Kerala: a state in southern India, is frequently referred to as “God’s own country.” The state is frequently promoted as a tranquil location that is a haven for both bird-watching and casual hikers.
You’ll be surrounded by beautiful, lush green scenery when you get there. But do you know another thing that makes the state well-known?
Well, it is renowned for growing some of the country’s rarest and most unusual fruits. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fruits grown in Kerala.
What are you still holding out for? Let’s look at the list to see how many fruits you are familiar with and which ones are new to you.
Banana
It is well known that bananas have a strong connection to Kerala’s traditional culture. Therefore, you can generally find wide different varieties of this fruit tree throughout the state. You may find bananas in a variety of colors, sizes, and flavors.
The Palayam kodan, Annan, Kappa vazha, and Poovan are the most prevalent types of banana trees in this region, according to a search for the most common varieties. So, when you visit Kerala, make sure to sample each of them.
Coconut
Kerala is known as the “land of the coconut,” and the region’s weather and soil are ideal for the growth of these fruit trees. Additionally, people frequently cook with coconut oil and craft spoons from the hard, thin shell of the coconut.
Coconut palms naturally make up the majority of the Kerala landscape. So, if you visit this place, it’s likely that you’ll spend a lot of time eating fruit while surrounded by trees. The coconut tree is also the source of the wood used to produce wooden furniture.
Rose apple
There are a lot of rose apple trees in Kerala, especially if you are driving along the roads. A lot of this tropical fruit is grown in the state. You can also eat rose apples, or champakka as they are often known, to really appreciate the sour flavor.
The fruit’s pink and white texture makes it simple to identify. It is a common ingredient in recipes and desserts, as you will find.
People love growing it in their backyards, and retail stores sell frozen dried rose apples. The fruit is in high demand in the state, so you should absolutely purchase some.
Longan
Soft, juicy, and succulent, Longan is another one of the popular fruits grown in Kerala. Grown widely across the state, this fruit bears a strong resemblance to lychees in appearance. Their similarities don’t just end here; both these fruits belong to the same – soapberry – family as well!
The fruit, which is also known as dragon eye, tastes sweet and musky when eaten. Basically, the seeds of this kind of tropical tree are small, rounded, and black in color. The fruit can be consumed raw, although many people like it in their soup and dessert.
Durian
If you’ve heard of the durian fruit, consider traveling to Kerala to try it because durian trees can be easily found there. The majority of these fruit trees can be found in Kerala’s backwaters.
You should be aware that despite not being a native fruit to our country, it has started to gain popularity among the populace over time. When you first see the fruit, it’s simple to confuse it with jackfruit. However, the flavors of these two tropical fruits vary.
Mango
You’ve probably heard it said a lot that mango isn’t a fruit but rather an emotion. Of certainly, this Indian saying is fair. Kerala produces more than 100 different varieties of mangoes, so it is safe to predict that you will have a feast there.
You should be aware of the Moovandan, a popular mango in the region that blooms after three years. In the state, you can also find other varieties, including Chandrakaaran and Neelam.
You will enjoy indulging in this variety’s sweet and sour flavor. Be sure to eat it with salt and red chili powder in Kerala.
Black Plum
The black plum, sometimes referred to as the Njaval or Njaara, is another fruit that can be found in Kerala’s lush state. These big evergreen trees can be identified by their white flowers and black or purple fruits.
When fully grown, black plums have a glossy black color and a sweet-tart flavor. The black plum trees grow quickly and can last for up to 100 years.
The locals in this area also grow the tree because of its ornamental appeal. Many people eat the fruit’s leaves to control their blood pressure; even the fruit’s seeds have medicinal properties.
Pulasan
Pulasan is another tropical fruit grown in Kerala. The tree is ornamental, and it is widely visible throughout the state.
It is often sweet in flavor, and people love to eat it raw and in its natural state. But other people also preserve it in jam form for consumption.
When you first see the fruit, you can mistake it for Rambutan, another exotic fruit. This exotic fruit is very nutrient-dense and advantageous for diabetic individuals.
Additionally, many consume it because it is a fantastic source of antioxidants. Find the reddest fruit you can find, then take a bite to enjoy its flavor.
Avocado
You may easily discover avocado trees in the state’s hilly areas because they can thrive in tropical climates. Avocados are round, juicy fruits with a sizable seed in the core.
People also have the custom of crushing their seeds to extract the oil, which is then used to create cosmetics. The fruit is excellent for your skin and hair and is known to aid in pregnancy in females.
You can have it if you want a good source of fiber every day. Additionally, it is useful for controlling type 2 diabetes.
Rambutan
In any discussion about the fruits grown in Kerala, it is impossible to miss Rambutan. One of the fruits produced most extensively in the state, this tropical fruit is closely related to Pulasan, Lychee, and Longans. Southeast Asia is the original home of their medium-sized tropical trees.
Rambutans have a leathery red outer covering, while the inner flesh is translucent and pale-whitish in color. Their taste is sweet – strikingly similar to that of lychees – with a hint of grape-like sourness. The fruit is rich in protein and vitamins and is also well-known for its therapeutic qualities.
In the end
Kerala is undoubtedly one of the Indian states where rare and exotic fruits are cultivated in abundance. Many different types of plants and trees grow in this lush state.
Now that you’ve learned about fruits grown in Kerala, when are you planning on visiting the state to pluck one of them right from its tree and take a luscious bite?
If you’re eager to explore which fruits grow in what parts of our country, here’s another blog talking about the sweet delights grown in the north – Kashmir. Do give it a read!