The Western Ghats of India grows a fruit that resembles grapes in appearance, with one side being light pink and the other side showing a pale yellow colour with hints of saffron. They have a slightly sour and mildly bitter taste. Upon closer examination, they look like cherries with a brownish fruit structure. These fruits are seasonal and are found during the rainy season in Adilabad district of Telangana. They are locally known as Karonda fruit. Their culinary uses and health benefits are not widely known, but they are valued for their nutritional content. These fruits are believed to offer various health benefits, from improving respiratory conditions to treating skin ailments and preventing diabetes.
These light pink and white fruits are seasonal. They are mainly found in the Adilabad market during the rainy season, where they are sold in piles. Karonda are nutritionally rich, offering a somewhat nutty and sour taste. Besides consuming them fresh, they are used in various culinary preparations. Dishes like Pulihora, lentils, and pickles are commonly paired with these fruits.
According to Ramadevi, a housewife from Adilabad, these fruits are eagerly awaited each year and are enjoyed abundantly. Ramadevi, speaking to News 18, also shared some popular recipes using these fruits.
Farmers often plant these trees as hedgerows in their fields not only because they are tasty but also because they serve as a natural barrier to protect crops from wild animals. According to Dr A Posadri, a nutritionist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Adilabad, consuming these fruits offers numerous health benefits. They are rich in fibre, vitamin C, and possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Experts suggest that Karonda can benefit conditions ranging from asthma to skin diseases. It is believed that eating these fruits can help dissolve kidney stones, cleanse the urinary tract, and their medicinal properties are also said to play a role in diabetes prevention.
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