How to make Calabash Tree juicePublished: 16-Nov-2025 (11:35); Viewed: 7; Difficulty: 2 out of 10Rating: N/A k
Turning Crescentia cujete Into Traditional Black JuiceDiscovering a calabash tree in a quiet garden in Liloan, Cebu, feels a bit like finding a living relic. Crescentia cujete - often referred to as the calabash or miracle fruit - is becoming increasingly rare, yet it has a rich history in Filipino and Latin folk practices. Its heavy green fruits hide a soft, sponge-like interior that transforms completely when heated. What begins as pale, fibrous flesh becomes a dark, aromatic juice after slow boiling, a drink often associated with soothing the throat, easing a cough, and supporting general wellness.The process is wonderfully simple. You open the fruit, scoop out the soft meat, let it simmer on low heat, and watch it darken into a deep, rich black liquid. The aroma shifts as it cooks: mild at first, then surprisingly warm and sweet. Locals sometimes enjoy it as a natural tonic, and even the shells of the fruit find a second life as traditional cups or musical instruments. Below is a clear guide based on the preparation in the video - from finding the fruit to finishing a clean, smooth drink. Preparing the Calabash Miracle JuiceWorking with a calabash fruit is straightforward once you know what to expect. The rind is firm, so the first step is a careful cut. Inside, the meat comes out easily in large, soft pieces, almost sponge-like. This flesh is what develops the characteristic dark colour during cooking. Only a very small amount of water is needed; most of the liquid comes from the fruit itself.As it simmers under a lid, the fruit slowly breaks down and releases its flavour. After about forty minutes, the colour shifts fully to black. The final step is straining, which removes seeds and tougher fibres, leaving you with a smooth, naturally sweet juice. step-by-step instructions
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||