Indians have such fascination for their great epic namely Ramayana that they see the epic
characters live in almost everything!
They even have named a family of fruits each after some
prominent character from Ramayana.
For example, they have Ram Phal
(named after the hero Ram, Phal means
fruit), Laxman Phal (named after the
second hero), Seetha Phal (named
after the heroine), Hanuman Phal
(named after their most obedient companion). I always wondered what likeness Seetha Phal has with the heroine! Or for
that matter Hanuman Phal with the
character Hanuman (who has a monkey
like appearance).
But as always, there is whole lot of confusion. Indians use
these names interchangeably to mean different fruits in the group or the same
fruit. Most laymen call all these fruits as just Seetha Phal!
Actually these fruits are fruits belonging to the same family
ANNONACEAE. Ram Phal is the Custard Apple (Annona
Reticulata),
Laxman Phal is Atemoya (a man made cross between Annona Squamosa
and Annona Cherimola), Seetha Phal is Sugar Apple (Annona
Squamosa) and Hanuman Phal is Cherimoya (Annona Cherimola).
There is
another member in this family that has recently become very prized one. A few
years ago, there were no takers for this fruit (it is a bit sour), But
recently, on rumors (?) that this fruit can cure/prevent cancer, overnight this
fruit has become the most sought after fruit in India. This fruit is called by
different names, Hanuman Phal, Laxman Phal, Mam Phal by
Indians. Actually it is Sour Sop (Annona Muricata)
The
interesting thing is that none of these fruits are originally from India (as
per the plant historians). But what is more interesting is that in some Indian
languages, say for example Konkani (a language spoken in Goa – a former
Portuguese province, now in India), Andana (sounds like Annona) refers
to either Seetha Phal or one of the fruits in this family. Also, I
remember seeing this fruit carved in ancient Hindu temples like Ellora cave
temples. So, did Seetha actually invent this fruit? – I am just kidding.
Very interesting. If they are not originally from India, is there any indication on when or how it might have come to India. What fruits might have been offered by Shabari
ReplyDeleteOrigin of Sugar-apple is not known (probably south America). It was introduced in India sometime around 1590 by Portuguese.
DeleteCherimoya is supposedly from valleys of Ecuador,Colombia and Bolivia and brought to India in 1880 by Portuguese.
Atemoya was a hybrid made by P.J. Wester, at the United States Department of Agriculture's subtropical laboratory, Miami, in 1908.
Soursop is supposedly from South America. But many south Indians around Madras knew it and used (unripe) it as a vegetable, though the ripe fruit was not popular.
Custard apple is supposedly from West Indies. But found wild in some parts of India.
Fantastic web site. Plenty of helpful information here.
ReplyDeleteI am sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thanks on your effort!
Hi there (I wish I knew your name)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice words.
You seem to be a fruit lover. You probably like my book "Five simple grafting techniques best suited for most exotic fruits" (https://books2read.com/5GraftingTechniques).
Please look at some of my recent posts too. You can now listen to them instead of just reading. Try visiting any of my recent posts, and I will talk to you straightaway.
At the moment, I am running a series on Indian Upanishads every Wednesday and Friday. I am sure you will like them too.
Best wishes.
Thank you Dr.King for such an interesting info.
ReplyDelete