“Utu” Fruit, the Cherry Jackfruit

At a glance, physical appearance of utu fruit, a native one, looks like that of jackfruit. Its thorns turn to be shallow when thoroughly ripe. Having been peeled, the flesh inside is also almost identical but it tastes rather sour. However, its size is never larger than breadfruit. Due to its smaller size than other neighbouring class, people prefer to name it with the affix ‘cherry’ just like cherry apple and cherry tomato. Therefore, this utu fruit may also be called cherry jackfruit.
Formerly, this fruit is used to fill in the fruit and cake arrangement that accompanied with other local fruits. In line with the changes of time and arrival of crispy and sweet imported fruits, the native ones like utu have been gradually set apart. Because this fruit is not cultivated since the very beginning, this condition also jointly makes it come to extinction in Bali. (BTN/029)

Fresh Fries Balinese Style

Yummy and crispy. Yes, these are two simple words used to convey the taste and texture of French fries. Instant food like this is progressively favoured across this hemisphere. Through franchised restaurant or outlets, the food has also accomplished to penetrate the market of Balinese Lawar (local food specialty) in Bali. Nearly all groups of community, both children and adults have been familiar with this food as it is easily obtained at supermarket or places that close to amusement arcade.
The Balinese can also make similar fries, but not of potato chips. Substitute ingredient used to make it is cassava. As a matter of fact, cassava chip has been frequently made for snacks or cake for content of oblations. It is prepared differently, maybe in small slice and added with palm sugar sauce. However, it can also be made into ‘local’ fries and served with chilli and tomato sauce, a bit similar to what we get from the franchised restaurant. (BTN/029)