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Batwan

Ilonggos know batwan or batuan by heart as the fruit is almost endemic to the Western Visayas.



Its scientific name is Garcinia binucao, derived from the Tagalog name for the fruit, binukaw.


It is a large green fruit with large seeds and its a favorite souring ingredient in most Ilonggo dishes especially  KBL or kadyos, baboy, langka and the Ilonggo-style paksiw known as "pinamalhan".



It is characterized by a tamed sourness compared to tamarind and kamias. The fruit is sold by pieces or kilo in wet markets and even big grocery stores.

Batwan is the preferred souring ingredients for the Ilonggo favorite- KBL.
The photo shows boiled batwan with skin and without skin (right)

A favorite riddle when we were young -"Among the many fruits in the forest, but one (batuan) is the best. What is it?"


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