TARAP (ARTOCARPUS ODORATISSIMUS): POTENTIAL TROPICAL FRUIT FOR FOOD PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

Tarap (Artocarpus odoratissmus), a member of the genus Artocarpus, is found extensively in Brunei Darussalam and parts of Sabah and Sarawak. This versatile tree has served the needs of the rural communities well providing food, nutrition and many other uses to the people of the region. The pulp of the fruit has delightful fragrant aroma, sweet, nutritious and has been used in many food preparations. The people also value the seeds. Roasted, the seed has firm texture, nutty, not too oil and has a taste reminiscent of chestnut. These features hold tremendous pontential for tarap fruit and seeds to be developed into food products.