Egg Fruit (Pautaria Campechiana) Kerala or Indian Fruits
Egg fruit (Pautaria campechiana) is a lesser known fruit of sapota family. The tree that yields egg fruit is abundantly branched, bushy and of evergreen nature. In India egg fruit is found in all parts of Kerala. The 20-30 ft tree is abundant at the Western Ghats region. Though rarely, the fruits are sold at local markets of Kerala. Both children and adults take the fruit as a nice delicacy fruit.
The fruit got its name from the fact that it remotely resembles the size and shape of an egg. Epidermis or the edible part is also somewhat like the yolk of an egg, both in color and feel, very soft and easily ruptured. The fruit has a large seed. Young fruits have a glossy appearance while ripe fruits appear dull.
The taste and feel of the fruit is unique. Egg fruit is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and proteins. Fruits are taken with or without its skin. The fruits also give rich flavor to certain milk shakes.
Ayurvedic texts or experts talking about egg fruit as a potential medicine is not found. Ayurveda sees taking naturally available food items a healthy practice, this fruit really does good for body and nervous system. Thus it can very well be included in a website dealing with Ayurveda and Ayurvedic practices.
The tree is found growing in a variety of soil types, ranging from clayey to sandy. Loamy soil, moderate rainfall and good drainage stimulate better plant growth and yield. It is also resistant to most of plant diseases.
Propagation is mainly through seeds, where small animals and birds play a role in distribution of the seeds. While cultivating, seeds are sown immediately after separating them from the fruits.
Pautaria campechiana belongs to the family Sapotaceae.
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