Even After so many years, I think I am yet to explore many things about India. Seriously, it might took ages to explore each and every things that are avilable in India. Would you belive I am only 300KM away from my home, and I am not aware about Falsa
When my nephew offered me this, I was not sure what it is. At first I took it as blueberry, but it is not actually. It is called Falsa, and this is the time of year, when these are available abudantly.
Falsa (Phalsa) is a small tangy and sweet flavored dark purple fruit also known as Indian Sherbet Berry It is one of the exotic fruits our our country. Phalsa is a powerhouse of vitamins, ample amounts of trace minerals and is easily digestible.
Phalsa is the English name of 'Falsa'. The scientific name of phalsa is Grewia asiatica. It is a large shrub native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Phalsa is cultivated in several tropical countries of the world including India for its edible fruits. Grewia asiatica is a small tree of about 15 to 20 feet height
I asked my nephew to arrange me these pictures from his native place. What more surprising is we do not have these plants in our area, which is hardly 5 hrs drive from here.
People here were quite crazy for these fruits and eat it as it is espcially the darker one or by adding a little salt and black pepper.
People wait for “Khattay meethay falsay” all along the year. Falsa fruit is easily perishable. So many people prepare its juice to last the whole summer. Local people belive, it is a natural cooling agent in human body and that is why it is consumed for its cooling effect during summer.
On researching over internet, I found many medicinal benefits of these small fruits, no doubts having bit of tangier taste, these are rich in Vitamin C. Further I read
Phalsa has immense quantities of iron, the mineral that is central in monitoring synthesis as well as a smooth flow of blood, between organs and tissues in the body. In instances of iron deficiency or anemia, consuming the ripe fruit helps in boosting iron levels as well as combating dizziness and fatigue.
My nephew too was very surprised knowing that I never had these fruit. He said that ,in their village people take the Falsa juice as medicine.
Take 2 tablespoon of Falsa Juice, stir it and warm it a bit. Drink it to get relieve from stomach pain. Burning eyes, urine, chest, stomach and sour eructations
Quite a natural way to sort out so many health problem. I further research on internet about the medicinal properties to found following additional health benefits:
*Falsa juice helps in relieving digestive problems like excess acidity and indigestion."
Raw falsa fruit is a blood purifier, normalizes heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The fruit is a wonderful reliever of respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold and sore throat.
Falsa fruit and juice has been used to treat liver and gall bladder problems.
Falsa removes pimples, acne, skin dryness and cures anemia.
Falsa juice helps pass urine so it is recommended to use in cases of oliguria or low urine output.
Falsa juice is also very useful in joint pain. It is a great way of getting rid of Arthrities problem
Not only the fruit, the villagers of my nephew make proper use of the tree as well. As per him,the villagers used the leafes to feed cattle, they make use of the bark to make ropes, the branches were very strong that may help in making arrow, or making poles.
For me this is a wonder tree, which has loads of secret natural benefit. And the surprising thing, I was not aware about it. Now as I knew about the tree, I will take it in my area as well. I need a baby plant and already asked my nephew to arrange one from his village.
I will keep you posted, if I able to plant this tree in my area, time will tell.
