Significance of indigenous Indian arid fruit-ber

Abstract

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana. Lamk.), also known as the king of arid fruits, an indigenous fruit of India more closely associated with Indian culture and tradition. The ber is most common fruit tree all over the country particularly a successful crop in arid and semi-arid regions because of drought and salinity tolerance, high-yielding nature nutritional value, scope for value addition, low production cost, thus more income per unit area with low input. Hardy minor fruit suitable for cultivation in dry land conditions, where other fruit plants do not grow successfully. Ber is rich in ascorbic acid, carbohydrates and contain good amount of vitamin A and B complex, minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron. Fruit has great nutritional and therapeutic value, considered to purify blood and aid digestion. Biodiversity International recommends consuming underutilized fruits to alleviate hidden hunger. Highly nutritious ber consumed fresh as well as dried or processed into delicious valued products.