, Therapeutic Benefits For Skin, Diabetes And Supplements. [online] Available at: [Accessed 30 August 2022].
Jamaican Java Plum | Written: September 01, 2022
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
NEW!
Join the growing list of well-thinking, Jamaica-Loving folks in our vibrant Private Community
👇🏿
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
How Much Is Property Tax In Jamaica?
Apr 25, 24 08:46 PM
Purchasing your own land is a major accomplishment but the thought of paying property tax can be daunting. How much is property tax in Jamaica by the way? -
How To Apply For An H2B Visa In Jamaica?
Apr 25, 24 02:07 PM
For many Jamaican locals and H2B visa is the key to their dreams. Ready to take on that journey? This is how to apply for an H2B visa in Jamaica. -
Medical Scholarships in Jamaica
Apr 23, 24 04:21 PM
Pursuing a career in medicine is a noble aspiration, however it is quite expensive. These medical scholarships in Jamaica helps to ease the financial burden. -
Why Do People Like Jamaica So Much?
Apr 23, 24 03:00 PM
Jamaica is one of the top vacation destinations in the Caribbean, which may have you wondering, why do people like Jamaica so much? -
How To Become A Realtor In Jamaica?
Apr 20, 24 12:09 PM
Are you eyeing the real estate business but not sure how to become a realtor in Jamaica? This is all you need to know to get started.
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.