India is the second largest producer of fruits. Just when you thought that the usual fruits like apples, bananas, and mango only are ruling in the market, there are other fruits behind the limelight that are equally tasty too. It’s time to bring certain fruits in front of the curtain and explore them to the fullest so that they gain attention just like the usual fruits.
Here is a list of all those fruits that should be included in your diet:
1. Karonda
Karonda is pinkish-white in color grown in Siwalik Hills of West Bengal and Bihar, the Nilgiri Hills, and the Western Ghats. It is a wild berry and has tiny seeds at the core. It becomes purple tinted when its ripened. They can also be used as a substitute for cranberries. They are also used in the preparation of jams and sweet pickles.
2. Targola
Targola looks like a twin to ice cubes. It is also known by the name Ice Apple. The exterior of the fruits is brown in color and stiff whereas its interior is soft like a jelly. The juice of Targola refreshes the body cell. It is grown in the states of Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
3. Phalse
You might have heard and even had these fruits in your childhood. They are also known as Indian Sherbet Berries. They are sweet and sour and have reddish-purple color. They are grown all over India and rich in Vitamin C.
4.Chalta
Chalta, also known as Elephant Apple is grown in the wet soil and semi-tropical forests. They are mildly sweet and acidic in taste. They are not allowed to be collected from forest areas as they are a major food source of animals like monkeys, deer, and elephants. They are grown in the states of Bihar, Odisha, Kolkata, and Assam.
5.
Ambarella
Ambarella, also known as Wild Mango has the sweetness of Pineapple and an acidic taste of an unripe mango. It is grown in the states of Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. You can make plenty of things from this fruit like mocktails, juice, pickles, or have them raw with some salt and chili.
6. Mangosteen
Mangosteen looks like a Bengali sweet. It has a maroon-purple shell while its interior is pure white with sweet flesh. It is grown in the Nilgiri Hills.
7. Buddha’s Hand
Buddha’s Hand has the name of a saint and devil’s looks. Quite ironical, isn’t it? It also goes by the name of Fingered Citron. It has a good aroma and can fill the whole room with its floral scent. The taste is mild and zesty. It grows in Lower Himalayas.
8. Jungli Jalebi
You might have confused this fruit as Tamarind, but these purplish-green fruits are known as Jungli Jalebi. It has a coiled structure just like a Jalebi, hence the name. The pulp is sweet, and the seeds of this fruit are used in curries which give a tangy taste. It is commonly grown in the states of Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
9. Bilimbi
Bilimbi is grown in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It is a cousin of star fruit. It has a sharp pungent taste and is acidic. It is soaked in salt water before using it to prepare for jams, chutney, or drinks to reduce the acidity.
10. Khirni
Khirni is a golden yellow berry grown in Deccan Peninsula and Central India. They are available for a short period in May. People resist having Khirni as it has a puckery taste and astringency. When you let it ripen for a long until the rot sets in, the puckery taste disappears.
11. Chakotra
Chakotra came to India from Batavia, Indonesia. It is a member of the citrus family and tastes exactly like sour Grapefruit minus the acidity. Locals of Garo Hills, Meghalaya, tie this fruit around their waists and perform a dance known as the ‘Pomelo Dance’.
12. Bael
Bael is also known as Wood Apple Fruit. It can be consumed raw or in the form of chutney, sherbet, or jam which makes it versatile. Its exterior is woody which can be cut only with the help of a knife while its interior has a soft and sticky pulp. The taste varies from sweet and sour to tart. They are grown in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Western Himalayas.
13. Japani Phal
Japani Phal is a temperate fruit looking like a tomato. It is soft and tasty and has deep orange-red color. It came from China in the early 20th century. It is grown in Uttarakhand, Nilgiri Hills, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
14. Langsat
Langsat is grown in Southern (Nilgiri Hills) and Eastern India. When the fruit is unripe, it is sour while when it is completely ripened, it tastes sweet like a grapefruit.
15. Carambola
Carambola is also known as Star Fruit. It is a green in color and has waxy skin which is grown all over India, especially in the South. India is the largest producer of star fruit in the world. When these are unripe, they are lime green in color. You can consume them raw with some salt and chili powder.
16. Dragonfruit
Dragon fruit is subtle in flavor. Dragon fruit is the national fruit of Vietnam. It is sweet and sour and has a creamy texture. You can also add sweetener or other flavourings to it to enjoy the fruit.
17. Passion Fruit
Many people think that passion fruit should be a staple in many kitchens as it can easily be converted into a dessert or a savory dish. It refreshes the dish to which it is added.
18. Kumquats
Kumquats are fruits which belong to the citrus family. Their peel is edible and tastes exactly like an orange peel which is sweeter and tender.
19. Water Apple
Water Apple is also known as Thai Wax Apple, bell fruit, and rose apple. They are pear-shaped with a high-water content that brings a refreshing flavor.
20. Durian
Durian has a pungent smell. Some find it so intoxicating that they flee the room whenever this fruit appears. It tastes delicious in ice creams.
