A sugary fruit with Lord’s name- Ramphal

While travelling in Maharashtra, I was amazed to see a fruit called ‘Ramphal’ while we were in the verge  of exploring Daulatabad fort, Aurangabad. Since I never heard of it. I was bit curious to know more about it. So I flooded that vendor with many questions related to this fruit.
Me: “what is this fruit?”
Vendor:“Sir  ji this is Ramphal. Don’t you know?”
Me: “What is the main season for ramphal ?”
Vendor: “during March – May”
Me: “How does it taste?”
Vendor: “It is sweet just like Sitaphal (Custard Apple). You should taste it and know it by yourselves.”
Me: “How to differentiate between ripe and unripe fruit?”
Vendor: “If the fruit is pale green or hard to touch and have shiny green skin then it is in unripe state. The  ripe fruits are heavy and soft to touch. The ripe fruits are very sweet.”
Since we’ve a lot to travel, I thought of ending the conversation. So I asked him to select few good fruits for me. I bought some and went to my dad and showed him as if I discovered something 😉 then he told me that they used to eat this in their childhood. Perhaps these are  found only in rural areas where they grow. May be they are seldom found in cities?

My Tastebuds exploded with Sweetness:

I have guessed that the taste of this fruit will be similar to sitaphal. And my guess was right. But this is more sweeter than sitaphal. It was very sweet indeed. But the second one was mildly sweet. Maybe the taste of the fruit depends on the fruit and its tree.When compared with Sitaphal, its texture was creamy yet slightly granular, especially nearest to the skin.It is smoother, butterier and the best part is that ramphals have fewer seeds.
With a pinch of excitement to know more about this fruit ,I have spent some time in browsing other forums to share the most about this lovely fruit with my friends and followers..

Origin of Ramphal: 

Ramphal or Annona reticulata also known as bullock’s heart is originated from West Indies, Central and South America. However, It is naturalized in Southeast Asia, India, Taiwan, West Africa and Australia.

Health Benefits :

Health benefits of Ramphals is quite fascinating. They are high in vitamin C, a nutrient that boosts the immune system, keeps skin healthy and assists with repairing wounds and cuts.
It has potassium, which helps the body regulate its electrolyte balance, enhance muscle growth, and improves the body’s ability to process waste.

The leaves act as an insecticide, styptic, anti-helminthic, Anti ulcer  and, when applied externally, as a suppurant (or, aids in the elimination of pus). The ripe and unripe fruits combat dysentery; the bark is a potent astringent and vermifuge. In Ayurveda and Unani, leaves are used as an aphrodisiac and emmenagogue(stimulates menstruation).

Interesting Facts about this fruit:

All the species of Annona fruit are named after Hindu Gods like Ramphal (Annona Reticularis), Sitaphal (annona Squamosa)and Lakshmanphal (Annona muricata). It is quite endearing that in Hindu mythology Ram is married to Sita and Lakshmana is Ram’s brother. Interesting isn’t it?