Adaptation and significance of indigenous Indian arid dry land fruit: Aonla

Abstract

Fruits are rich sources of energy and nutrients particularly minerals-Ca, P, Fe vitamins (vitamin B, C, Folic acid, and Carotenoids). Phytochemicals (anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenols and flavonoids) as well as dietary fibres play an important role in malnutrition alleviation. Fruits have healingproperties for treating disorders like scurvy, night blindness, stomach disorders, ulcers Anaemia, skin conditions, diabetes, haemorrhages etc. The traditional indigenous arid fruits, Aonla, Ber, Karonda, Phalsa, Jamun, Bael, Wood apple etc. are rich sources of nutrition and are considered as phytomedicines. A variety of value added products can be prepared out of them. Aonla an oldest Indian fruits, considered as “Wonder fruit for health” because of its unique qualities. Aonla is common abundant fruit of India. Fruit is highly valued in preparation of indigenous Ayurveda and Unani medicines. Fruits are rich source of vitamin 'C' (600 mg per 100 grams). The richness of fruit is taken into account, such as high antioxidants, calories particularly electrolytes, dietary fibre, and more recently, phytochemicals. Aonla fruits are used to prepare RTS beverage, candy, powder, pickle, preserve, juice, shreds, dried powder etc. (Deka et al., 2001). Dehydrated Amla powder and Amla candy showed high antioxidant activity (77.75%) and Vitamin C (298.3 mg/100 gm) respectively.