Full List of Fruits Charichuelo Fruit
Introduction of Charichuelo Fruit Uses of Charichuelo Fruit Cultivation Nutritional value of Charichuelo Fruit Health Benefits of Charichuelo Fruit
Charichuelo Fruit
Introduction of Charichuelo Fruit
Scientific name - Garcinia madruno
Charichuelo scientifically also known as Garcinia madruno belongs to the Clusiaceae family. Charichuelohas its native roots in Colombia, and is also known as ''Modern world mangosteens''. It has gained a lot of importance from communities of people living in central and South America. The species of charichuelo wasformerly included in the genus Rheedia, which has since been absorbed into Garcinia. The variants and species of this fruit are over 100 Garcinia species, mostly belonging tosoutheast Asia and Central America.
The fruit appears like a shriveled droopy lemon, and has a similar rind to that of a lemon. With a zesty outer coat, the interior has a soft white pulp and has a slight citrus taste. This fruit is often compared to a sweet santolfruit or lemony cotton candy.Charichuelo is a round or an ellipsoidal shaped fruit, also spotted sometimes with a prominent nipple at each end. This nipple elongates up to 2 to 3 inches long.
The skin is textured thick and leathery with warty, greenish-yellow rind containing a deep-yellow, resinous latex. The white juicy pulp is sweet acidic pulp that has an aroma of its own, the pulp coats and tightly adheres to 1 to 3 seeds that are about 3-4 inches long.
This fruit has multiple uses apart from the obvious consumption use. Chaichuelo can be consumed rawly or even cooked into a sumptuous dish. This fruit is translucent and possess a whitish pulp that is juicy and succulent. It gives out pleasant aromas and is also moderately sour in taste.
While yes this fruit is consumed in its raw form, this acidic fruit is aa key ingredient in preparations of many jams, preserves and drinks
Uses of wood derived
The Chaichuelo species in Colombia are resistant to a brown-rot fungus but not the white-rot in according to a laboratory evaluation. This wood is also susceptible to decay and attack by insects under favorable field conditions.Apart from all the above mentioned properties the wood derived from the Chaichuelo tree is used for purposes such as furniture, flooring (quarter sawn), heavy construction, and general carpentry.
The ideal temperature to grow this plant is hot to humid climatic zones most preferably the lowlands. They bloom well in full sun or very light to minimal shade. Chaichuelo plants are tolerant to occasional accumulation of water or minor floods. The newborns and the younger plants have a distinctive trait of growing fairly quickly when compared to the newborns of plants. They belong to thedioecious species, where both male and female forms of the plant needs to be grown if fruit and seed are required. Fruiting and propagation takes place only when both male and female forms of the plant are grown together.
The best way to sow seeds of a Chaichuelo plant is by sowing it in a ripe state in a semi shaded position placed in a nursery seedbed. The germination process kickstarts and 70% of the process is usually achieved in the initial days. Sprouting can be visually spotted within 60-70 days of its sowing.
Nutritional value of Charichuelo Fruit
| Energy | 109 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25.3 g |
| Protein | 2.3 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Vitamins | A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, E |
| Minerals | Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc |
| Phytochemicals | Flavonoids, Tannins, Phenolic Acids, etc. |
Health Benefits of Charichuelo Fruit
Charichuela is a nutritious fruit that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage and reduce inflammation.
Charichuela has a number of health benefits. It can help to boost the immune system, reduce the risk of infectious diseases, and promote healthy skin and hair. It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties. The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into a juice. It is often used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, fever, and other ailments.
The leaves of the charichuela tree can also be used medicinally. They can be boiled and drunk as a tea to help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. They may also be used as a poultice to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Charichuela is a great source of energy and can help to regulate blood sugar levels. It is also believed to help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
In addition to its health benefits, charichuela is also used in cooking. It can be used to flavor soups, sauces, and desserts. The fruit can also be used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. In conclusion, charichuela is a nutritious fruit with many potential health benefits. It can help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and protect against disease. It also has a sweet, sour taste that can be used to flavor a variety of dishes.
