Indian Hog Plum

Indian hog plum or hog plum which belongs to the spondias genus is called Ambate kayi in Kannada. There are two varieties of hog plums , sweet variety and tangy or sour variety.

Hog plums are rich in antioxidants, which provide a range of health benefits. It is also a rich source of fibre, Vitamins, iron, essential minerals. This fruit stimulates appetite, stimulates taste buds and improves digestion.

The fruits grows in bunches and can be eaten raw. From tender to ripe these fruits are used in the preparation of chutney, salads, varieties of pickle, curries, also as an alternative to tamarind and lemon in curries and chats in our Coastal Karnataka region and in our farm. These fruits pair pretty well with colocasea, drumstick leaves and bittergourds.

The flower bunches of this evergreen tree attracts all species of honey bees, butterflies and birds and other pollinators.

Leaves and bark of the tree contains medicinal properties and used in traditional medicine to treat human and animal health issues.

Hog plum menaskayi is a very popular curry of coastal Karnataka.

The evergreen tree requires sunlight and space to spread it’s branches. It however does not require any special attention or maintenance. The widely spread roots of the tree absorbs as much moisture as possible from the soil during the rainy season and thrives on its own in the summer.

Tender hog plum pickle

The tree attracts a variety of insects, birds, butterflies and provides shelter and food for wildlife and support pollinators. If you have the eyes to behold these beauties it naturally boosts your mood .

gojju is a side dish made with raw hog plum,jaggery,salt,green chilly and onion slices and seasoned with fresh coconut oil ,mustard,curry leaves

The fruits are not in the insects menu, do not need pesticides, fertilizers, or watering to grow.

hog plum chutney

hog plum chutney made with raw hog plum slices,coconut gratings green chilly onion,garlic,ginger

There are 3 fruit yielding trees including a sweet variety in our natural farm, the one in the front yard. The season starts in the early July , harvested fruits stays fresh for more than a week and if not harvested continues to yield fruits till the end of May. If you have a hog plum tree in your yard, get assured supply of fresh fruits almost ten months in a year and the rest of the year you can use the preserved fruits.

Hog plum tambli made with raw hog plum,coconut gratings,buttermilk,cumin and black pepper

Not only this tree is good for human health and environment, they also contribute to a healthy eco system

The season is on and it is time to make the best of these humble fruits.

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