Rose Apple (Syzygium jambos)

A Fruit That Tastes Like Roses

Rose Apple (Syzygium jambos) is a tropical fruit tree in the Myrtaceae family with no actual relation to roses or apples. Its unique yellow, mealy flesh tastes like a field of wild roses, condensed into a crisp, fragrant fruit. Creamy-white flowers can also be candied to eat or cut to decorate.

Native to the East Indies and Malaya, Rose Apple is also known as Plum Rose, Malabar Plum, or Poma Rosa. The fruit tastes best when picked crisp and eaten immediately, either raw or cooked. In the landscape, you can prune the tree into a dense hedgerow or living fencepost, as it is traditionally done in Guatemala, or let it stretch its canopy toward its 40 ft. potential. You choose how you’d like to see your Rose Apple take shape—it’s easy on the eyes, no matter what shape or size.

Cultural & Culinary Significance

Rose Apple is prized for its unusual rose-like flavor and versatility in the kitchen. The yellow flesh can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, while the creamy-white flowers can be candied or used as edible decoration.

Why Grow Rose Apple?

• Enjoy crisp, fragrant fruit with a distinctive flavor reminiscent of wild roses.
• Eat the yellow flesh fresh or incorporate it into cooked dishes.
• Harvest creamy-white flowers for candying or edible decoration.
• Prune the tree into a dense hedgerow or living fence.
• Let it grow naturally into an attractive canopy reaching up to 40 ft.