Categories: FruitsIngredients

Do you know about the summer berry called Khirni / Rayan

Khirni is synonymous with summer for me and even though I share a very love-hate relationship with Summer, I love it for all colorful vegetables and fruits like gavthi cucumbers, rose apples, etc this season offers.

Out of all those colourful fruits, today I am writing about a very interesting golden yellow wild berry called  Khirni or Rayan.

Scientific Name:

Manilkara hexandra

Local names of Khirni:

Ceylon Iron Wood, Milky Tree (English)

Khirni, Khhini, Rayan (Hindi/Gujarati);

Karni, Ranjana (Konkani/Marathi);

Ksheerni, Rajni (Bengali);

Krini or Palamunpala (Malayalam);

Hale, Hannu (Kanada);

Kanupala, Palai (Tamil);

Palechettu, Kirni (Telegu)

Availability:

Mainly grown in the regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, it is only available from early to mid-summer i.e. Around April-mid May though some vendors do sell those even until late May.

These berries are often sold by small vendors who sell purple Jamun, phalsa, or other wild berries in vata ie. small portion sizes, and rarely available online.

Appearance, Taste, and Texture:

These tiny one-seeded berries are oval in shape, around 2 cm long, bright yellow with a smooth surface. They are sweet to taste but leave a sticky after-feel in the mouth.

Nutritional Benefits:

Some of the research done on this fruit, states that it is a good source of antioxidants and hence has health benefits. It is said to cure fevers and heal skin infections and stomach ulcers but there isn’t enough research to support it. It also acts as an appetizer and aphrodisiac.

Apart from the fruit itself, even the leaves, bark, seeds, and seeds of these plants have medicinal and other uses making this tree valuable.

Culinary Use:

Normally Khirni is consumed as it is but it can be used in a variety of dishes like-

  • Jam
  • Milkshakes
  • Desserts.
Aditi Prabhu

Nutritionist

View Comments

  • I stay in Hyderabad, I am looking for this fruit since 3 months, can I get this anywhere in Hyderabad or anyone help me to get the contact number of vendor, i can atleast ask them to send me a courtier. i need this one in some urgency.

  • I am looking for Khirni seed since last 1 year but I can't find it, I live in Patna, how can I get its seed?

    • Hi, i was searching for it for the last few years luckily i got it today @ 300/- per kg from a road side vendor as i was driving pass Mumbai's Dadar West kabootar khana.
      stay safe stay blessed 😊

    • You will soon find it in the local Markets in Mumbai, Gujarat. This is the season for this fruit.

      • First I had this fruit when I was 7 year old in Aurangabad/ Daultabad in a Shrine , this fruit tree was there.
        We moved to Hyderabad next year and never saw that fruit but always remember of its taste. Now I am 70 years and found this Pune region has more of it in local market. Just type khirni and google it, you getall info

    • There is not enough literature/studies on impact of consumption of Rayan during pregnancy hence I can't say much. Let me find out and I will let you know

Recent Posts

Do you know that Coconut Sprout/Maranda is edible?

Have you heard about the coconut sprout aka maranda? Did you know it was edible?…

3 months ago

Water Spinach/Nali Bhaji and its health benefits

Unlike its name, Water Spinach does not belong nor is it related to the spinach…

10 months ago

Ambat Chukka(Green Sorrel)nutrition benefits you need to know

Ambat Chukka is one interesting green. It looks like spinach/palak and tastes like Gongura but…

1 year ago

Madras Cucumber/Southekayi nutrition and its culinary uses

Madras Cucumber is something that I discovered on my recent trip to the market. Continue…

1 year ago

Why making Health goals in 2023 is better than resolutions?

Health goals are what you need for 2023. Health goals give you a purpose, a…

1 year ago

Kudachya Shenga: A monsoon special ranbhaji

Kudachya Shenga are long tender beans that grow wild in the forest. Hence called ranbhaji…

3 years ago