Agbalumo, also known as African Cherry or African Star Apple, is in season. Traders can be found all over the place, displaying fruits and proclaiming that each one is the sweetest in the world.
You, on the other hand, are well aware of your numerous burns. When you stretch your hands to choose from those trays or baskets, you know many of those cheek-slapping aren’t what you’re looking for.
Despite its sweet-sour taste, Agbalumo is popular among both young and old. One would assume that because of its “slappy flavor,” it would be the most despised fruit (Some actually really slap). I don’t need to describe the flavour to you because you’ve probably had it… How did it taste to you?
Here are some suggestions for selecting sweet agbalumo.
Deep orange skin
The skin is a quick way to tell if agbalumo is sweet and ripe. The ripe ones will usually be a gleaming bright deep orange-red color.
Soft to the touch
To the touch, the ripe ones are still tender. It has a soft feel to it and should yield when squeezed, but not to the point of instantly opening up. It is likely to be spoiled if this occurs.
The stalk does not have a green ring around it.
If the stalk has a green ring around it, drop it for the sake of your mouth because if you try it, it will not only slap you, but the taste will make you dislike agbalumo for the rest of your life…lol.
The unripe ones have a green ring or grey markings on them.
Dull rough look
These are sometimes ripe, but they can never be sweet unless you’re incredibly fortunate. It has a light brown or dull orange appearance. It’s ideal for practical jokes… (You can give it to your irritating friend as a gift.)
Perform the sweetness test on the seller.
Yes, that’s what I call it, and it usually works.
It also operates in the majority of cases. Tell the seller that you want to try it before you purchase it because you plan to buy a lot of it. When the seller is confident in the taste, they will usually give you one to try. If they refuse to give you a ‘tasting’ even though you order it, my love, simply walk away to save your tongue the tension.
