The Goodness of Desi Fruits

Desi fruits are truly one of a kind. Whether used in fruit salads, desserts, or eaten whole, Desi fruits are a great source of nutrients and vitamins essential for any healthy body.

Throughout the year, whatever the temperature, us Asians are always on the hunt for some natural goodness. With such a huge variety of fruit that grows all year round, we can’t seem to get enough of these fruity delicacies.

Millions of fruit are imported from all across South Asia to our very doorstep in the UK. But what are the most popular Desi fruits out there? DESIblitz takes a look.

Mango

Mango is widely regarded as the most popular fruit among South Asians. The yellowy orange fleshy stone fruit is native to Asia. Many countries such as Pakistan, India and Bangladesh consider mango as their national fruit.

When unripe, the mango has a green skin colour and a rich sour taste. This is most commonly used in chutneys. When ripe, the fruit has a sweet, sugary taste and smell that makes the mouth water even before it is eaten.

Not only is mango a deliciously juicy fruit, it also has many health benefits. Mangoes are a great source of fibre, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and beta carotene.

A rich source of beta carotene helps to rejuvenate the skin and keep it smooth and young. Mango is also a great source of iron and promotes good eyesight.

Watermelon

A light, sweet fruity taste, watermelons are highly consumed by Asians. Watermelons consist of 92% water.

They appear green on the outside, but when cut open have a red fleshy texture dotted with black seeds.

Watermelon is ridden with health benefits. So much so it is even described as the ‘Worlds Healthiest Fruit’.

It is a high Lycopene food. Lycopene is important for cardiovascular health and bone health. Watermelon is an anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant, filled with vitamin C.

Melon

Melon fruit contains 95% water and is rich in vitamins and minerals, so it has many benefits.

It contains collagen, which helps maintain skin firmness. If melon is a regular in your diet you will have smooth and moist skin.

The rich minerals in melon means it helps to cleanse the kidneys and relieve heartburn.

Melon is also good for those dieting or on weight loss programmes as it only has a calorie count of 64.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is another form of melon. When cut open, cantaloupe has an orange yellow flesh with seeds in the middle.

Cantaloupe helps promote clear skin by thinning the outer layer of dead skin that can clog pores and cause blemishes.

It also contains low levels of beta carotene which improves elasticity and premature aging of the skin.

In fact, cantaloupe has so many skin benefits that it is known as the ‘Beauty Fruit’.

Pomegranate

The Iranian fruit pomegranate has become a huge hit with Desi’s worldwide. The red fruit is packed with nutrients. It is often called the ‘Power Fruit’.

Pomegranate is known to protect the arteries by preventing plaque build up.

It also lowers the bad cholesterol and blood pressure.

Commonly found in juice form, pomegranate juice is a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

Fig

The fresh fig fruit is unique and relatively rare. This is because figs are usually found in dried form.

Dried by the sun to create a crunchy outer, when bitten into, a soft tasty interior is revealed.

Figs are a brilliant source of dietary fibre, which helps weight management.

They also provide a good source of potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps control blood pressure.

Grapes

These soft tart fruits are a popular light and refreshing snack. Grapes are either green or red and often seeded. Although there are seedless varieties.

Grapes are known to have a low Glycemic index, which is good for blood sugar as it regulates insulin.

Grapes also have the ability to treat indigestion, kidney disorders and constipation.

They also have a strong therapeutic value, which can act as a cure for asthma.

Guava

Another favourite fruit of Pakistan – the winter national fruit – the Guava is a round pear shaped seasonal fruit.

The exterior is a light green colour when ripe and red when unripe.

When cut in half, the Guava has a white pinky flesh and lots of small black seeds enveloped in a soft sweet pulp.

Guava can help in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation, cough, cold and even weight loss.

Shimla Apple

A rich crisp white flesh fruit with a rich red skin. The Shimla Apple is grown in the province of Shimla in India.

A rich antioxidant, the apple is said to have all the goodness in the red skin colour.

The Shimla apple is also good for cardiovascular health, helping with blood sugar regulation. That old saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” definitely has some truth to it.

Kinoo Orange

Kinoo orange is a type of mandarin orange. The large sweet, sugary and easy peel fruit is commonly grown in Pakistan.

The kinoo orange is a brilliant substitute for sugar. It is naturally low in calories so it really helps those with weight loss programmes.

The high vitamin C levels act as an antioxidant and reduce illnesses.

As well as vitamin A, the kinoo orange has a great source of vitamin A which improves both sight and night vision.

All of these fruits provide vital nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jam-packed with fruity goodness, these Desi fruits are deliciously tempting for any Asian or non Asian out there. Make sure you make the most of your 5 a day!