The Nono

The fruit of eternal youth

The Nono (Morinda citrifolia) is a fruit considered as sacred from Asia which Polynesians have used for many years. Its occidental name is “Pomme-chien” or “dog-apple”. The Nono grows naturally in the Pacific islands and it was only from 1990 that Tahitian decided to begin mass cultivation for its medicinal virtues.

Nono is the name given to the fruit and the shrub.
The shrub grows quickly. It produces fruit only one yearly after its planting and reaches maturity in 2 years. Every shrub produces 8 kg of fruit every month.
The fruit is characterized by an unpleasant odor that intensifies as it ripens. It is very rich in vitamins and trace elements. It is the size of a potato and has its own beneficial effects.

Sometimes called the “Old aspirin” by the locals, the Nono was considered for a long time as a Polynesian cure-all. Polynesians used to attach lot of properties to this odorous fruit. Depending on the way it was consumed, it has been said to provide protection against various illnesses as diabetes, tuberculosis or even old age.

Today, the curative properties are still a controversial subject all around the world. According to researchers, the Nono contains immuno stimulating properties that are said to conteract degenerative illnesses. At the same time, other research does not reveal any special pharmaceutical property to this fruit.

In spite of this uncertainty the Nono is nonetheless produced and consumed all around the world. Mainly sold in juice form with the name of “Noni”, it is a natural energy drink that puts the wind in one’s sails…