General Info – Pedalai, Peluntan, Gumihan, Terap Bulu
A spectacular fruit in both appearance and flavour, the Pedalai is an exotic wonder of the South East Asian tropics. Pedalai is a member of the Artocarpus genus, along with the common Jackfruit, Breadfruit, and the rarer Marang, Chempedak, Lakoocha, and Kwai Muk. As with many of the rarer Artocarpus species, Pedalai is often considered to have a superior flavour to the more common Jackfruit. Pedalai has a unique appearance for an Artocarpus, featuring a hairy, orange skin that resembles a giant orange Rambutan. The soft, ripe fruits can be easily pulled apart by hand to reveal an inner core with segments of soft, white pulp surrounding edible seeds. The flavour of Pedalai is similar to that of Marang, offering a sweet and aromatic tropical profile with hints of Vanilla and, for some, sweet onion. Unlike Marang, however, Pedalai does not have a pungent aroma often compared to petrol, which many find off-putting. Like other Artocarpus species, the seeds are edible when boiled or roasted and have a flavour similar to Peanuts. Pedalai are native to the tropical monsoon forests of Southeast Asia, characterised by year-round humidity and high rainfall. These trees often grow wild at moderate elevations (up to 1,000 metres) and therefore do not require an ultra-tropical climate, reportedly tolerating occasional temperature drops down to 4 degrees Celsius. However, in cooler tropical climates, they may grow more slowly and take longer to bear fruit. Naturally developing in the understory, Pedalai prefer partial shade or filtered light when young. As they mature, they thrive in full sun, which maximises productivity. For optimal growth, provide plants with neutral, deep, well-draining soil and protect them from droughts. Pedalai can grow into towering trees, reaching heights of up to 40 metres. However, when cultivated in full sun, they often mature to a smaller height. The massive elliptical foliage is ornamental and very tropical, and the buttressed roots on mature plants are also visually appealing. A rare Artocarpus perfect for any tropical fruit collector or for those looking to savour an incredible tropical flavour.
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