Screw Pine Fruit

 

Screw Pine Fruit

The Tropical Treasure You Should Know About

When we think of tropical fruits, mangoes, coconuts, and bananas usually come to mind. But hidden among coastal forests and sandy shores is a unique, lesser-known fruit called the Screw Pine fruit, scientifically belonging to the genus Pandanus. Known for its striking appearance and cultural importance, this fruit is more than just food—it is part of tradition, medicine, and daily life in many parts of the world.

What is Screw Pine Fruit?

The screw pine is not a pine at all but a tropical plant from the Pandanaceae family. Its fruit is large, rounded, and looks somewhat like a pineapple crossed with a giant pinecone. The fruit is made up of numerous wedge-shaped segments called keys or carpels, which can be bright orange, red, or yellow when ripe.

Screw pines are found in tropical regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Madagascar, and coastal Africa. They thrive in sandy soils and often grow along beaches, acting as natural windbreakers and protecting coastlines from erosion.

Cultural and Culinary Uses

The screw pine fruit holds cultural significance across different regions:

In the Pacific Islands, it is a staple food. The soft, fleshy parts of the keys are chewed raw, boiled, or made into pastes and jams.

In India and Sri Lanka, the fragrant leaves of the screw pine (pandan leaves) are widely used in cooking, flavoring rice, desserts, and even curries. The fruit is less commonly eaten but still recognized for its medicinal qualities.

In Micronesia and Polynesia, people dry and store screw pine fruits as an emergency food source, ensuring food security during harsh seasons.

The seeds inside can also be roasted and eaten like nuts. Some communities even ferment the fruit to produce traditional alcoholic beverages.

Nutritional and Medicinal Value

The screw pine fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains:

Carbohydrates – providing energy for coastal communities.

Vitamin C – boosting immunity and skin health.

Antioxidants – helping reduce oxidative stress.

Fiber – aiding digestion.

Traditionally, different parts of the screw pine plant have been used in folk medicine:

The fruit pulp is believed to relieve constipation.

The roots and leaves are used in herbal remedies for fever, skin infections, and inflammation.

Its juice is sometimes applied for wound healing.

Beyond Food: Other Uses

The screw pine tree is a true multipurpose plant.

Leaves: Strong and fibrous, they are woven into mats, baskets, hats, and ropes.

Roots: Used in traditional construction and handicrafts.

Fragrance: Pandan leaves have a vanilla-like aroma, often used in perfumes and incense.

This makes the screw pine not just a source of food, but also a key contributor to sustainable living in coastal societies.

A Fruit of Resilience

The screw pine fruit is more than just a curiosity—it is a symbol of resilience. Growing in harsh, salty, sandy environments where few plants can thrive, it provides nourishment, raw materials, and cultural identity to countless communities.

As the world rediscovers traditional foods and sustainable crops, the screw pine deserves recognition. Its unique flavor, versatility, and role in coastal ecosystems make it a true tropical treasure.