The Tropical Fruit Forum

Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: MarkoS on June 12, 2013, 10:06:41 PM

Title: What pod tastes like licorice?
Post by: MarkoS on June 12, 2013, 10:06:41 PM

It's happened.  My neighborhood thinks of me as "the fruit guy".  And I was put on my first mission, to identify this tree growing in a neighbors yard.  It has lots of yellow flowers that become hard long pods about 8" long but 1/2 in thick.  The insides once you crack the hard shell tastes like licorice.  They neighbor said who he bought it from would eat the insides of the pods regularly.  Any thoughts?

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/9028382353_d8c1e02aac_n.jpg) (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/9030610098_b5694df58a_n.jpg) (http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9028382527_a584df6394_n.jpg)

Title: Re: What pod tastes like licorice?
Post by: JF on June 12, 2013, 10:15:18 PM

Cassia fistula

Title: Re: What pod tastes like licorice?
Post by: fruitlovers on June 12, 2013, 11:13:31 PM

Called golden shower tree here. If you come to Hilo you will see them planted all along the main highway. I eat them ocassionally too. Have to be careful not to eat too much, can act as a laxative.

Title: Re: What pod tastes like licorice?
Post by: Zambezi on June 12, 2013, 11:25:35 PM

I agree with the guys, it's Cassia Fistula, or Golden shower Tree...Or Purging Cassia.

In herbal medicine, fruit pulp is used as laxative, but too much of it can cause nausea, vomiting...etc.  :o

Title: Re: What pod tastes like licorice?
Post by: MarkoS on June 13, 2013, 07:04:58 AM

Thanks all.