Summer has arrived. With it, has arrived a colourful platter of fruits in the market. From plenty to choose from, muskmelon, watermelon, sugarcane, to name a few, one must pick up jamuns.
Jamuns or java plums are full of nutrition, apt for summer, and easy on the pocket too. It is of two kinds, white and purple. While the white jamuns are particularly found in the Andaman and Nicobar Island, purple is found across the country. Not just the fruit, but its seed and leaf also hold nutritional value and should be used aptly.
About Jamun:
Jamun, also known as black plums or java plums come from the jamun tree. The jamun fruit is usually ovoid to oblong in shape, purple, bluish, or white in colour and has juicy, sweet pulp and a small seed. It is also said that the jamun tree lives for over 100 years.
India and Jamun:
‘Jambudweep Arya Vartey Bharat Khande’. India has been historically associated as the land where jamun grows. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that jamun is the geographical identity of India. Moreover, it is unique that the name of a fruit can be used as an ancient method to geographically identify a continent.
Nutritional value of the fruit:
Jamun has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidants, and gastro-protective properties and is rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, C and minerals. Due to the various phyto-constituents like tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, add to therapeutic value. Moreover, the water content present in the fruit is what makes it one of the best fruits to be consumed in summer.
Benefits of the jamun fruit:
-Java plums are good for the eyes, improves eye-sight, and also prevents cataract, according to studies conducted on it.
-It is also useful in controlling diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels.
-Due to the natural sugar content, it is a great ingredient for desserts. It can also be used for making jams, jelly, beverages, wine, vinegar, squash, and pickles.
-The fruit’s seed can be used as churan (dry powder) for digestive treatments after being dried with salt.
-It aids proper digestion.
Other benefits of the Jamun tree:
-The foliage can be used as fodder for cattle, especially during drought, while the little stems can be used as twigs, considered great for oral hygiene.
-Its timber can be used in buildings, agriculture implements, railway slippers, and well works as it resists the action of water.
(PBNS)