Kamias

Scientific Name:Averrhoa Bilimbi

Kamias is the Filipino term for the tree that is commonly known in english as Cucumber Tree or Sorrel Tree.kamias are commonly grown in rural areas here in Philippines because it is used in cooking and as traditional medicine.

The tree bear's small yet fragrant yellow-green or purple flowers and it's fruits are green to yellow-green with a juicy,soft and highly acidic flesh.

Uses in Foods:

• Kamias fruits are edible though it is not often eaten raw.It is commonly used to substitute vinegar.Kamias are acidic in nature,in Philippines it is used to foods  that requires sour taste.It is used  in soup-based foods with sour broth like the Pinoy comfort food Sinigang na Isda (fish stew).
• It is made into relish and when mixed with generous amount of sugar,it would be made into jams.

Medicinal:

• Due to its acidity in nature,it is found out to have significant traces of Vitamins C,B,Calcium,iron,fiber and Phosphorus,although studies shows that it only contains smaller amounts of nutrients than other tropical  fruits.
• In the Philippines,kamias flowers are bring to a boil to make a tea and taken to help relieve cough.
• The fruits are also taken to cure cough.
• Leaves are reduce into paste and are used to heal skin itching and pimples.

Kamias may be unappreciated,but it stood still bearing fruits all year round waiting to be discovered and consumed.