thailand ambali box peking

Description

The terms “ambali” and “peking” are likely references to specific commercial preparations or local names for well-known fruits, rather than distinct types of fruit themselves in Thailand

Ambali Box Fruit: Sweet Tamarind
Ambali” (or imli in Hindi, makham in Thai) is a common Indian name for tamarind (Tamarindus indica), which is extensively cultivated and popular in Thailand.

• Description: The fruit comes in brown, indehiscent, pod-like shells, which are easily cracked open to reveal a sticky, sweet-sour, edible pulp surrounding several hard, dark brown seeds. The pulp is traversed by branched, woody strands. Thai varieties are often specifically “sweet tamarind” (Mithi Imli).
• Packaging: It is often sold in compressed blocks or conveniently packed in boxes as a ready-to-eat snack, often labeled as “Sweet Tamarind Box Thailand” for export.
• Taste/Use: The flavor can range from very sweet to tangy and sour, with some varieties having a balance of lemon, apricot, and caramel notes. It is widely used in both sweet and savory dishes, chutneys, and desserts, and is known for its high antioxidant content and laxative effects.

Peking Fruit: Probable Misnomer

There is no specific fruit in Thailand scientifically or commonly known as “Peking fruit”. The term “Peking” most likely refers to one of the following

• A dish preparation: “Peking Fruit Sauce” is a term used in some Chinese restaurant menus for a specific type of fruit-based sauce used on chicken or other dishes, likely incorporating plum, lemon, or orange flavors.
• A general term for imported fruit: Historically, “Peking fruit” was used in the mid-20th century in China to refer generally to the variety of fruits available in Beijing markets, including pineapples and coconuts from southern provinces, rather than a single fruit species.
• A Chinese persimmon (unlikely in this context): In a different context, a Diospyros decandra (Thai persimmon) is a fruit native to Thailand with a strong aroma, but it is not typically referred to as “Peking fruit”.

In summary, the items in a “Thailand ambali box peking fruit” package are almost certainly sweet tamarind. The “Peking” part of the name likely refers to a brand name, a flavor profile (like a sweet/plum taste), or the origin of the style of processing rather than a different type of fruit.