A Sweet Remembrance: Flexing Our Pulang Atis or Sugar Apple Planted by Our Beloved Mama

This season, I am happy to share the beautiful and vibrant pulang atis that I recently picked from our backyard. This fruit is not just a delicacy; it carries with it fond memories of our beloved mother.

We couldn't help but feel warm and nostalgic as we carefully collected the ripe crimson fruits from the tree. The pulang atis or sugar apple tree was not planted at random. It was lovingly planted by our mother many years ago, when her laughter, wisdom, and unshakable love still filled our house. She raised us with compassion, tenderness, and quiet strength, and she looked after us with love and care.

Every year, this tree would bear fruit, but it feels extra special now. Since Mama passed away, we’ve come to see this tree not just as a source of sweet fruit, but as a lasting connection to her presence. It’s as if a part of her still lingers here, reminding us that even in her absence, her love continues to grow and bear fruit—literally.

Knowing exactly what this moment meant, I smiled as I went around the tree this year, baskets in hand. We felt as if Mama was among us, smiling down, pleased of the tree she planted and the family she built, as we ate the fruit, its sweetness enveloping our tongues. We talked about how Mama would call us outside to watch the small fruits blossom and will say "Taste it when it bears fruit—it's sweet, like my love for you,"

And she was right. This pulang atis is the sweetest we’ve ever had—not just because of its natural flavor, but also because of the memories and emotions that come with every bite, as well as its health benefits.

Sugar apple, also known as atis in the Philippines, is a tropical fruit that offers numerous health benefits aside from its naturally sweet and creamy taste. It contains vital nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. The high vitamin C concentration boosts the immune system and fights infections, while the antioxidants promote better skin and delay the effects of aging. The fiber in sugar apples assists digestion, reduces constipation, and promotes heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. Its potassium and magnesium concentrations help to promote blood circulation and blood pressure regulation.

Additionally, sugar apple supports brain and eye health and may help regulate blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation. With its low fat and high fiber content, it can also be a satisfying snack for those managing their weight. However, due to its natural sugar content, people with diabetes are advised to consume it in moderation.

I flex this fruit with pride—not to boast, but to honor. This isn’t just a harvest from a tree, but a harvest from a life well-lived. This pulang atis is a symbol of our mother’s enduring love, a reminder that even though she’s no longer with us physically, she continues to nourish our souls in quiet, beautiful ways.

As we share the fruits with neighbors and friends, we also share her story, letting the world know about the kind and loving woman behind the tree. And as we plant more seeds in the yard, we carry on her legacy, hoping that one day, someone else in the future will pick fruit from those trees and remember us, just as we remember her.

This pulang atis or red sugar apple is not just a fruit—it’s a sweet reminder of home, of love, and of a mother who continues to bloom in our hearts.