Desi Delights Decoded: 10 Indian Fruits and Their English Avatars Revealed!

Image Source: Club Mahindra

India's fruit bowl is laden with desi staples that are not only tasty, but also rich in medicinal properties. The list of humble desi treats—most of which are common names but whose English names surprise even veteran foodies—is what we present here. Here's your 10-point Indian fruits and their English names list, along with a brief description of their interesting features.

Key Highlights

Jamun: Known as Java Plum or Black Plum in English, the fruit is purple in color and much sought after for its sweet-sour flavor and medicinal properties, especially for blood sugar control.
Amla: Indian Gooseberry, a vitamin C-rich fruit, finds application in pickles, juices, and hair care as well, for its age-reversal property.
Sitaphal: Custard Apple is rich, pudding-like, and prized for its sweet pulp and soft texture.
Ber: Ber is also known as Indian Jujube or Chinese Date and is sweet-tart, chewy, and consumed both fresh and dried.
Imli: Imli is a sour spice that is used in chutneys, curries, and summer beverages across India.
Chikoo: The soft and brown Sapodilla is normally eaten fresh or blended into milkshakes and desserts.
Anjeer: Also referred to as Fig, the fruit is rich in fiber and natural sweetness, consumed raw or dried.
Sharifa: A local alternative term for Custard Apple, sometimes used interchangeably with sitaphal on a local level.
Bel: The hard-shelled Wood Apple has an aromatic flavor and is utilized in juices and Ayurvedic preparations.
Phalsa: Also known as Indian Sherbet Berry, these small, tart purple berries are incorporated in summer beverages.