Baligang fruits, small round fruits that grow to the size of marbles or larger, are indigenous to the Philippines and mainly cultivated in the central part of the Bicol region. These fruits change color as they ripen, starting as red and eventually turning purple to black. They can also be found in some areas of Romblon, where they are known as Lipote, and in parts of Leyte, where they are called Igot.
These seasonal fruits grow on large trees, with their fruits borne in grape-like clusters on a stem. Baligang fruits are typically available between March and July, offering a flavor range from sour to sweet-sour. They can be enjoyed fresh, but many Bicolanos choose to enhance their taste by adding sugar or salt and shaking the fruits to blend the flavors before consumption.
In addition to eating them fresh, Baligang fruits can also be pickled, juiced, or transformed into marmalade. Their unique taste and versatility make them a beloved fruit among locals, who eagerly await their seasonal availability to enjoy them once again.
