Suha (Pomelo)

The best suha or pomelo I had ever tasted came from Davao with a brand name Golden, according to its sticker label.  It was succulent, juicy and sweet.

Truth be told, this is one local fruit in which I am at the mercy of the vendor, because the ones usually sold in Metro Manila and even here in Bohol, provide no visible hints that they are indeed from Davao, or if from a good variety whatsoever.

Although sometimes, a vendor would offer an open fruit from which you can get a taste of (tikim). But then again, what you're buying is still completely covered by a very thick peel. Incidentally, the peel looks inedible and often discarded, actually, it can be used to make marmalade and candies.

Suha is oftentimes referred to as pomelo. and rarely as shaddock, after an English sea captain, Captain Shaddock, who introduced the seed to the West Indies in the 17th century from the Malay Archipelago. Be that as it may, pomelo is the patriarch of the citrus family.

Suha also has curative uses such as against nausea and fainting.  Simply squeeze its rind near the nostrils while inhaling. And there are some folks who boil suha seeds in a gallon of water to use as sitz-bath.

Health benefits of suha or pomelo are immense. It's full of nutrients, vitamins, potassium , lycopene and refrigerant. Along with these, it also contains calcium, sugar and phosphorous.

It is high in fiber and low in calorie. It contains bioflavonoid and various pytho-chemicals that help prevent diseases such as cancer, tumor and heart diseases. It is also helpful in fighting against fatigue, fever, malaria, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, urinary problems, acidity and many more.  

Moreover, the scent of pomelo supposedly reduces hunger pangs. And this is the reason why people include it in their weight loss programs. Its high fiber content satisfies hunger and thus, prevent any overeating temptation.

Pomelo also contains pectin which reduces the accumulation of arterial deposits in the body, thereby clearing out all impurities.

It also works as a natural antiseptic for external wounds. It works as a liver tonic for the human body. It contains high water content which helps in changing the complexion of the skin and increases metabolism .

Read more health benefits, as well as cooking tips here.

These days, suha from Davao costs 100 pesos a kilo, but may cost even more in Metro Manila.

Sharing with Food Trip Friday, Weekly Top Shot, Mandatory Mooch

Please note:

I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!