A fruit vendor’s mission to introduce lesser-known local fruits — starting with ‘buah uchong’

Buah uchong

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Nov 25: Selin Jana has made it her mission to introduce lesser-known local fruits, starting with the ‘buah uchong’, which seemed to be making a comeback post-pandemic.

According to the 54-year-old fruit vendor, the oval star-shaped fruit, which is of a deep, maroon-red colour, is suddenly abundant in numbers, making it a welcome sight for her.

“The fruit I sell came from Serian, and the taste is rather sweet and a little tangy. I am surprised as the fruit is usually on the sour side,” she said when interviewed by DayakDaily.

“Usually, before Covid-19, I always have ‘buah uchong’ to sell when it’s in season at the end of the year. However, I have not seen or sold it since 2020 — until now,” she added.

Selin Jana

Selin said she loved selling local fruits that her suppliers foraged from the jungle, and she wanted to share them with city folk who had never tasted or seen them.

Hailing from Pasai Siong in Sibu, Selin reminisced that her mother foraged the fruit from the nearby forest when she was young.

“I remember they used to preserve the whole fruit by soaking it in salty water since its pulp is sour. Pickling makes it less sour and more edible.

“Even my regulars familiar with the fruit have said they have not seen it. So, it has been selling fast, and I am glad.

“I don’t know much about its health benefits, but all fruits should have nutrients that are good for us,” she said.

Selin sells a container or stalk of ‘buah uchong’ fruit for RM5. For inquiries, call 010 427 2785. — DayakDaily

The ‘buah uchong’ pulp has a sweet and tangy taste.