Bringing your attention to some unpopular summer fruits

The summer season is all about relaxing with a refreshing glass of mojito, surfing on the beach, and getting that perfect tan. Not to forget, it brings us joy through an extensive and delectable range of fruits that we eagerly await all year long. From mangoes, crowned as the ‘king’ of fruits, to lychees, black plums (jamuns), papayas, and many more, India offers a rich bounty. Being a tropical country where summers last longer, India has much more to offer beyond these popular choices. Today, let’s explore some ‘not so popular’ summer fresh fruits that are packed with health benefits.

Phalsa, Grewia asiatica

A native to India, this berry is grown on a low shrub with extraordinary benefits. It tastes sweet, tangy, and sometimes sour when not fully ripe. It resembles a blueberry due to its dark blue color. It helps keep the body cool during hot summers. The fruit is loaded with calcium, iron, phosphorus, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, and Vitamin C. The leaves of this plant are traditionally used to treat skin infections and wounds. The best way to savor it is by sprinkling salt and black pepper or turning these little gems into a refreshing chilled sharbat.

Langsat, Lansium parasiticum

They look like potatoes on the outside, but taste similar to bittersweet grapefruit. Translucent, orb-shaped, and with inedible and extremely bitter seeds, this fruit is packed with numerous health benefits. High in Vitamin A, protein, calcium, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, it helps alleviate diarrhea and promotes good gut health. The fruit's peel, when burnt, can help keep mosquitoes away and emits a refreshing aroma.

Tadgolas, Ice apple or toddy palm

This fruit has many names across India: tadgolain Marathi, shaansh in Bengali, and nongu in Tamil Nadu, to name a few. It has a tan-brown exterior and a translucent, pale-white interior filled with a refreshing watery fluid, making it a savior during scorching summers. Apart from being a great thirst quencher, jaggery made from this fruit is a specialty in many Bengali sweets. Also rich in vitamins and minerals, this fruit can be a great way to boost the immune system. It is also believed to help prevent skin infections.

Jungli Jalebi, Chamachile

Named 'Jungli Jalebi' due to its resemblance to the popular Indian sweet jalebi, it grows extensively in India as well as many other parts of the world. The sweet pulp is eaten raw, while the tangy seeds are used in various curries. It can help balance blood sugar levels, improve gum health, and promote a healthy heart. The pods are relished by monkeys and that is why it is also called ‘Monkey Pod.’ You can flavor your tea or lemonade by adding some of this tangy fruit's extract.

Bael, Wood apple

Slightly more popular than other fruits on this list, bael (wood apple) offers extraordinary health benefits along with a distinct taste. The ripe fruit has an acquired taste, mostly due to its strong aroma, but when you mix the pulp with other ingredients to make a juice, it is delightful. The raw fruit is often enjoyed with salt and chili powder, or its leaves are used in preparing curries and chutneys. It aids digestion, strengthens hair, is beneficial for diabetics, and acts as a good detox for the body.

Karonda, Carissa carandas

It is one of the gems specific to the summer season. Karonda is a type of berry with a pinkish color and tiny seeds. When raw, it’s slightly bitter and sour, but when fully ripe, it has a sweet flavor, making it ideal for many culinary experiments. Used in preparing jams, chutneys, and pickles, it also acts as a great substitute for cranberries. It is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins, and phosphorus, and has been long used for medicinal purposes in India. It helps soothe an upset stomach, prevents anemia, and also treats many skin problems.

While mangoes and lychees often steal the summer spotlight, India’s diverse climate offers a treasure trove of lesser-known fruits that are equally delicious and packed with health benefits. Incorporating these unique fruits like phalsa, langsat, and karonda into your diet can help keep you refreshed and nourished during the hot months. So, this summer, venture beyond the usual and explore these natural gems, your body and taste buds will thank you!