Fruit Herbs

Colocynth Herb / Citrullus Colocynthis / Tuma

English Name: Colocynth Herb

Botanical Name: Citrullus Colocynthis

Local Name: Tuma

Product Description

Colocynth, scientifically known as Citrullus colocynthis, is a plant belonging to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Also known as bitter apple or desert gourd, colocynth is native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is a perennial vine that bears yellow, gourd-like fruits.

Colocynth has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in herbal remedies. However, it’s important to note that the plant contains powerful and potentially toxic compounds, and its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Juniper Berries /Juniperus / Haubair

English Name: Juniper Berries

Botanical Name: Juniperus

Local Name: Haubair

Product Description

Juniper berries are the small, round cones of the juniper tree, scientifically known as Juniperus communis. Despite their name, these “berries” are not true berries but are actually seed cones with a fleshy and merged cone scale, giving them a berry-like appearance. Juniper trees are evergreen conifers that belong to the cypress family, Cupressaceae.

These berries are typically bluish-black in color, although some varieties can be green or reddish when immature. They have a strong, distinct flavor that is both piney and slightly citrusy. Juniper berries are used as a spice in various culinary applications, particularly in European cuisine. They are a key ingredient in flavoring gin, providing it with its characteristic taste, and are also used to enhance the flavors of meats, sauces, marinades, and pickled dishes.

Embilia/ Embilia Ribes/ Vavding

English Name: Embilia

Botanical Name: Embilia Ribes

Local Name: Vavding

Product Description

Amla, scientifically known as Emblica officinalis or Indian gooseberry, is a highly nutritious fruit that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its various health benefits. When amla is dried, it undergoes a preservation process where its moisture content is removed, resulting in a condensed and shelf-stable form of the fruit.

Dried amla, also known as amla powder or dried Indian gooseberry, is a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and culinary applications. In Ayurveda, dried amla is believed to have potent antioxidant properties, and it is often used in herbal formulations to boost the immune system, aid digestion, and promote overall well-being. It is also rich in vitamin C, making it valuable for skin health and as a natural immunity booster.

Sapistaan /Cordia Latifolia/ Lasoorian

English Name: Sapistan Herb

Botanical Name: Cordia Latifolia

Local Name: Lasoorian

Product Description

Sapistan, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Central America, but it is now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world. Commonly known as sapodilla, sapistan, or chikoo, this tree is prized for its sweet and grainy-textured fruit.

The sapodilla fruit is oval or round in shape and typically brown in color when ripe. The flesh is exceptionally sweet and flavorful, often described as a blend of pear, brown sugar, and root beer. The fruit contains black, shiny seeds within its juicy, edible pulp.

Gallnut White /Quercus infectoria / Mazo Sufaid

English Name: Gallnut White

Botanical Name: Quercus infectoria

Local Name: Mazo Sufaid

Product Description

Gallnut white, also known as white gallnut or Chinese gall, is a type of gall formed on the branches of certain oak trees (Quercus spp.) due to the activity of gall wasps or gallflies. These galls are spherical growths induced by the tree in response to the presence of the insect’s larvae. Gallnut white is notably smaller and lighter in color compared to traditional gallnuts, often appearing pale yellow to white.

Historically, gallnut white has been used for various purposes. One significant application is in traditional medicine, where it has been employed for its astringent and antimicrobial properties. In some cultures, it has been used as a natural remedy for skin conditions, wounds, and digestive issues.

Gallnut Green/ Quercus infectoria / Mazo Sabaz

English Name: Gallnut Green

Botanical Name: Quercus infectoria

Local Name: Mazo Sabaz

Product Description

Gallnut green, also known as nutgalls or oak galls, refers to abnormal growths found on various species of oak trees (Quercus spp.). These formations are induced by certain insects, such as gall wasps or gallflies, which lay their eggs in the bark of oak trees. The tree reacts to the presence of the insect’s egg by forming a tumor-like swelling, which eventually hardens and turns woody, protecting the growing larvae inside.

Gallnuts have been historically used for various purposes. One of their significant applications is in the production of ink and dye. The tannic acid present in gallnuts reacts with iron salts to create a chemical reaction, resulting in a dark, permanent ink. Historically, this ink was widely used for writing and drawing, especially in ancient manuscripts.

Jujube Fruit/ Ziziphus Jujuba / Unab

English Name: Jujube Fruit

Botanical Name: Ziziphus Jujuba

Local Name: Unab

Product Description

Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) is also known as the Chinese date, jujube, or red date. The plant is native to China and has been grown in the U.S. for more than 175 years. The jujube fruit ranges in shape from round to pear-shaped.

Harar Black/Terminalia Chebula / Hareer Siah

English Name: Harar Black

Botanical Name: Terminalia Chebula

Local Name: Hareer Siah

Product Description

Harar Black, scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is a tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Also known as “Haritaki” in Ayurvedic medicine, it is a member of the Combretaceae family.

The fruit of the Harar Black tree is small, round, and dark in color, resembling a plum. It has a bitter and astringent taste and is used both in traditional medicine and culinary applications. In Ayurveda, black myrobalan is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have digestive, rejuvenating, and detoxifying effects, making it a key ingredient in various Ayurvedic formulations.

Harar Green/Terminalia Chebula / Hareer Sabz

English Name: Harar Green

Botanical Name: Terminalia Chebula

Local Name: Harrar Sabz

Product Description

Harar Green, scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is a species of tree belonging to the Combretaceae family. Also known as “Haritaki” in Ayurvedic medicine, it is native to South Asia, particularly found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

The Harar Green tree produces small, greenish-yellow fruit, which is spherical and wrinkled when ripe. It has a bitter and astringent taste. In traditional medicine, green myrobalan holds a revered place due to its wide array of health benefits. It is used in various Ayurvedic formulations for its digestive, rejuvenating, and detoxifying properties.

Bael Fruit / Aegle Marmelos/ Belgiri

English Name: Bael Fruit

Botanical Name: Aegle Marmelos

Local Name: Belgiri

Product Description

Bael fruit, scientifically known as Aegle marmelos, is a tropical fruit native to India and widely cultivated in other parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Also known as wood apple, it is a fruit from the bael tree, which is considered sacred in Hinduism and has significant cultural and religious importance.

The bael fruit has a hard, woody shell that needs to be cracked open to reveal the aromatic, sticky, and fibrous pulp inside. The pulp is surrounded by numerous seeds and has a unique, sweet taste, often described as a blend of citrus and floral notes. It is often consumed fresh or used to make refreshing beverages, juices, jams, and desserts.