The unsung hero of Indian cuisine: Elephant Apple

The unsung hero of Indian cuisine: Elephant Apple

Bitopan Raychoudhury

As a child, I remember visiting my grandparents’ orchard in assam during the Durga puja break, when the Elephant apple trees are laden with fruit. My siblings, cousins, and I would excitedly pluck the greenish-yellow fruits and savour their tangy taste.

Also, fish curries made with elephant apple were a taste to remember. Our grandmother would use the ripe ones to make a delicious pickle that would last throughout the year.

Those childhood memories of enjoying elephant apples have stayed with me, and I have come to appreciate the fruit more after I came to know about its varied health benefits and its unique flavour and versatility.

The Elephant Apple, a fruit as intriguing as its name, has been quietly thriving in the tropical regions of Asian countries. Although native to Indonesia but it expands its origin to most of the south east Asian countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc.Scientifically known as Dillenia Indica, belonging toDilleniaceaefamily, it is an evergreen large-sized shrub and its fruit is typically round or oval-shaped.

Locally known as “outenga” and with its Hindi name Chalta, this fruit is not only consumed by and distributed to wild animals such as elephants, interestingly, as its name suggests its seeds resembles an elephant’s toe. The tree often grows up to a height of 15 meters. The fruit is large, oblong and greenish-yellow in colour and develops in the winter and autumn seasons between October to February.

In many Indian households, especially northeastern states, the elephant apples are a staple ingredient in traditional recipes, particularly in curries, pickles and chutneys. From sour curries to sweet tangy pickles, elephant apples add a burst of flavour to any dish.

The fruit is also a favourite among home cooks, who experiment with innovative recipes and flavour combinations. With its distinctive tastes and numerous uses, the elephant apple remains an integral part of India’s rich culinary heritage.

The elephant apple is inherently rich in essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin b complex, Vitamin E, potassium, healthy fats, amino acids, and proteins. It’s also low in cholesterol and contains beneficial phytochemicals like tannins, saponins and flavonoids. The fruit’s impressive profile is followed by its numerous health benefits including antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. These benefits can help prevent in kidney ailments, slow down ageing and lower blood pressure.

With its excellent nutritional profile, the Elephant apple is used in traditional cuisine and is a valuable addition to a healthy diet to prepare curries, pickles, jams, jellies and juices. It is also widely utilised as an herb by numerous tribes in the northeast India. It’s also an Ayurvedic herb that’s traditionally used to cure uneasiness, indigestion, and weariness.

Also, in Assam there’s a playful custom where we tease our son-in-law, and it’s accompanied by a fun song that features the Elephant apple. The song goes like this- “outenga julerejuwaibhulabi”. This light hearted tradition is a unique part of Assamese culture, and it’s a way to poke fun at the son-in-law in a playful manner.

The elephant apple’s seasonal availability and high moisture content limit its utility throughout the year. To address this, developing preservation strategies that retain bioactive compounds and extend shelf life is crucial for maximising the fruit’s potential. This includes canning, where they are sealed in jars with syrup; freezing; dehydrating in oven or sun-drying.

As I reflect on those childhood memories of enjoying elephant apples in my grandparents’ orchard. I’m reminded of the fruit’s significance that goes beyond its unique flavour and nutritional benefits. The elephant apple represents a connection to our cultural heritage and the simple joys of life.

Its versatility in culinary preparations and potential health benefits make it a fruit worth appreciating. As I look forward to sharing these traditions with future generations, the elephant apple remains a cherished part of my family’s story.

Bitopan Raychoudhury/E-mail- bitopan499@gmail.com

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