India is perhaps known as the Land of Spices. But what most people do not know about India is that is the second largest producer of fruits in the world. The climate in India ranges from Himalayan to Tropical from wet to dry and hence there is a varied range of fruits that are cultivated and grown.
Here are 7 rare and exotic fruits which are grown in the valleys of India. Read to learn about these new fruits which you’ve probably never heard of.
1.Langsah/Lotka (Langsat)
Langsat is a small, translucent, and orb-shaped fruit which is often found in South India. They can quite sour when they are unripe, but are sweet and burst with flavours, when they are ripe. They also share similar taste palate with grapefruit. Its cultivation does not extend beyond a few regions of South India.
2.Mangustaan (Mangosteen)
Mangustaan or Queen of Fruits, it is a purple coloured shell, that surrounds a snow-white and fleshy interior. Though, it is Thailand’s National fruit, it is considered to be cultivated in South India from the 18th century. They are still grown in the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.
3.Bael (Wood Apple)
Bael is an extremely unique fruit which are grown in Himalayas, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The fruit is typically eaten fresh, dried or can be consumed in juice form too. Bael fruit also helps in curing several diseases like digestive disorders.
4.Karonda (Carandas Cherry)
Rich in nutrients, Karondas are pink coloured tiny fruits that have a tart kind flavour. When the fruit is still raw, it can be consumed with rock salt and when they are fully ripe, they become tender, luscious and sweet. They are also great replacements for blueberries and also used in sauces and pickles. They are cultivated in Bihar, West Bengal and Western Ghats.
5.Targola/Taal (Ice Apple or Sugar Plum Fruit)
Targola is South India’s absolute summer favourite. It is a type of palm fruit which grows in clusters. It has a brown exterior, and has white skin inside. When it is cut open, it has delicious liquid inside making it the best cooling treat. It is grown in Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
6.Phalsa (Indian Sherbet Berries)
Tiny, sour, sweet and purple in colour, Phalsa are a lot like blueberries. They are grown throughout the country, and are extremely nutritious. They are rich in vitamin C, iron, magnesium and calcium. They are mostly eaten ripe and fresh, and can be used to make juice and can be stored for a longer time this way.
7.Carambola (Star Fruit)
Waxy skin, golden yellow colour, and full of flavours, this Carambola, is great to preserve and store as pickles and jams. They are grown in the months of September-October and January-February. India is the largest producer of this fruit and is grown all along the country, but is especially cultivated in the Southern regions of the country.
