Full List of Fruits Bael fruit
Introduction of Bael fruitNutritional Value of Bael fruitUses of Bael fruitHealth Benefits of Bael fruitHarvesting
Bael Fruit
Scientific name - Belou marmelos
The Bael fruit closely resembles a large grapefruit or a large but dull and aging orange. It has dull grayish green color at first which then turns a dirty yellow after ripening. Its hard shell can only be cracked open with a hammer or a machete. On the inside a fibrous yellow pulp with hairy seeds are visible. Taking about 11 months to ripen, this fruit is said to have a taste of marmalade infused with tamarind or lemon indicating a slight hint of tanginess and smells like roses.
This round fruit has a hard exterior but is mushy on the inside. It can grow till they are about 5 to 20cm in diameter. Before they turn green or gray, their exterior is extremely hard to crack open. Once they begin to change color, the exterior is still pretty hard to crack open until it reaches the ripe, yellow stage.
Nutritional Value of Bael fruit
| Nutrients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate | 31.8 gm |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Proteins | 1.8 gm |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A | 55 mg |
| Vitamin B | Rich in Vitamin B1 and B2 |
| Vitamin C | 60 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.13 mg |
| Riboflavin | 1.19 mg |
| Niacin | 1.1 mg |
| Carotene | 55 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 85 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Fiber | 2.9 gm |
| Water | 61.5 g |
| Energy | 137 k.cal |
Once ripe, this fruit can be consumed raw. The fruit is sometimes frozen and is also added to Jams. They can be mixed with coconut milk or other beverages to give a tasty and healthy drink. This fruit in some parts is also consumed before it becomes ripe, as chutney. The leaves of the fruit are used in salads. The ripe yellow flesh is said to be very sweet and is used in the making of a drink known as the wood apple milk.
The health benefits associated with this fruit are never ending. Bael is used in the treatment of skin problems, Hemorrhoids, reduces the rate of respiration and causes sleepiness. Diseases Asthma, Bronchitis, jaundice are just a few of the numerous issues that can be tackled by the juice of Bael.
The fruit at first is cultured in a nursery and then fielded. Each plant varies in size, shape, height and culture. They are harvested once it looks yellowish green and a waiting period is given to remove the green tinge. Although the exterior is hard, care should be taken while handling the fruits after harvest.
