As a kid, I always believed my grandfather loved the fruit “Ramphal” because they shared a connection to “Ram” through their name.
I grew up listening to stories about this fruit and that it was way better, tastier, and healthier than the easily available custard apple ( which btw, belongs to the same family). It was only years later when my parents bought a new home in Kokan that I actually saw the fruit. My dad proudly showed off his Ramphal tree in his backyard and gave me the honor of actually plucking my fruit while teaching me about judging the fruit for ripeness.
So here is a bit about Ramphal:
Scientific Name:
Annona reticulata
Other Names:
Nona, Netted Custard Apple, Bullock’s heart, Bull’s heart, Lavani, Krishnabija.
Appearance:
“Ramphal” is the size of an adult fist ( 7-10cm approx). It has pink-reddish-brown fruit skin. On the inside it has a rich, creamy white-off white flesh with very few seeds as compared to a custard apple.
Taste
It is barely sweet as compared to custard apples.
Availability
It grows and is easily available in the regions of Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. December-February is the period for this fruit.
Nutrition
Nutritionally speaking it’s a rich source of fiber, iron, vitamins B, b6, and C, potassium, and many other micronutrients. It is great for skin, hair, immunity, fighting inflammation, etc.
Apart from the fruit, the bark and leaves are also used.
