Galo

Galo (Anacolosa frutescens) is an erect shrub or tree, usually growing from 5 - 25 metres tall, but exceptionally to 30 metres. It produces fruit with edible pulp and kernel. Locals eat it raw or boiled (most preferred). However, too much consumption of raw galo is said to be “nakakailay” (hilo).

It emits an aroma similar to corn while boiling. The boiled nut has a mild flavor of chestnut, sweet potato, and corn.

It remains rare and underutilized just like other native nuts such as Ibuli, Talakatak, and Bago. Only Pili so far has a big demand in the local and international markets.

Galo is distributed in different parts of the archipelago, but it is in Cavite province where this fruit is well-known. It can be found in Indang, Magallanes, Silang, Alfonso, etc. The fruit is usually propagated by bats locally known as “kabag”.

According to Co’s Digital Flora, galo is also found in Abra, Bataan, Batangas, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Ifugao, Benguet, Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Masbate, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindoro, Panay, and Samar.

Special thanks to Silao family and ma’am Riza Herrera.