Jamun/ Java Plum Smoothies

February 1, 2013mayurisjikoni
Blog post

EVENT: FOODIES_ REDOING OLD POSTS #47

RECIPE: JAMUN/ JAVA PLUM SMOOTHIES

Jamun/ Java Plum Smoothies are nutritious, healthy refreshing and delicious.As these plums tend to be sweet, you don’t need to add any sugar to the smoothies. These smoothies are an excellent breakfast or snack option especially during the hot season.

What Are Jamun?

These Jamuns are not the sweet syrupy balls – Gulab Jamun. Jamun is a blackish purplish fruit that grows on evergreen tropical trees. The scientific name is syzygium cumini. Also known as Black Plum, Jambolan, Jambool, Java Plum, Jambu or Malabar Plum.

The wood from the jamun tree is used favored as the common wood to use for railway sleepers or the install motors in wells as after drying, the wood is water resistant. Being an evergreen tree, it is also used as an ornamental tree. The fruit, drupe or plum is green when unripe and slowly turns to pink, and then to shining crimson red and black. The fruit is sweet, mildly sour and astringent in flavour. As kids we  really didn’t care about the health benefits of the fruit. We were more interested in getting our tongues purple! Though some call this fruit the Indian Blackberry it is not a blackberry.

This plant is native to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal and Pakistan. Saplings were taken to Florida, Trinidad-Tobago, and some African Countries of which Kenya is one of them.

Health Benefits of Jamun/ Java Plum

  • The fruit is rich in minerals like  potassium, sodium and magnesium. These makes it beneficial for healthy heart and good for the circulatory system.
  • Rich in iron, its helps to fight anemia.
  • Its rich in dietary fibers, making it good for the digestive system.
  • Has low glycemic index, making it an ideal fruit for diabetics.Helps to control sugar levels in the blood.
  • These jamuns are rich in Vitamin C, helps to fight colds and coughs.
  •  Helps in the healthy growth of bones and teeth as it is a rich source of calcium.
  • Java Plums are a rich source of antioxidants polyphenols and anthocyanins. These antioxidants have numerous health benefits.

Jamun/ Java Plums Season

Java Plums are not available throughout the year. In the season for these drupes lasts for a very short time. Also the farmers only pick the fruit when it turns crimson red or black. As the ripe fruit bruises very easily it is difficult to transport it. Known as Zambarau in Kiswahili, this is one fruit that is generally brought to the market, green grocer shops or to our doorsteps by the farmers themselves. To avoid bruising, they carefully pack them in between the evergreen leaves.

When in season I get my supply of zambarau from my veggie lady Esther. She brings them to our doorsteps, and sells about a cupful for just under 50cents. 250g is about $1! Esther personally doesn’t grow them on her farm but she helps to sell them on behalf of other farmers. She brings any seasonal fruits or vegetables to our apartment complex 6 days a week.

Fruit of the Gods

It is believed that during his 14 year exile Lord Ram lived on jamun for years. Temples constructed in the name of Lord Ram will have at least one jamun tree if not many. The God of the Clouds, Lord Megha is said to have to Earth in the form of a Jamun fruit, which is why the colour of this fruit is dark and fierce. Jamun is said to be Lord Krishna’s favorite fruit. His skin colour is often compared to the colour of jamun.

How to Use Jamun/ Java Plum

Best is to consume the fruit as it is. However, one can make smoothies and milkshakes using jamun. I love the jamun ice cream that Natural Ice Creams in India make. Jamun is also used to make jams, drinks (think kalakhatta), ice lollies, kulfi. The seeds are dried and powdered and consumed as a natural herbal treatment for diabetes, stomach ailments and asthma. Prepare a jamun sauce to serve with desserts or along with meat dishes.

Jamun/ Java Plum Smoothies

Whenever jamun are in season hubby and I love to enjoy the fruit on its own or in smoothies. Here, I will share with you two different jamun smoothie recipes. One is with fresh mango and using normal dairy milk. The other is with lemon and coconut milk. I add oats to both as we enjoy them for breakfast. Feel free to use ragi flour instead of oats. Add any other fruit of your choice. I sometimes add a banana, all depends on what fruit I have at hand.

THE GROUP FOODIES _ REDOING OLD POSTS 

The Group Foodies_Redoing Old Posts, started by Renu helps the members to make an effort to update old posts. I’ve updated this post with better photo of the jamun smoothie and also have added jamun mango smoothie.

Updated on 02/04/2021. First Published on 01/02/2013

Some More Smoothie Recipes to Check Out:

 Ingredients Required For Jamun/ Java Plum Smoothies

  • Jamun/ Java Plums – without the seeds. The measurement of jamun is without the seeds.
  • Ripe Mango – peeled and cubed
  • Milk – Chilled. I’ve used dairy milk. Feel free to use any nut milk of your choice.
  • Oats – for both the smoothies
  • Coconut Milk – for the Jamun Coconut Smoothie
  • Lemon – only the zest
  • Honey – optional as it depends on how sweet the mango and jamun are.
  • Chia Seeds – for the Jamun Mango Smoothie
  • Cacao Nibs – for the Jamun Coconut Smoothie
  • Some Ice Cubes – optional, if you want a chilled smoothie.

Dietary Tips:

  • Gluten Free
  • Vegan – if you use nut milk for both and replace honey with maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc.
  • Diabetic friendly

JAMUN/ JAVA PLUM SMOOTHIES

mayurisjikoni
Jamun/ Java Plum Smoothies are nutritious, healthy refreshing and delicious.As these plums tend to be sweet, you don't need to add any sugar to the smoothies. These smoothies are an excellent breakfast or snack option especially during the hot season.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, smoothie, Snack
Cuisine International
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

FOR THE JAMUN COCONUT SMOOTHIE

  • 1 cup jamun/java plums without seeds
  • 1 cup coconut milk chilled
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 4 tbsp oats
  • 1 tbsp honey optional
  • 1 tsp cacao nibs
  • some ice cubes optional

FOR THE JAMUN MANGO SMOOTHIE

  • 1 cup jamun/ java plums without seeds
  • ½ cup mango cubes ripe
  • 1 cup milk chilled
  • 1 tbsp honey optional
  • 4 tbsp oats
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • some ice cubes optional

Instructions
 

PREPARATION OF THE JAMUN COCONUT SMOOTHIE

  • Add jamun, coconut milk, lemon zest, oats into a blender jug. Add ice cubes and honey if you're using any.
  • Process the mixture till its smooth and creamy.
  • Pour into 2 serving glasses. Top with some cacao nibs and serve.

PREPARATION OF JAMUN MANGO SMOOTHIE

  • Add jamun, 2 tbsp oats, ½ cup chilled milk and honey if you're using any into a blender jug. Add some ice cubes too.
  • Blend till the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the smoothie into two glasses half way.
  • Rinse the blender jug.
  • Add mango, remaining oats and milk into the jug. Add ice cubes too.
  • Process the mixture to a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Pour the mango smoothie over the jamun smoothie.
  • Sprinkle with some chia seeds and serve.

Notes

  • Replace dairy milk with any nut milk of your choice.
  • Replace honey if using any with maple syrup, stevia, coconut sugar, etc.
  • To remove the seeds from the jamun or java plums, you need to slice off the flesh using a sharp knife. Its a bit tedious but worth the effort.
Keyword jamun mango smoothie, jamun smoothie, java plum smoothie

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A little request:

If you do try this recipe then please either

  • add a comment below,
  • send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
  •  tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
  • or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962
 

29 Comments

  • hem lata srivastava

    April 5, 2021 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    Jamun has lots of beneficial properties. I too made it a year back but never tried it with mangos. I am loving it.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 5, 2021 at 9:18 pm

      Thank you so much Hem Lata, I tried the mango one this time round and its very delicious.

  • Niranjana Sankaranarayanan

    April 6, 2021 at 10:37 am

    5 stars
    It’s so informative to read more about Jamun. Both the types of smoothies looks interesting and I loved both for it’s uniqueness. I loved using coconut milk instead of the regular milk gives it an additional flavour. And in another one adding mangoes makes it more inviting and interesting. Like you have mentioned, we offer it to Lord Krishna on Gokulashtami day.
    We have a story that Krishna is diabetic since he eats lit of sweets. And this fruit is good for diabetic patients. So it is good to offer to Him. I learnt this from my family. Just happy to share a story that I know 😊

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 6, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you so much Niranjana for sharing the story with me. Recently, someone else read the post and told me that it is offered to Lord Ganesha too as he loves eating laddoo and so that he does not become diabetic, the fruit is offered to Him.

  • Jolly Makkar

    April 6, 2021 at 7:45 pm

    5 stars
    Jamun smoothie has such a thick and lovely texture, i never tried smoothie with it. I usually take smoothie at evening time but this I can have this anytime. It looks like a proper light meal for me. Look really refreshing and delicious, perfect for summer time.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 6, 2021 at 8:10 pm

      Thank you so much Jolly. Please do try the smoothie when you get fresh jamun.

  • Jayashree T.Rao

    April 6, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    5 stars
    Lovely way to use jamun. I have never tried using in smoothies, must try it sometime. Jamun is one under rated fruit in my house, must use it more often.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 6, 2021 at 8:09 pm

      Thank you so much Jayashree, and I agree with you in many homes it is an under rated fruit.

      1. Preethicuisine

        April 7, 2021 at 11:33 am

        5 stars
        Jamun Smoothie looks incredible. Jamun is known to be so good for health with many benefits. Loved both the smoothies and also the write up. Beautifully penned.I need to find it here.

      2. mayurisjikoni

        April 7, 2021 at 3:43 pm

        Thank you so much Preethi. Come to think of it, haven’t seen this fruit in Bali too.

      3. Lata Lala

        April 8, 2021 at 9:26 pm

        5 stars
        Such a good read about jamun and 2 types of smoothies made out of it. This can be a best breakfast option as it has all the goodness of oats, fresh fruits and chia seeds.
        Loved both the versions Mayuri.

      4. mayurisjikoni

        April 8, 2021 at 9:28 pm

        Thank you so much Lata.

  • Archana

    April 7, 2021 at 7:35 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for the info on jamun Mayuri as hubby and fil are both diabetic this is one fruit we try to add to our diet.
    Making this smoothie is certainly something I did not think about and will definitely make it this season.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 7, 2021 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you Archana. The first time I made it, I removed the seeds. But when I made it again several times, I added the seeds too. As the seeds are beneficial for diabetics.

  • Seema Sriram

    April 7, 2021 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    Love jamuns, the collection here is fantastic. I love the insight into Jamun and its benefits, described so well.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 7, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you so much Seema. Do you get them in Australia?

  • Kalyani

    April 7, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    I actually wait for the Jamun season (more than the mangoes :-)) to make a lot of smoothies with Jamun.. addition of coconut milk has definitely made this so inviting !!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 7, 2021 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you so much Kalyani. It tastes good with coconut milk.

  • Sapana Behl

    April 8, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    5 stars
    Back in India Jamun used to be my favorite exotic fruit. I remember plucking them from roadside trees on the way back to school. Reading your post I am totally missing this amazing fruit. Making a smoothie from Jamun is such a wonderful idea.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 9, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      Thank you so much Sapana.

  • Pavani

    April 10, 2021 at 1:58 am

    5 stars
    What a nutritious and delicious drink that is. Love the lovely purple color and so refreshing for summer.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 10, 2021 at 9:56 pm

      Thank you so much Pavani. I believe you get frozen ones there.

  • Poonam bachhav

    April 10, 2021 at 9:21 am

    5 stars
    Jamun season in India is very brief and I make sure I make the best use of the fruit while in season. Your jamun smoothie with coconut milk sounds a perfect way to enjoy it.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 10, 2021 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you Poonam, here too in Kenya it lasts for a very short time. Jamun smoothie with coconut milk is very tasty and don’t forget to add a bit of lemon zest.

  • Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    April 13, 2021 at 4:12 pm

    5 stars
    I was never a fan of jamun growing up because of its tartness and I had it after a long time couple of years back when I went to India. I fell in love with it and realized how much taste changes as we grow older. What a great recipe to make with jamuns. We get frozen ones here in the Indian stores and this smoothie recipe will be perfect to use them. Coconut milk would add a touch of tropical flavor to the smoothie. Thanks for the recipe.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 13, 2021 at 7:03 pm

      thank you so much Sandhya, coconut milk adds natural sweetness too and I love the taste. Do try the recipe out.

  • Renu

    April 15, 2021 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    I am loving this smoothie with the addition of oats and mango to Jamun. Such a healthy smoothie. However, I do not get Jamun here, wondering if Blackberry or blueberry will work too?

    1. mayurisjikoni

      April 20, 2021 at 11:16 am

      Thanks Renu, as you don’t get jamun, blackberry and blueberries will work well. Taste will be a bit different but will be equally nutritious.

  • 3 Delicious Java Plum Smoothie Recipes 2023

    July 6, 2023 at 6:15 am

    […] to reap the full benefits of java plum smoothies, it’s essential to use fresh, ripe java plums and combine them with other nutritious […]

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