The Java plum, scientifically known as Syzygium cumini, is a fruit-bearing tree native to India and Pakistan but is grown in other tropical regions across the globe.

The fruit, which is cultivated island-wide and known colloquially as ‘ribena’, is edible and you can also use the seeds to extract oils and the leaves for remedies and in herbal blends.

It is important to note, however, that Java plums are not the actual blackcurrant plant that is used to produce Ribena brand drinks, although blackcurrant fruits sport a similar look to Java plums.

The Java plum is a good source of minerals and dietary fibre. also rich in antioxidants and could help to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, oils extracted from the seeds are usually used in skincare and and cosmetics due to their moisturising properties.

Alfred Malcolm is local farmer who specialises in products made from the java plum.

Speaking to Our Today at a health fair held on the grounds of the RADA parish office in Montego Bay on Thursday (January 25), Malcolm explained that he has been making the products for almost a decade.

“I have nearly 10 acres in Hanover, with a factory on the property to make the products in the same place,” he began explained.

He believes starting to add Java plum to the diet at an earlier age, could prevent a lot of chronic illnesses that may afflict us later in life.

“There are different parts of the plant that are good for different things and the more of the plant you can use and eat, the better.” Malcolm posited.

According to Malcolm, Java plum trees on his farm were planted several years ago and now he harvests annually between October and December. “I usually shut down everything else and reap the fruit and place them in buckets and once that is done, I take the juice and store it in barrels and make the products from the barrels as they are needed.”

Malcolm uses the java plum to make juice, various teas, jam and wine.

It is Malcolm’s hope that more young people will get into farming ad reap the benefits of producing local products. “I hope to teach young people about this and get some help to bring the product to more persons.”

Hanover Java Farm is a registered company and the products are available in RADA parish offices in St. James, Hanover, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny.