Bilimbi or Cucumber Tree - ตะลิงปลิง (ta-līng plīng) - Averrhoa bilimbi

In Hua Hin Services' garden grows the fascinating Bilimbi, or Cucumber Tree—known in Thai as ตะลิงปลิง (ta-līng plīng) (Averrhoa bilimbi). This tropical fruit tree produces tangy, cucumber-like fruits used in Thai cuisine. A unique and refreshing sight!

"Bilimbi" and "cucumber tree" both refer to the same fruit in Thailand, known locally as ตะลิงปลิง (taling pling). 

General information:

• Botanical name: Averrhoa bilimbi
• Family: Oxalidaceae (same as carambola [Star fruit])
• Tree: Grows up to 15 meters tall, with drooping branches and compound leaves.
• Fruit: Small, oblong drupes, 3-6 cm long, green when unripe and yellow when ripe.
• Taste: Extremely sour, with a slightly floral aroma.

Flowering Season

• Primary Bloom: The main flowering period typically occurs just before or at the very beginning of the rainy season.
• What to Look For: The flowers are small, delicate, and fragrant. They are a reddish-purple color and grow in beautiful, hairy clusters directly on the trunk and older branches of the tree (a phenomenon known as "cauliflory"). A tree in full bloom is quite striking.

Fruiting Season

• Primary Harvest: Following the flowers, the fruits develop and mature during the rainy season. The peak fruiting season is generally from June to September/October.
• Prolonged Season: Because bilimbi trees can flower in flushes, especially if there are good rains, it's common to see some trees bearing fruit almost year-round. However, the abundance and quality are highest during the core rainy season months.
• What to Look For: The fruits hang in dramatic, heavy clusters from the trunk. They start green and firm, which is when they are best for cooking. If left on the tree, they will turn a more yellowish-green when fully ripe but will be very soft and often fall to the ground.

Health Benefits Of Bilimbi - ตะลิงปลิง (ta-līng plīng)

• Bilimbi, or "ta-līng plīng," is a tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It's traditionally used in Thailand to help with diabetes management, digestive health, and inflammation, and also to regulate blood pressure. The fruit's low-calorie and high-fiber content can support weight management. It's also used in traditional medicine for coughs and fevers and is a souring agent in Thai cuisine.

Organic Bilimbi (ตะลิงปลิง) Care & Propagation

• Full sun, well-drained soil, compost fertilizer. Propagate by seeds, cuttings, or air layering.

Uses in Thailand:

• Fresh: Enjoyed raw, dipped in salt or chili powder.
• Cooking: Used in curries, soups, and stir-fries to add a sour tang. Popular in fish and seafood dishes. 
  Some Thai vegan dishes that feature bilimbi
• Preserves: Pickled, candied, or made into jams and chutneys.
• Medicinal: Traditionally used to treat various ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.

Popularity:

• Widely available in Thai markets and backyards.
• Considered a versatile and healthy fruit, rich in vitamin C and potassium.
• Sourness can be challenging for some, but loved for its unique flavor.

Additional information:

• Closely related to carambola (star fruit), but with a different fruit shape and taste.
• Contains oxalates, so moderation is recommended for people prone to kidney stones.
• Can be sensitive to frost, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical climates.

Local names:

• ตะลิงปลิง (taling pling) - most common
• ตะลิม (talim)
• ตะลิงพุง (taling phung)
• ตะลิงช้าง (taling chang)

Where to find it in Thailand:

• Look for it in local markets and grocery stores.
• You might find it growing in backyards or parks, especially in rural areas.