Known by many names across various regions, the fruit is popularly referred to as Kamias in Tagalog, Iba in Bicol, and Balimbi in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Despite being ripe, the fruits retain a light to dark green color and carry an inherently sour taste. These unique traits make Kamias a versatile ingredient, consumed raw, cooked, or pickled. For those who appreciate its distinct tanginess, Kamias or Iba can be fresh, often paired with rock salt as a classic dip. Given its strong acidic flavor, it’s commonly used as a substitute for tamarind or tomatoes in numerous Filipino recipes, adding a burst of zesty flair to the dishes. These fruitful Kamias or Iba trees can grow impressively tall, reaching heights of 30 feet or more.
Unsubstantiated by scientific evidence yet widely believed within the Filipino community, the Iba or Kamias tree leaves are reputed to have beneficial properties. They’re traditionally used to alleviate itching, insect bites, and other minor skin irritations. Transformed into a paste, they are applied topically for relief. Moreover, countries like India utilize the sour Balimbi fruit as a treatment for inflammation, harnessing the potential therapeutic benefits of this tangy produce. Bursting with nutritional value, this edible fruit embodies healthful eating in a pleasantly tart package.
The Balimbi or Kamias fruit is much more than just a tangy treat or a cooking ingredient. It is a testament to the rich biodiversity and culinary heritage of the regions it thrives in, particularly the Philippines. From lending a sour punch to traditional Filipino recipes to possibly aiding in minor skin treatments, Kamias, Balimbi, or Iba showcase food’s multifaceted roles in our lives.
Furthermore, the Balimbi tree, bearing the unique Kamias fruits, vividly depicts the lush landscapes it inhabits. Whether towering up to 30 feet tall in a Filipino backyard or adding a touch of green in an Indonesian garden, the Kamias or Balimbi tree stands as a symbol of nature’s bounty. Through the versatile uses and potential benefits of its fruits and leaves, the Kamias, Iba, or Balimbi tree offers a tangible connection to the culture and traditions of the people who cultivate and consume it.
A Kamias tree can grow up to a towering 30 ft. or more, and each tree bears thousands of fruits in bulks. The fruits are sour to taste and used as a citrus altenative to tamarind and calamansi.
