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Velvet Apple
Diospyros blancoi
Velvet apple is a luxurious Southeast Asian superfruit with excellent vitamin C (31% DV per 100g), creamy texture, and distinctive tropical character. Also called black velvet tamarind or mabolo fruit, velvet apple delivers comprehensive nutritional benefits with exceptional culinary versatility. At 78 calories per 100g with 81% water content and antioxidant-rich profile, velvet apple is prized in Southeast Asian cuisines, contemporary wellness practices, and gourmet applications. Perfect for fresh eating, premium desserts, smoothies, and sophisticated culinary creations.
78
Calories
2.6g
Fiber
31%
Vitamin C
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Nutrition Facts
Calories
78
per 100g
Carbs
16.8g
per 100g
Protein
1.8g
per 100g
Fiber
2.6g
per 100g
Sugar
13.2g
per 100g
Fat
0.5g
per 100g
💊Vitamins
Per 100g
Vitamin C
31% DV
26 mg
Excellent immune support, powerful antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, cellular defense
Vitamin A
15% DV
450 IU (135 mcg RAE)
Vision support, immune function, skin health, antioxidant defense, cellular protection
Folate (B9)
6% DV
24 mcg
Cell division, DNA synthesis, neurological health, methylation support, energy metabolism
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
4% DV
0.18 mg
Energy metabolism, hormone synthesis, stress response, neurotransmitter production
⚡Minerals
Per 100g
Potassium
6% DV
218 mg
Heart health, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, electrolyte balance
Copper
13% DV
0.12 mg
Iron metabolism, immune function, bone formation, antioxidant enzyme production
Manganese
10% DV
0.21
Bone development, metabolism, antioxidant enzyme production, connective tissue
🛡️Antioxidants
Vitamin CCarotenoidsPolyphenolsFlavonoidsAnthocyaninsTannins
🌿Phytonutrients
Vitamin C - excellent antioxidant providing robust immune support and comprehensive cellular defense against oxidative stressCarotenoids - antioxidant compounds supporting vision health, immune function, and cellular protection with exceptional potencyPolyphenols - diverse antioxidants supporting cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and comprehensive cellular wellnessTannins - bioactive compounds supporting antioxidant defense, digestive health, and comprehensive cellular protection
📊Glycemic Index
38
Per Serving
Nutrition breakdown for one serving
📏
Serving Size
100g fresh velvet apple flesh
Calories
78kcal
Breakdown
Carbs
16.8g
Fiber
2.6g
9% DV
Sugar
13.2g
Protein
1.8g
Fat
0.5g
Vitamin C
💊
26mg
31% DV
Potassium
⚡
218mg
6% DV
Health Benefits
Excellent vitamin C content (31% DV per 100g) provides robust immune support, powerful antioxidant protection, and comprehensive cellular defense
Excellent vitamin A (15% DV per 100g) supports vision health, immune function, and skin health with comprehensive antioxidant benefits
Copper (13% DV per 100g) supports immune function, bone formation, and antioxidant enzyme production
Manganese (10% DV per 100g) supports bone development, metabolism, and antioxidant enzyme production
High polyphenol and tannin content provides exceptional antioxidant protection and cardiovascular support
Good fiber content (9% DV per 100g) supports digestive health, gut microbiome wellness, and healthy satiety
Potassium (6% DV per 100g) supports heart health, blood pressure regulation, and muscle function
Low to moderate glycemic index (38) and load (6) support stable blood sugar and sustained energy
Excellent hydration profile (81% water content) supports optimal cellular health and comprehensive wellness
Creamy, nutrient-dense composition supports sustained energy and comprehensive nutrition in single serving
Origin & Distribution
Native Region
Southeast Asia
Global Presence
PhilippinesThailandSoutheast AsiaMalaysiaIndonesiatropical AsiaSoutheast Asian regions
Top Producers
PhilippinesThailandMalaysia
Historical Background
Velvet apple (Diospyros blancoi) originated in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines and Thailand, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Known as black velvet tamarind or mabolo in Filipino, velvet apple represents the rich botanical heritage of Southeast Asia. The fruit has been valued in traditional medicine, regional cuisine, and local food traditions for centuries and continues to be highly prized in contemporary culinary applications and wellness practices throughout Southeast Asia and globally.
Peak Season
Best Time to Enjoy
Peak season August-October
3 Varieties Available
Explore Varieties
Each variety offers unique flavors, textures, and culinary applications
Philippine Velvet Apple
Philippines
Color
Brownish-red to dark red when ripe, velvety skin texture
Taste Profile
Sweet, creamy, distinctive tropical flavor with aromatic notes
Best For
Fresh eating, premium desserts, elegant preparations
Thai Velvet Apple
Thailand
Color
Deep red, larger fruit, distinctive velvet appearance
Taste Profile
Rich sweetness, subtle complexity, refined flavor profile
Best For
Fresh eating, contemporary recipes, professional pastry
Malaysian Velvet Apple
Malaysia
Color
Reddish-brown, medium fruit, elegant shape
Taste Profile
Sweet with subtle tartness, complex flavor development
Best For
Smoothies, desserts, traditional preparations
Storage & Selection Guide
Keep your fruit fresh and delicious for longer
How to Choose the Perfect Fruit
1
Select velvet apple fruits that are brownish-red to dark red indicating full ripeness
2
Choose fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure indicating optimal softness
3
Look for smooth, unblemished velvety skin without brown spots or damage
4
Ripe velvet apple should emit distinctive sweet, tropical fragrance
5
Avoid fruits that are too firm (unripe) or overly soft (overripe)
6
Fresh fruits should feel heavy for their size indicating good flesh content
Proper Storage Methods
Store velvet apple at room temperature until fully ripe (usually 1-3 days)
Refrigerate ripe fruits in produce drawer for up to 7 days
Place in paper bag at room temperature to speed ripening process
Avoid storing in plastic bags which can trap excess moisture
Keep away from ethylene-producing fruits to control ripening
Freeze puree in ice cube trays for convenient smoothie ingredients
Shelf Life Guide
Refrigerated
7 days in refrigerator (ripe fruit)
Average Shelf Life
7 days
Freezing Instructions
Preserve freshness for months
2-3 months
1
Allow fruits to fully ripen before freezing for maximum sweetness
2
Scoop flesh into blender and puree until smooth
3
Freeze puree in ice cube trays for 4-6 hours
4
Transfer frozen cubes to freezer bags for convenient storage
5
Frozen velvet apple puree maintains quality for 6-8 months
6
Use directly from freezer in smoothies or thaw for dessert applications
Pro Tip
Label frozen items with the date to track freshness. Most fruits maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly frozen. For best results, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Culinary Journey
Discover delicious possibilities
Common Uses
Fresh eating as luxurious gourmet experience
Southeast Asian traditional dishes and preparations
Contemporary fine dining applications
Premium smoothies and beverages
Elegant desserts and creamy preparations
Natural ice cream and frozen desserts
Sophisticated pastry applications
Culinary and nutritional applications
Perfect Pairings
Vanilla - classic elegant pairingHoney - natural sweetness enhancementCinnamon - warming spice complementDark chocolate - intensity pairingLime - brightness and tartness balanceCoconut - tropical flavor harmonyAlmonds - textural and flavor complementNutmeg - aromatic spice enhancementRum - traditional spirits pairing
Popular Recipes
Fresh velvet apple eaten with spoon directly from fruit
Velvet apple smoothie or smoothie bowl
Velvet apple and honey preparation
Contemporary velvet apple mousse
Velvet apple with cinnamon and vanilla
Tropical velvet apple blend
Velvet apple dessert sauce
Velvet apple ice cream creation
Premium velvet apple beverage
Refreshing Beverages
Velvet apple smoothie
Creamy velvet apple shake
Velvet apple and coconut blend
Velvet apple with honey and vanilla
Velvet apple tropical juice
Velvet apple wellness drink
Premium velvet apple beverage
Safety Information
Allergy Information:
Velvet apple allergies are rare. Some individuals may have sensitivity to tropical fruits or specific plant families.
Pesticide Concerns:
Purchase velvet apple from reputable Southeast Asian producers specializing in traditional cultivation. Most velvet apple cultivation uses minimal pesticides. Choose certified, organically grown sources when available from trusted suppliers.
Who Should Avoid:
- • People with fruit allergies should exercise caution and test in small amounts
- • Those with sensitive digestive systems should introduce gradually
- • Individuals with specific fruit sensitivities should test first
- • Very few contraindications; generally safe for virtually all populations
- • Seeds should not be consumed; eat only the flesh
Possible Side Effects:
- •Generally very well-tolerated in normal amounts
- •No significant side effects documented in normal consumption
- •Natural sugars may affect blood sugar in very large quantities
- •Very rare sensitivity reactions in individuals with fruit allergies
- •Safe for all age groups including children and elderly
Preparation Safety:
- • Wash fruit thoroughly under running water before consumption
- • Remove and discard skin and seeds; eat only the creamy flesh
- • Use clean utensils when preparing velvet apple
- • Store properly to prevent rapid ripening or mold development
- • Consume fresh velvet apple within recommended 7-day timeframe
- • Purchase from certified, reputable sources ensuring food safety
Fun Facts
Surprising trivia you'll love!
Velvet apple is also called black velvet tamarind and mabolo, reflecting its cultural significance in Southeast Asia
The fruit has a distinctive velvety texture that gives it its common English name
Velvet apple flesh can be eaten directly from the skin with a spoon when fully ripe
The fruit's excellent vitamin C content (31% DV) provides robust immune support
Velvet apple trees produce abundant white flowers before fruiting
The fruit's creamy texture comes from unique carbohydrate and water composition
Traditional Southeast Asian cuisine features velvet apple in desserts and beverages
Modern culinary professionals increasingly recognize velvet apple as a premium dessert ingredient
Velvet apple is gaining recognition as a sophisticated superfruit in contemporary wellness
The fruit's unique flavor profile makes it valuable for both traditional and contemporary culinary applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is velvet apple and where does it come from?
GeneralVelvet apple (Diospyros blancoi) is a luxurious Southeast Asian superfruit native to the Philippines and Thailand. Also called black velvet tamarind or mabolo, velvet apple delivers excellent vitamin C (31% DV per 100g), excellent vitamin A (15% DV), copper (13% DV), and distinctive creamy texture with sweet tropical flavor.
What are the nutritional benefits of velvet apple?
NutritionVelvet apple delivers excellent vitamin C (31% DV per 100g) for immune support, excellent vitamin A (15% DV) for vision health, copper (13% DV) for immune function, manganese (10% DV) for metabolism, fiber (9% DV) for digestion, and comprehensive polyphenols. At 78 calories per 100g with low glycemic index (38), velvet apple provides excellent nutritional benefits.
What does velvet apple taste like?
GeneralVelvet apple has a distinctive sweet, creamy flavor with tropical notes and subtle aromatic complexity. The taste is rich and luxurious, resembling a combination of tropical fruits with smooth, custard-like undertones. Different varieties offer varying sweetness levels and flavor nuances.
How should you eat velvet apple?
RecipesWhen fully ripe, cut velvet apple in half and scoop the creamy flesh directly into your mouth with a spoon. You can also blend the flesh into smoothies, make mousse-like desserts, or create ice cream preparations. Avoid eating the skin and seeds; consume only the soft, creamy interior flesh.
Is velvet apple good for immune support?
HealthYes, velvet apple is excellent for immune support with excellent vitamin C (31% DV per 100g), excellent vitamin A (15% DV), comprehensive polyphenol content, copper (13% DV), and manganese (10% DV). The exceptional antioxidant profile makes velvet apple highly effective for robust immune wellness and cellular protection.
What is the glycemic impact of velvet apple?
NutritionVelvet apple has a low glycemic index of 38 and glycemic load of 6 per 100g serving. The fiber content (9% DV) and polyphenol profile support balanced blood sugar management and sustained energy without rapid spikes.
Where can you buy velvet apple?
ShoppingFresh velvet apple is available at specialty produce markets, Southeast Asian grocers, farmers markets, and tropical fruit retailers, particularly during peak season (August-October). Year-round options include frozen velvet apple puree, velvet apple ice cream, and products from specialty retailers and Southeast Asian online vendors.
How do you know when velvet apple is ripe?
GeneralVelvet apple is ripe when the fruit changes color to brownish-red or dark red and yields slightly to gentle pressure. The velvety skin should feel soft but not mushy. Ripe fruit emits a distinctive sweet, tropical fragrance. You can eat it directly from the skin with a spoon when fully ripe.
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Environmental Impact
Sustainability insights
Sustainability Overview
Velvet apple cultivation supports Southeast Asian agricultural traditions and tropical ecosystem preservation. Support sustainably harvested velvet apple from certified sources honoring traditional harvesting practices and biodiversity.
Carbon Footprint
Imported fresh velvet apple has higher carbon footprint. Choose locally available frozen puree or processed products to reduce transportation impact while supporting Southeast Asian producers.
Water Usage
Velvet apple cultivation in tropical Southeast Asia utilizes natural rainfall patterns. Support rain-fed cultivation to minimize water impact in sustainable practices.
Local vs Imported
Purchase from Southeast Asian producers to support traditional harvesting communities, maintain cultural food practices, preserve traditional knowledge, and minimize global carbon footprint.