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Java Apples are not apples; they are a tropical fruit.

The tree grows true to seed, but better varieties are cultivated by grafting. It will grow up to 15 to 50 feet (4 1/2 to 15 metres) tall, with leaves 4 to 10 inches long (10 to 25 cm), and 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) wide.

A tree will start bearing fruit when it is 3 years old. It first produces fragrant flowers up to 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) wide and are a light red or yellowish-white.

The shape of the Java Apple is reminiscent of a Bell Pepper, though it narrows more at the bottom. It is small, only about 2 inches (5 cm) long. The skin colour of the fruit can be pale red, greenish-white or cream-coloured. The skin is thin and waxy.

Inside, the Java Apple has spongy, dry flesh, though in better varieties it is crisp and more juicy. Better varieties will also have a somewhat sweet taste. Most varieties, though, have almost no real flavour to speak of, and when eaten, are often sprinkled with sugar or salt to give them some interest. Red ones tend to be juicier and have more flavour.

There will be anywhere from 0 to 2 seeds.

Java Apples can be used for fresh-eating, or it can be stewed into a sauce.

It is grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Central America.

History
Java Apples are native to Malaysia.

Language Notes
Java Apples are sometimes called a Wax Apple, but then so is the Water Apple.

Also called:

Other entries for: Exotic Fruit

Abiu, Acerola, Ackee, Atemoya, Bread Fruit, Caimito, Canistel, Carissa, Chempedak, Custard Apple, Durians, Feijoa, Jaboticaba, Jackfruit, Java Apples, Jujube Fruit, Karanda, Longan, Lychee Fruit, Malay Apples, Mangosteen, Marang, Pawpaw, Pitahaya Fruit, Prickly Pears, Pulasan, Rambutans, Rose Apple, Soursop, Star Anise Fruit, Sugar Apples, Tamarillos, Tejocotes, Water Apple, Ximenia, Yellow Mombin

Other entries for:

Fruit
Bananas, Bletting, Candied Fruit, Citrus Fruit, Dried Fruit, Drupes, Hard Fruit, Olives, Rhubarb, Soft Fruit