10 Rare Fruits in India You Must Know About!

Do you know about the list of Rare Fruits in India that you can buy? If you don’t, then this article is all you need!

India is a country with hundreds of varieties of fruits and is the largest producer of mango, banana, papaya, guava, pomegranate, etc. The variety of fruits produced in the country are famous for their quality, thus remain in high demand outside the country. This article lists some such Rare Fruits in India which are not readily available but are full of nutrition. While some of these fruits are seasonal, some are grown in specific areas, but everyone should have a taste of them once in their lifetime!

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1. Mangosteen

Botanical name: Garcinia mangostana

Common Indian Names: Mangusta, Mangustan, Mangeasrrin

Mangosteen or purple mangosteen is an evergreen tropical tree. The juicy fruits of this tree are sweet and tangy with a fibrous pulp. Often called “queen of fruit,” mangosteen grows in large quantities in southwest India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is a highly nutritious fruit that can aid in weight loss and maintain a healthy immune system.

2. Karonda

Botanical name: Carissa carandas

Common Indian Names: Karakka, Kavali, Kavalikai, Karanda, Karvand, Kalakkai, Hoover

Karonda is a wild berry with a tangy taste. Its pickle is a famous dish in India served with a variety of bread throughout the country, especially in the regions where it mainly grows, which is Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujrat, Goa, and Rajasthan. The fruit has a high amount of iron and Vitamin C, making it a healthy fruit.

3. Bael

Botanical name: Aegle marmelos

Common Indian Names: Bel, Bilvapatra, Maredu, Vilvam, Bilipatra, Bello, Shandilyamu, Beli

The fruit has various other names like wood apple, stone apple, Japanese bitter orange, Bengal quince. This tree is native to the Indian subcontinent; in India, it mainly grows in the foothills of the Himalayas and the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from having religious importance in Hinduism, which makes it an important tree, this fruit also has many health benefits. It can help in curing asthma, diabetes, cold, constipation, etc.

4. Buddha’s Hand

Botanical name: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Common Indian Names: Buddha hand, Five finger mandarin, Fingered citron, Fragrant citron

This fruit has a segmented finger-like structure. It traces its origin to northeastern India. Buddha’s hand is a shrub that has irregular thorny branches, bearing large fruits having many health benefits, like boosting the immune system, lower your blood pressure, and treats respiratory issues.

5. Langsat/Langsah

Botanical name: Lansium parasiticum

Common Indian Names: Lotka, Bhubi, Lasura, Lansones

Langsah is native to southeast Asia and South India. These fruits have a translucent pulp, tasting really sweet once ripe, though, when unripe, they can be quite sour. It can be eaten raw and tastes somewhat like grapes. The fruit is rich in many nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals, which can help in maintaining body health.

6. Japani Phal

Botanical name: Persimmon

Common Indian Names: Amlok, Jappanis Phalam, Japani Phala

Japani Phal is full of nutrients and famous for honey-sweet flavor. Popular by the name ‘Tendu’ in Hindi, it can help in improving the immune system, hypertension, digestive system, etc. Apart from that, the fruit is a favorite of weight watchers due to its low-calorie content.

7. Taal/Tadgola

Botanical name: Borassus flabellifer

Common Indian Names: Taad, Talam, Tal, Tatichettu, Taala, Trinaraaj, Tallah, Taadee

Tadgola is also popular as ice apple or palm fruit. It is also an exotic fruit that is native to the Indian subcontinent. The fruits of this plant are borne in clusters that resemble litchi in its texture and coconut in taste. It is a summer fruit, low in calories, and packed with electrolytes, helping prevent dehydration in the body.

8. Kabeet

Botanical name: Limonia acidissima

Common Indian Names: Belavu, Kovit, Kapitha, Kaith, Kotha, Velaga, wood apple

The fruit is similar to bael in appearance and is rich in proteins and carbohydrates. The outer cover of the fruit is green-brown with sticky pulp and small seeds. Kabeet chutney is a widely famous delicacy. The fruit is a native India and Sri Lanka.

9. Shahtoot

Botanical name: Morus alba

Common Indian Names: Mulberry, Chedi, Kabrangchak angouba

Shahtoot berries taste sweet and sour when raw and juicy sweet when ripe. The fruit is relished worldwide and is full of nutrients and antioxidants, making it a great choice for people with a sweet tooth. It is also useful in making jams, juice, and other processed foods.

Also Read: 15 Tasty Berries in India

10. Badhar

Botanical names: Artocarpus lacucha

Common Indian Names: Lakucha, Lakoochi, Dahu, Dephal, Bhohot, Airawata, Amalaka, Vatehuli, Chimpa, Lakucham, Badahar

Also famous as monkey fruit, it can be seen throughout the Indian subcontinent and holds certain medicinal values. The tree can get 10-15 meters tall, and it is a deciduous tree, the fruits of which are used in making various curries, chutney, and achar.

Although these fruits are not so commonly seen in Indian markets, their demand grows when the season comes. They are often available in supermarkets and are quite expensive, as they are not as profoundly cultivated like the other famous fruits. So we can say that even though these fruits are rarely visible, they have a high demand in Indian markets!