How Lanzones Became Edible
Legend from the Tagalog People of Paete, Laguna
The little town of Paete, on the southern and western shore of Laguna de Bay, produces more lanzones[1] than any other town in the province. Steamers call daily at her wharves for the fruits which have made her famous. In the church of this town may still be seen the image of the mother of God, the Virgin Mary, leading her child. One evening a long time ago it was discovered that the beautiful image was missing from the custom place in the church[2]. The news spread like wildfire, and all the people were in great amazement and consternation. While all was confusion in the town, a heavenly site was being presented in a little place outside the municipality. A beautiful woman dressed in white was walking over the grass with a child in her arms. They were going towards a lanzon tree on the other side of the meadow. The boy, who was evidently tired of being carried, asked to be put down. When the child saw the fruit scoured all over the ground, he felt very thirsty, and, picking up one of the tempting fruits, began to open it. The mother told her son that the fruit was poisonous, but the child said that he was very thirsty, and could go no further if he did not have a drink. Then the mother took the fruit from his hands, and with her delicate white fingers pinched the pulp gently. Turning to her son, she said, "Now you may take this and eat it. You will find it the most delicious and refreshing of all fruits." The child obeyed, and the fruit was indeed sweet. This is the way by which the lanzones was transformed from a poisonous, dangerous route to a sweet, delicate food. If anyone discredits this story, all he needs to do is prove its truth is to open up any lanzon he finds, and he will see without fail the fingertips of the Virgin. From Philippine Folk Literature Series: Vol. III, The Legends (2002), compiled and edited by Damiana L. Eugenio, published by The University of the Philippines Press (shopee, amazon)
Mod's Annotations
The lanzones is a fruit natively found across different countries in Southeast Asia like the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It has been introduced in different countries in different regions in South and Southeast Asian countries, Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and even Africa. It is also known as langsat in other countries.
The church is very likely the Saint James the Apostle Parish Church which is commonly known as "The Paete Church". The church was founded in 1550 and was originally called "Pueblo de San Lorenzo Diacono".
