As shown in the photo above, Layog Country Farm had its first harvest last year (2014) of rattan fruits or “littuko” as it is locally known in Mt. Province. The plant came to the farm as a gift from my deceased nephew Vicente Yaeng in 2010.
Rattan belongs to the palm family and is native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The palm is a climber and is very dependent on the support of another plant, like a tree. This climbing palm is known for making furnitures, decorations and baskets. It is the same vine which bears these edible rattan fruits or “littuko”.
When you are at the Baguio fruit market you could easily notice these fruits sold in abundance.The fruit is as big as the size of a lanzones fruit but the skin is hard and looking like brownish-yellow snake skin in its outer layer.The flesh is brownish and is juicy but taste very sour. In some areas in the Philippines, they make wine, pickles and jam out of these fruits. In Mt. Province, we eat the fruit raw by dipping it in a vinegar with salt or just sprinkle it with salt.
We have 4 rattan palm vines existing in our farm and of the 4 rattan palms existing at the farm, there is only one palm which bears small seedless rattan fruit. It is sweet or not as sour as compared to the rattan fruit with seeds. We just wonder if this seedless rattan fruit we have belongs to another variety of rattan palm vine.
aye, nay umipa-okmon na littoco ya.
Wen Purita, isu nga umali ka manpasyar no July tan anggay nayaum da.
We hope to see you soon at the farm with your family.
I miss eating litukko. Makapaukmon. How I wish to eat this fruit again one day.
Cheyrill, we are really very lucky we have this seedless variety which is sweeter than the rest of the palm we have with seeds. Surely you will be able to taste it again when you are for a visit in the Philippines. I don’t know if they are also selling it at the Asian shopts there in USA. Try asking your local Asian fruit and vegetable shop.
How to get your rattan fruit? Is it possible to ask for delivery in imus cavite?
Greetings from Layog Country Farm! Thank you so much Ma. Lerma for showing interest to our rattan fruits. I am however sorry, that we do not have much since we only have two rattan vines. Usually, it is harvested on the month of August and it is usually sold to the local residents.
I am prestty sure you can find these fruits being sold in the local market near your place when it is in season. I much of it at the fruit market in Baguio from July to August.
Best regards,
Flordelina Layog