Jungle Jalebi: The Twisted Summer Fruit That's A Rare Delight
Jungle Jalebi: The Twisted Summer Fruit That's A Rare Delight
By Meghana Dayanand Updated: Apr 29, 2023
Jungle jalebi is a lesser-known summer fruit with an array of health benefits that grows in many parts of India and yet doesn’t surface on store shelves even during the season. If you spot it on a street vendor's bicycle this season or in the markets, give it a shot.
A stroll to the local fruit and vegetable markets in India can be a great learning experience, as you may come across new ingredients that you have never seen or known. Or sometimes it can be a pleasant surprise to chance upon certain nutritious vegetables or fruits that you probably remember eating while growing up but never saw in the stores after. One such fruit that’s not commercially sold and remains largely in the hands of street vendors and local markets is jungle jalebi, or Madras thorn.
It is a summer fruit from an evergreen tree that’s scientifically called Pithecellobium dulce and belongs to the pea family. It is native to Central America and was introduced to India centuries ago. In English, it is commonly known as the Manila tamarind, Madras thorn, or monkeypod tree. This tree thrives in tropical climates and is known to sustain droughts and poor soil conditions. In India, the jungle jalebi can be found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi.
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It is said that the bark of the Madras thorn tree is traditionally used to treat diabetes and the seed oil for ulcers. That said, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider before trying any of these remedies without guidance.
And as far as the jungle jalebi fruit is concerned, it is best to consume it in moderation when you spot it in the market or on a street vendor’s bicycle, as too much of anything can do more harm than good. On that note, if you can get your hands on jungle jalebi this summer, don’t miss a chance to give this nutritional fruit a healthy shot!
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