Summer fruit-Taati Munjalu or Ice Apple
Agreed that the mango is the king of fruit but Summer fruit-Taati Munjalu or Ice Apple is succulent and delectable. Munjalu or Ice apples are refreshing and invigorating. In my home state, Andhra Pradesh the fruit is called Taati Munjalu., tadgola in Hindi. It is South India’s answer to Litchis. A seasonal fruit, it is available in the market for a short while; in the months of April and May. It is a short span so you should make the most of it. The munjalu seller comes by every day. He carries the fruit in a basket and covers it with a wet muslin cloth to keep the fruit moist.
Nostalgia and Memories
The palm fruit has to be skinned and the pulp is jelly-like and luscious. Peeling the delicate fruit is an art. Early childhood memories are of eating this fruit at my neighbour’s. Aunty used to peel dozens of them and put them in the fridge. We were many mouths to feed but she peeled them patiently. The whole bowl would be empty in a minute. The fruit is translucent, fleshy and juicy. The heavenly fruit is like manna in harsh summer. Although I am a North Indian, I have this penchant for the local Andhra food. Punjabi blood doesn’t make me North Indian, but having been born here, I am as native as any of the locals.
Toddy or Kallu, a light alcoholic drink
While driving down the coastal area, you can sight toddy tappers, precariously dangling from the Palm tree. He brings bringing down the earthen pot which collects the sap. The top shoots are tapped to collect the dripping juice in hanging earthen pots. Kallu or Toddy is a lightly alcoholic beverage and is said to be good when ingested fresh from the tree. Next time you are travelling keep a watch for these Palm tappers.
Versatile Fruit
Taati Munjalu or Palm Fruit is used to make Ice creams, desserts, and juices. Slide a whole, peeled fruit into the mouth; when the flesh breaks the water bursts like nectar. Living close to the coasts has its advantages. Coconuts and palm fruit are available, abundantly. The Palmyra palm is native to South East Asia and a cousin of the Coconut palm. Come April, vendors are seen at the roadside with their palm fruit and when you ask for it, they deftly scoop out the fruit from the nut and pack it for you.
Summer fruit-Taati Munjalu or Ice Apple
Ice Apple cools your body naturally and is rich in Vitamins A, B-complex and C. It is a thirst quencher that acts as a coolant and regulates your body temperature. Use the pulp of the fruit as a face pack to refresh inflamed skin. Those were the days when my mom’s magic summer drinks and fresh palm fruit, kept us fresh even without any air-conditioning. Palm fruit helps in acidity, and constipation, and gets rid of prickly heat too.
Check that the fruit you buy is tender and spongy. It should not be perforated as it is no fun eating an Ice apple without its sweet nectar in the centre.
If you come across Summer Fruit-Taati Munjalu or Palm fruit or Ice Apple do try it!
I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z by @ Blogchatter 2022
If you haven’t checked out my theme for A2Z 2022, then do check it out here.
My A post is Ambrosial Pineapple Cream Pudding. B post is Strawberry Biscuit Pudding. C is Chana Dal or tadka Dal, D for Thandai Drink, E for How to eat a juicy Mango, F for Frittata, G for Godh Bharai,H for Homemade Kulfi, I for Mango Icecream, J for watermelon Juice, K for Matar Kulcha, L for Lazy summer days.
