SWEET SANTOL & BEST OF LOP BURI FAIR
May 25 – June 5, 2011
In front of Lop Buri Provincial Hall
Lop Buri province is famous for its tasty Sweet Santol. The Sweet Santol and Best of Lop Buri Fair being held in front of the Lop Buri Provincial Hall presents a rare opportunity for shoppers to purchase freshly-picked santol directly from the growers.
Santol (Sandoricum koetjape), a round brownish fruit with sweet pulpy flesh with a fluffy appearance surrounding its seeds and an outer layer of pulp, is an agricultural crop of economic importance for Lop Buri province. It is widely grown in the sub-district of Amphoe Talung.
There are several varieties available, of which the ‘Sweet Santol’ and ‘Golden Santol’ are the most popular choices. Size depends on the variety and ranges from a fruit that is the size of a tennis ball to prized strains that measure almost 10 cm in diameter.
Perfectly matured and ripened santol is mildly sweet and fragrant. The fruit needs to be peeled before it can be consumed. The thick fleshy inner pulp surrounding the seeds never disappoints; the delicate pulp with its mild sweet taste and fragrance is the most sought-after part of the fruit.
The outer layer of pulp can be somewhat tart. Enjoying this part of the fruit can be an acquired taste. To neutralise and disguise the inherent tart taste of the outer flesh, slices, served fresh, are dipped into a mix of sugar, salt and pounded fresh or dried chilli. Served as a light dessert, the entire santol fruit is pickled in syrup and served with crushed ice.
The outer flesh is also often pickled in brine, or a combination of brine and syrup, and flavoured with a sweet and savoury chilli dip called nam pla wan. Alternatively, it is served as a variation of papaya som tam salad. Sweet, sour, salty and slightly spicy, the harmony of flavours neutralises and disguises the tart taste of the outer flesh, transforming it into a piquant, flavourful delicacy favoured by Thais.
Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Lop Buri Office
Tel: +66 (0) 3642 2768-9
Fax: +66 (0) 3642 4089
E-mail: tatlobri@tat.or.th
Credit: TAT News (www.tatnews.org)
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