I distinctly remember the first time I saw the Ramkand. It was a cold morning in January and I was visiting the Shani Shingnapur temple, in Nasik. The vendor had neatly placed it on a cycle and was slicing it out for sale.
After a while, once I was visually content, I went and spoke to the vendor. I was curious about this humongous-looking tuber ( It was almost 2 feet in height even though it was cut halfway through).
As per the vendor, this root is called “Ramkand/Kandamool” because Lord Ram consumed this during his vanvas/ exile.
About Ramkand
When I asked him about its origin, he mentioned it was obtained from the forest by the older members of the community who knew where it grew. Back then he was selling it at 4 super thin slices for 10 Rs. Recently when I saw it the price was 30 Rs for 4 slices.
Fact is, Ramkandmool is the root of a small woody shrub that grows upto 2-3 meters in height. This shrub has dense leaves and greenish white flowers with a pleasant aroma. The root of this shrub is large, long and tapering towards the ends. It can grow upto 300kgs in weight.
Scientific Name
Maerua oblongifolia (Forssk.) A. Rich ( It belongs to the Capparaceae family)
Other Local Names
- Necklace Caper (English)
- Bhoochakra Gadda (Telegu)
- Poomicchakkarai Kizhangu (Tamil)
Taste & Texture
As for the taste and texture, Ramkandmool is crunchy, has a beautiful color and texture. It is cooler in the mouth and had a distinct taste. You can’t eat more than a slice or two.
Nutritional Properties
While the vendor confidently mentioned that this root was very nutritious and great for hydration, looking into research that backs these claims becomes important.
Based on limited studies, the ramkand mool is rich in starch along with phytochemicals, calcium, iron, and vitamin C. It is said to have essential amino acids like lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine and non-essential amino acids like glycine, proline, glutamic acid etc. Ramkand has around 60-70g carbs, 10-25g protein, 2-5g fat, 10-25 g dietary fibre.
Health & Medicinal Uses
As per one of the research papers, this tuber is used to treat fever, epilepsy, piles, typhoid, sterility, Stomach ache, urinary tract infections, skin issues, indigestion, reduce diabetes and support the immune system.
In traditional medicine, the phytochemicals from this plant are used to treat inflammatory conditions. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Also back in 2011, an article was published in the Pune Times of India stating that though Ramkand looks like a tuber. It is not a tuber but a monocot as per DNA testing. It belongs to the Agave family. The article also mentioned that “Ram kand” is not recommended for human consumption and can prove to be poisonous.
Note: In case you wish to try it out. Just be careful, it can cause puckering and throat irritation.
Incase you found this blog informative, also check the other blogs on lesser-known ingredients like palmyra sprouts or kudachya shenga.
We 5 people of a group ate it’s half slice 3-4 days ago, since then we all are having sharp pain in our tongue. It’s painful like there are multiple cuts in the tongue & we are having difficulty in eating. Can you plz suggest what we can do to cure it? It’s already 3-4 days.
How can we order these fruit ?
Apologies I am not aware of the same.
good
we had visited srisailam last weekend. both of us had a slice each. no symptoms my husband had. but I’m suffering from severe diarrhoea. almost 15 times but I’m not feeling as weak I should be after 15 loose motions.
I live in U.P.In the years bygone,when a child,this yam or tuber was available in winter season and as many times it was seen in the market,my father would by it for us in required quantity,we as a child or my elders never complained any cut or blister in the mouth cavity,even it was good to taste.Now in my place it is not available.I wish to introduce it to my children and serve it to them as a delicacy.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Its available in many regions of Maharashtra and even down south. Hope you find some soon
I’m suffering from extreme sharp pain for last 2 days in my tongue after eating this Kand mool. Feels like there are multiple blade cuts. After searching I have landed here. Please suggest if there anything which could heal my tongue. I’m unable to drink water or talk.
That can happen. Sorry that you have to go through it.
Kindly get in touch with your physician. You might have an allergic reaction to it.
Note: Healing might take some time.
I have similar symptoms. What did you do to heal?
Where can I get this? I live in Bangalore…
Unfortunately I am not aware of where it is available in Bangalore
I got 1 slice for 30 INR , it too costly
That definitely is costly
how an i get it .
m form new delhi
Unfortunately, I cant help you much in this case.
This plant is identified as Agave Americana. The sap of this plant is poisonous and found to be unfit for human consumption. However, there is a liquor produced similar to that of taqila. Small portion does not cause any fatalaties, but minor skin irritation and digestion issue.
Thank you, would you be aware of any sort of literature or research papers on this so I could read more about it. Thanks
Ramkand mool is agave sisalana variety as per DNA analysis of agri University research, by 89%.
The moment I saw this mysterious thing (fruit/vegetable not sure) wanted to give it a try. It somewhat tastes like a raw sweet potato. Then thought of researching more about it and found this page. Good Read !
A good article but there is not kuch research done about this tuber although it’s rarely found. We got 4 slices in 20 RS and after eating everyone got blisters in their mouth. So just be careful about consuming it
Hi,
Thank you for your valuable input.
I have already mentioned in the article that there isn’t much work done related to Ramkand and that it needs to be consumed with caution.
Regards,
Aditi
Absolutely, me and my family ate this ,and it burned my whole tongue .I got cuts in my tongue and it was painful.I couldn’t able to eat anything. After 5 days i got recover
and can eat my food
We got 4 slice in 20 bucks .. 🤣🤣
Awesome.
Did you like it? How much did you buy?
Good read
Thank you