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.