fruits of uttarakhand
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Fruits of Uttarakhand – Exploring 10 Native Fruits to Delight Your Palate

Situated amidst the majestic Himalayas, Uttarakhand boasts of a rich image of biodiversity, known as “Devbhoomi” or the land of the gods. This northern state of India is famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes and spiritual sanctuaries but also for its remarkable variety of fruits. From lush green valleys to lofty peaks, Uttarakhand’s unique climate and fertile soils have fostered the growth of an extraordinary variety of fruits, each with its own cultural and culinary significance. In this blog, we set out on a journey to discover the bountiful orchards of Uttarakhand, uncover the treasures of native fruits of Uttarakhand and celebrate their role in the region’s heritage and cuisine.

Here is a complete list of fruits of Uttarakhand, which you can see and taste while traveling to Uttarakhand.

Hisalu

hisalu fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Rubus ellipticus Sm.

This yellow-colored, nutrient-rich fruit is native to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and can only be found here in large quantities. Mainly available in places like Nainital, Bhimtal and Mukteswar etc. This small fruit is a commonly found fruit during the summer months. Considered as a packet of freely available energy, it is sweeter than nectar and is one of the fruits grown in this magnificent mountain town. Although they are not usually found in the plains, they are commonly found in dishes. It can also be known as the berry of naturally found raw fruits and is one of the best sources of multivitamins.

Kafal

kafal fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Myrica esculenta 

It is a wild fruit found in almost every region of Uttarakhand. This fruit can be compared to dried raspberries in terms of similarity and is a very popular delicacy among the hill people and is definitely a treat for travelers. The peculiarity of this fruit is that it is very sour, which grows only when it is grown. People have a very unique way of eating this fruit by taking out a slice and sprinkling it with a pinch of rock salt and chili powder. Another thing about this fruit is that the edible pulp is very small compared to the size of the seed.

Kilmode

kilmode fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Berberis aristata

If you ask the natives of Uttarakhand about Kilmode then they will take you back to your childhood days when people used to enjoy this fruit. This fruit is a full-strength fruit that has a large number of nutritional value. Not only does the fruit have a lot of medicinal value, but its roots also have a miraculous feature. The plant of this fruit is very thorny and the branches are not very strong but it has a sweet and sour taste. The taste of Kilmode cannot be type-cast or it is very unique compared to any other fruit. However sadly, people are quickly recognizing its medicinal properties and it is fast disappearing and needs to be protected.

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Ghingaru

ghingaru fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Pyracantha crenulata

The root roots of this plant can be traced to the southeast places of China and Nepal. It is grown among thorny plants and holds an impeccable collection of medical relevance. This anti-oxidant-rich fruit helps in getting rid of all the free radicals present in the body and reduces cholesterol as well as maintains blood pressure levels. One can be had with tea and some also use it as a cream for the face and also cure sunburn. It tastes like every other fruit, which is a mix of sweet, sour and pungent delicacies.

Strawberry

stawberry fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Fragaria × ananassa

Uttarakhand has the right climatic conditions and the best quality of soil for its cultivation. Strawberries found here are bit different as compared to those found in the plains. Along with Devbhoomi, Himachal is another place where this farming is done on a large scale not only for domestic but also international consumers. Some places for this cultivation include Ramgarh, Nainital and Chhaji. Orchids for strawberries allow you to get in touch with the local culture here. These delicious strawberries can be consumed directly from trees and due to the absence of chemical fertilizers and other such chemicals make them completely edible.

Plum

plum fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Prunus subg. Prunus

This sweet and tangy fruit is grown here abundantly for local and large-scale markets. If you visit places like Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar regions and literally anywhere you will find this delicious fruit growing in this landscape. To grow this fruit, the plant must be grown in clean soil and cold weather, which is found in abundance here. The taste of the fruit is very tasty, especially when it has fallen directly out of the tree and is mostly made in freshly pressed juice or jam and chutney.

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Khubani or Apricot

khubani fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Prunus armeniaca 

It is not a hidden thing that apricots are the most consumed all over India as well as the cultivation of fruits. When fully fruity the color is orange-red and very juicy inside. Just looking at the fruit, it feels like it has to be raised. It not only seems deliciously edible, but it is also packed with a range of nutrients and anti-oxidants, making it the healthiest option for everyone. You can literally grow and sell this fruit from people entering the borders of this state.

Dadim

dadim fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Punica Granatum

Considered to be one of the least leguminous fruits of this region (especially Kumaon), daddim belong to the family of pomegranates and can grow to about 40% of the total size. Although related to the same family outlook and similar taste, its taste is very unique and serene with a pomegranate that we all know and taste. Once fully ripened it tastes both sweet and sour in equal proportions and makes it deliciously delicious. If you want to get a real taste of the hills, then it is very important to try this special fruit.

Walnut

walnut fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Juglans

Walnuts are known for nutritious and healthy food, whose regular intake prevents many diseases. The tree produces a high quality valuable timber and has many uses of its nuts, which are in great demand, therefore, nut cultivation in Uttarakhand should be encouraged and prioritized for the benefit of farmers.

Timla

timla fruit of uttarakhand
Botanical name: Ficus auriculata

Timla being a seasonal fruit, it is dried and used for a long time in many industries. Currently, timla is widely used in vegetable, jam, jelly and pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and bakery industries. In China, only one species of timla, Ficus curica, is grown industrially and its fruit is sold in the market as Pih. Traditionally, timla has been used medicinally in China for thousands of years.

There is a complete unresolved list of fruits of Uttarakhand that can be found here and you should try to make all of these here real, authentic and ethnically rich.

Suggested Read: 

Uttarakhand Culture: Garhwali & Kumaoni
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