As a kid, I always believed my grandfather loved the fruit “Ramphal” because they shared a connection to “Ram” through their name. A legend states this fruit was consumed by Lord Ram and that is how it got its 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 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.

About

Ramphal is a tropical fruit which is indigenous to the West Indies and America. It is largely cultivated in India for its fruit, in several regions of Bengal and Southern India. It is closely related to the custard apple (sitaphal).

It also grows in several regions of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Scientific names

Annona reticulata ( It belongs to the Annonaceae family )

Other Names of Ramphal

• Netted Custard Apple
• Bullock’s heart
• Bull’s heart
• Lavani, Krishnabija (Sanskrit)
• Ramachita(Tamil)
• Ramasitapalam (Telegu)
• Manilanilam (Malayalam)
• Shree Ram Phal (Nepal)
• Frutoda-Condessa (Portuguese)
• Buah Nona (Indonesian)

Appearance

“Ramphal” is the size of an adult fist ( 7-10cm approx) with pink-reddish-brown fruit skin. It’s probably because of the way it looks, this fruit is called bull’s heart fruit but in India, it is commonly called “Ramphal“.

On the inside, it has a rich, creamy white-off-white flesh with very few seeds compared to a custard apple.

Availability

Though not native to India, it grows and is easily available in the regions of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

March to May is the period for this fruit, but in some places it grows throughout the year and hence are available all year round.

Taste

As compared to custard apple, this fruit is barely sweet to taste and has a smooth, creamy yet granular texture.

Purchasing

The unripe fruits are somewhat hard and pale with smooth peel, while the ripe ones are slightly soft and have a deeper peel color with hints of black.

So always choose the firm and unbruised one. Leave it on the counter for 2-4 days till it ripens. Once it ripens, consume it immediately or store it in the fridge and consume within 2-4 days.

When the fruit needs to be stored for a longer period, scoop the pulp, deseed it and mash it up, which can then be kept in the freezer.

Nutrition

Nutritionally speaking, this fruit is a rich source of fiber, iron, vitamins B6, C, potassium, polyphenols, flavonoids, and many other micronutrients.

As per a research paper, 2024, it is great for heart health, weight management, skin, hair, immunity, fighting inflammation, preventing anaemia, anti-cancer properties, etc.

As per a research paper from 2020, the ripe fruit is sweet, cooling, a good tonic and sedative whereas the unripe fruit is given in diarrhoea and dysentery. It also states that it is rich in antioxidants,

Nutrition Facts	(100gms)
Energy	101 Kcal
Protein	1.7gms
Fats	0.6gms
Carbohydrates	25.2gms
Fiber	2.4gms
Vitamin C	19.2mg
Vitamin B6	0.221mg
Calcium	30mg
Magnesium	18mg
Potassium	382mg

Apart from the fruit, the seeds, bark, and leaves have many medicinal and health benefits too. As per one research paper from 2014, traditionally, this plant was used for the treatment of epilepsy, dysentery, cardiac problems, worm infestation, constipation, haemorrhage, antibacterial infection, dysuria, fever, ulcer, anti-fertility, anti-tumour etc.

Research on this plant and specifically on this fruit in India is limited.

Culinary Uses

The creamy buttery texture of this fruit makes it great for making custards, milkshakes, smoothies, ice cream, and other desserts.

Fun Fact

In India, Bullock’s Heart fruit is called Ramphal, but several other fruits go by the same name in different regions. So make sure you get the right one, but don’t miss out the others too. Many of them are equally intriguing, delicious and hyperlocal.

Summary

Next time you see the Ramphal in a local market, make sure you try this fruit and other fruits like Khirni and longans too.