Facts on Desert Quandong Fruit
Desert Quandong Fruit is scientifically called as Santalum acuminatum .
ORIGIN DESERT QUANDONG
The desert quandong, is a hemiparasitic plant in the sandalwood family, Santalaceae, (Native to Australia) which is widely dispersed throughout the central deserts and southern areas of Australia.
OTHER NAMES DESERT QUANDONG
quandong or native peach
Other indigenous names include; wolgol (Noongar, South Western Australia) gutchu (Wotjobaluk, Western Victoria); wanjanu or mangata (Pitjantjatjara, Uluru), and goorti (Narungga).
APPEARANCE DESERT QUANDONG
Desert Quandong fruit is referred to as a drupe. It ripens from green to a shiny red in late spring or summer, and is globe-shaped and 20 to 40 mm across. The skin of the fruit is waxy.
Quandong is the name of three wild bush fruits. Desert quandong (Santalum acuminatum), also known as sweet quandong which is the fruit grown and harvest at the Broken Hill Quandong Farm.
TASTES DESERT QUANDONG
The fleshy Desert Quandong fruit, although sometimes a little tart, has a pleasant taste when ripe, similar to a cross between apricots, peaches and rhubarb.
VARIETIES DESERT QUANDONG
The two other varieties are Blue Quandong (Elaeocarpus grandis) and Bitter Quandong (S. murrayannum).
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS DESERT QUANDONG
100g of Quandong fruit, Data from Food Standards Australia and New Zealand.
• Energy, with dietary fiber: (kJ)206
• Dietary fiber: (g)4.2
• Protein: (g)2.5
• Available carbohydrates, with sugar alcohols: (g)8.1
• Total sugars: (g)8.1
• Sodium (Na): (mg)116
• Beta-carotene(µg):45
• Provitamin A (b-carotene equivalents) (µg): 62
• Vitamin A retinol equivalents (µg): 10
• Thiamine (B1) (mg): 0.04
• Niacin (B3) (mg): 0.5
• Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.05
• Folate, natural (µg): 191
• Vitamin C (mg): 20
• Alpha-tocopherol (mg): 0.1
• Vitamin E (mg): 0.1
• Calcium (Ca) (mg): 7
• Iodine (I) (µg): 2.2
• Magnesium (Mg) (mg): 28
• Phosphorus (P) (mg): 11
• Potassium (K) (mg): 747
• Selenium (Se) (µg): 0.5
• Sodium (Na) (mg): 116
• Moisture (g): 71.9
• Ash (g): 2
• Tryptophan (mg): 18
Facts on Desert Quandong Fruit
Promotes Heart Health
The fibre, vitamin C, K and iron and potassium in Desert Quandong fruit support heart health. Vitamin K prevents blood clotting and provides protection against several heart diseases. Lycopene and lutein present in fruit also lower the risk of heart disease.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Desert quandong Fruits also contain potassium, an electrolyte that regulates blood pressure and maintains fluid balance, thus controlling our heart rate and providing protection against stroke.
Prevents Cancer
Desert Quandong Fruits are high in antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid which help prevent the multiplication and spread of cancer cells in the body, which offers protection against breast and colon cancers by reducing the cancer growth.
Maintains Eye Health
Desert Quandong Fruits are a good source of beta carotene, a compound that is converted to vitamin A in the body and help in maintaining the retina of the eyes. The presence of antioxidant phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin protects the eye from potential damage caused by light striking the retina.
Detoxifies Body System
Desert Quandong Fruits are rich in vitamins A, vitamins C, and vitamins E and selenium. The high content of potassium and fiber found in fruit reduce the risk of stomach ulcers, inflammation and kidney related diseases.
Stronger Teeth Health
Desert quandong Fruit contains vitamin C, along with iron, which helps reduce lead absorption and help to prevent cavities and other dental issues. So, consumption of Desert quandong fruit can help cure bone diseases and several dental problems.
Aids Weight Loss
Desert quandong Fruits are a good source of fiber, that promotes satiety and contributes to weight loss in a healthy manner. Desert quandong also low in calories and fat free which makes them ideal for weight loss.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Desert quandong Fruits possess anti-inflammatory properties with excellent Vitamin C which helps to alleviate inflammation and is particularly effective for hypertensive diabetes patients.
Helps Fighting Anemia
Desert quandong Fruits are one of the best non-heme sources of iron and are effective in increasing the iron content of the body. Desert quandong, being rich in both iron and vitamin C, are excellent foods to stop anemia.
Treats Candida Fungus
The polyphenols and flavonoids in Desert quandong can play a vital role in treating Candida fungus. It also contains condensed tannins that offer protection against Candida.
