Plant Database
Santol
Sandoricum koetjape
The Santol, or Cottonfruit, is a statuesque and prolific tropical tree, revered in Southeast Asia for its refreshing, multi-textured fruit and impressive stature. This fast-growing giant produces large, golden-brown fruits with a unique dual-layered edible interior: a thick, tangy, cottony outer pulp and a sweet, juicy, translucent aril surrounding the seeds. Its flavor is a complex balance of sweet and tart, reminiscent of peach and apple with a distinct aromatic twist. While it can become a forest giant, it's a beloved source of shade, fruit, and tradition in its native regions.
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Produces large, round, golden-brown fruits with a thick, leathery rind.
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Fruit has a unique two-part edible interior: a tangy, fibrous outer pulp and a sweet, slippery inner aril (like a lychee or mangosteen).
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Flavor profile is refreshingly sweet-tart and aromatic, often compared to a mix of peach, apple, and citrus.
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A very fast-growing, massive evergreen tree that can reach over 100 feet tall in ideal conditions.
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Deeply embedded in Southeast Asian culinary and cultural traditions.
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More cold-sensitive than some tropicals, requiring a consistently warm, frost-free climate.
Flavor & Eating Profile:
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Flavor: A vibrant mix of sweet and sour. The outer pulp is tart and tangy, while the inner aril is sweeter and more perfumed.
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Texture: Outer pulp: Fibrous, cotton-like, and juicy. Inner aril: Soft, slippery, and gelatinous.
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Best Uses: Fresh: Eaten raw, often dipped in salt or a spicy-sweet mix. The aril is sucked from the seed. Processed: Excellent for making jams, jellies, chutneys, candies, and refreshing sour soups. The rind is sometimes candied.