I recently discovered my newest favorite fruit, something the locals here fondly call ugly pongkan. At first glance, the name made me laugh—how can any fruit be called “ugly”? But the moment I held one in my hands, I realized exactly why it earned that nickname. It’s unusually large for a pongkan, even bigger than my hand, with a bumpy, uneven skin that looks a little rough around the edges. It’s definitely not the prettiest fruit in the basket—but as I’ve learned, appearances can be very deceiving.
The first time I tried it, I wasn’t expecting much. I thought it would taste just like any regular pongkan, maybe just larger in size. But the moment I peeled it open, the fragrance hit me: fresh, citrusy, almost honey-like. And when I took that first bite? Pure bliss. This so-called ugly pongkan is actually seedless—yes, seedless!—and has the sweetest, juiciest pulp I’ve ever tasted. Each segment bursts with flavor, making it the perfect snack whether I’m working, relaxing, or simply craving something refreshing.
What makes it even more charming is how humble it looks on the outside. It’s a little reminder that some of the best things in life don’t come in perfect packages. The locals seem to adore it too, which explains why it’s often the first to sell out in markets. It’s become a small part of my routine now: spotting the freshest batch, picking a few pieces, and knowing I’m bringing home something that will brighten my day.
I love how this fruit has quietly worked its way into my everyday favorites. It’s funny—sometimes joy comes from the simplest discoveries, like realizing that an oddly shaped citrus fruit can become the highlight of your week. Ugly pongkan may not win any beauty contests, but in my book, it’s a winner in every other way. And honestly, if loving a slightly misshapen, incredibly sweet, seedless fruit is wrong, I don’t ever want to be right.
That's it for today's blog. See you in my next one!
Sending some love and light
With love, Jane