About the Indian Sherbert Berry
Grewia asiatica, commonly known as phalsa or falsa, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae. It was first found in Varanasi, India, and was taken by Buddhist scholars to other Asian countries and the rest of the world. Grewia celtidifolia was initially considered a mere variety of phalsa, but is now recognized as a distinct species.
It is a shrub or small tree growing to 8 m tall. The leaves are broadly rounded, 5–18 cm long and broad, with a petiole 1–1.5 cm long. The flowers are produced in cymes of several together, the individual flowers about 2 cm diameter, yellow, with five large (12 mm) sepals and five smaller (4–5 mm) petals. The fruit is an edible drupe 5–12 mm diameter, purple to black when ripe.
Cultivation and uses
It is extensively cultivated for its sweet and sour acidic fruit, which is sold in the market during the summer months under the name falsa. The flower blooms in April every year and the fruit is ripped by the end of May. It is available for a very short period in the market, and is at its maximum by the middle of June. A Sharbat or squash is prepared from the fruit pulp by mixing it with sugar and used as an astringent, stomachic and cooling agent.
The root is used by Santhal tribals for rheumatisms. The stem bark is said to be used in refining sugar, for making ropes and its infusion is used as a demulcent. The leaves are used as an application to pustular eruptions. The buds are also prescribed by some physicians.
It has become naturalised and locally invasive in Australia and the Philippines.
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Phalsa: 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of The Indian Sherbert Berry
Phalsa, also known as Indian Sherbet Berry that goes with the botanical name Grewia asiatica tops the list of exotic fruits in our country. Widely used in the preparation of sherbets, phalsa is a powerhouse of vitamins, ample amounts of trace minerals and is easily digestible.
The phalsa plant is native to India and naturally grows and develops widely in South-East Asian tropical countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand. It is a seasonal crop, with summer being the primary fruiting period. The fruits remain fresh only for a short while upon harvest and hence must be consumed promptly.
The short and shrubby phalsa tree has elongated, slender and droopy branches. Its leaves are wide, oval-shaped and deciduous, bearing orange-yellow flowers upon maturation. The ripe phalsa fruits have a dark purple to the black outer skin, with a fleshy lighter coloured interior. Similar to grapes in appearance and taste, these fruits are also drupes and present themselves in branched clusters, with a characteristic sweet and sour, tart-like taste.
The nutrient profile of the phalsa fruit is remarkable, with this exotic Indian berry possessing significantly high water and moisture content. Loaded with good amounts of calories and carbohydrates in the form of simple sugars, to meet the energy needs, this fruit can be easily processed by the body.
Moreover, phalsa also contains abundant amounts of vitamin C, innumerable beneficial trace minerals like sodium and iron, as well as potent antioxidants that assist in eliminating detrimental free radicals from oxidising healthy cells in the system.
This small purple fruit has today, crossed its indigenous Asian environments and is being propagated as far as in the warmer regions of North America and Australia so that people all over the world can obtain the marvellous advantages of phalsa, to boost overall health.
Astounding Health Benefits Of Phalsa:
Regulates Electrolyte Imbalance
Being intrinsically high in sodium content, phalsa plays a crucial role in balancing the key ions namely sodium, potassium and chloride, in the bloodstream. Thus, it effectively controls the transmission of impulses via nerves, for optimal enzyme function and muscle activity and thus regulates the electrolyte imbalance.
Effectively Treats Anemia
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 anaemia, consuming the ripe fruit helps in boosting iron levels as well as combating dizziness and fatigue.
Relieves Joint Pain
The antioxidant content in phalsa infuses the unripened fruit with anti-inflammatory traits. This is extremely valuable in alleviating severe pain in bones, in situations of arthritis and osteoporosis and also helps to increase the mobility of joints.
Natural Cooling Effect
Phalsa is infused with elevated water content, which makes this luscious summer fruit a perfect choice, for cooling the heated up body, both on a hot day as well as during illnesses. Squeeze the juice of phalsa, add a bit of jaggery and consume this desi sherbet to provide instant relief from the sweltering heat.
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Other
Phalsa Farming – Cultivation in India
https://www.agrifarming.in/phalsa-farming-falsa-cultivation-in-india
