Salak (
Salacca zalacca) is the fruit of a species of
palm tree native to
Java and
Sumatra in Indonesia. The fruits grow in clusters at the base of the palm, and are also known as snake fruit due to the reddish-brown scaly skin. Individual fruits are about the size and shape of a ripe
fig, with a distinct tip that can be pinched to peel the fruit. Inside the fruit are three edible lobes, which resemble and have the consistency of peeled garlic cloves. The taste is usually sweet and acidic, with a strong astringent edge.
Photograph: Chris Woodrich