The ice apple is more than just a seasonal delicacy
The ice apple, known by various regional names across India, is a seasonal palm fruit that gains popularity during the summer months. The article details its botanical classification and its cultural significance in South and East India.
Why it matters
It provides insight into regional agricultural products and their role in local diets and economies.
Come the summer months, April through August, and the fruit market across India is replete with the fruit ice apple, called ‘ nungu ’ in Tamil, ‘ munjulu ’ in Telugu, ‘ tadgola ’ in Hindi, and ‘ taal ’ in Bengali. It is largely found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and in West Bengal. Once you peel its outer skin, you find an ice-like fruit (see image) that tastes delicious. The tree is a member of the palm trees, commonly called palmyra. It is a tropical tree, and fruit, found in India, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia. It is the State tree of Tamil Nadu. Botanists say it is a member of the Arecaceae family and its name is Borassus flabellifer .
The content is purely informative and botanical in nature.
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