Nungu

The humble nungu (Borassus flabellifer) as it is known in Tamizh (taati nungu in Kannada) is a seasonal fruit that is found in abundance in south Tamil Nadu, Salem, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli and other districts and makes its appearance in the peak summer. Commonly known as the date palm or palmyra, this kalpa vriksha has been mentioned in several Hindu texts and in fact dried leaves of the tree have been used as writing material since before the 5th century BCE.

 

Every part of this revered tree has extensive medical, domestic and industrial uses. The actual fruit is in reality the seed that is encased within an attractive woody deep purplish – black exocarp. Each fruit will have either two or three fleshy seeds or more.

 

The top portion of the fibrous fruit is skilfully cut off to reveal the pale white to translucent jelly ice – apple (as it is known in English) that is covered with a thin yellow – brownish skin. The ice – apple fruit is gently removed. The other sides of the fruit are cut off to remove the remaining fleshy fruits.

 

The thin fibre is carefully peeled and the white juicy fruit is eaten slowly. Ice – apple is itself simply delicious with a mild flavour and aroma and packed with nutrients (iron, potassium, calcium, zinc and dietary fibre) and vitamins (Vitamin B, C and A) that are of great importance to beat the scorching heat.

 

This natural coolant has immense healing, medicinal and nutritional benefits and is widely used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. One can make ice – apple sherbet, ice – apple payasam and a variety of sweets (Bengali sweets like sandesh and others).

 

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian