Tadgola is a summer fruit that is delicious with a melt-in mouthfeel that will help you beat the summer heat.

Scientific Name

Borassus flabellifer

Other names

• Ice apple (English), 
• Tadolga ( Hindi/Marathi), 
• Nungu (Tamil)

Availability

Tadgola is easily available in the western coastal zone of Maharastra. It grows on the Palm tree in clusters and each individual brown fruit has several tadgolas in it.

These fruits are soft, white, or translucent and almost melt in the mouth.

Nutritional Benefits

Apart from being great thirst quenchers and coolants, they help to prevent dehydration. These Tadgolas are rich sources of sodium, potassium, and calcium and also have zinc to a certain extent. They have a great balance of micro-nutrients, which helps to maintain the electrolyte balance of the body on consumption. Ice apples are also rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This fruit is also widely used in Ayurveda for medicinal preparations.

Purchasing of Tadgolas

For the newbies, while purchasing these beauties make sure they are soft and watery to the touch. Ideally best purchased first thing in the morning. Avoid purchases in the scorching heat or late noons as these tend to get slightly sour and fermented soon.

About Neera

One other interesting piece of information, the sap from this tree is known as “Neera” which is a sweet beverage rich in nutrients. Best consumed fresh. Easily available in Mumbai and many other places. But these beverages is high in calories so Weight Watchers need to be careful also those with irregular blood sugars. Also, this liquid, when fermented is converted into local liquor, called toddy which down south is used to make those extra soft idlis and as local alcohol. Toddy has a distinct flavour and the taste varies as per the level of fermentation.

If you found this blog informative, also check out blogs on singhada, ambat chukka, kanji or coconut sprouts.