Ice apple or taati ningu is a seasonal fruit that grows on the palmyra palm tree, which is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The fruit is also known by various names such as nungu, tadgola, taal, and doub palm. The fruit has a black husk and a translucent, jelly-like flesh that resembles litchi in texture and coconut in taste. The fruit is a popular summer delicacy in India, especially in the southern states, where it is sold by street vendors and consumed as a natural coolant.
Nutrition
Ice apple or taati ningu is a low-calorie fruit that is rich in water, calcium, phytonutrients, and several vitamins. According to The Global Statistics, one ice apple or taati ningu contains about 87% water, 0.7 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 9.9 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of fiber, 14 milligrams of calcium, 0.8 milligrams of iron, 0.1 milligrams of vitamin C, and 0.01 milligrams of vitamin B1. The fruit also contains traces of other minerals and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
Health Benefits and Side effects
Ice apple or taati ningu has many health benefits, such as:
- It helps to prevent dehydration and heat stroke by replenishing the body fluids and electrolytes lost due to sweating
- It boosts the immune system and fights infections by providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- It improves digestion and relieves constipation by adding bulk and moisture to the stools
- It regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels by lowering the sodium and increasing the potassium intake
- It enhances skin health and beauty by hydrating, nourishing, and protecting the skin from sun damage and aging
- It supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis by supplying calcium and other minerals
- It aids in weight loss and diabetes management by providing a low-calorie, high-fiber, and low-glycemic snack that keeps the hunger pangs and blood sugar spikes at bay
However, ice apple or taati ningu also has some side effects, such as:
- It may cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to the fruit or the palm tree sap. The symptoms may include itching, swelling, rashes, hives, or difficulty in breathing
- It may interact with certain medications or supplements that affect blood pressure, blood sugar, or blood clotting. Therefore, people who are taking such drugs or supplements should consult their doctor before consuming the fruit
- It may contain harmful bacteria or parasites if the fruit is not washed or stored properly. Therefore, people should avoid buying or eating the fruit from unhygienic sources or places
Season
Ice apple or taati ningu is a seasonal fruit that is available only during the summer months, from March to June, in Bengaluru. The fruit is harvested from the palmyra palm trees that grow abundantly in the rural and suburban areas of the city. The fruit is usually sold by the roadside vendors or in the local markets, where it is cut open and served fresh to the customers. The fruit is best consumed within a few hours of cutting, as it tends to lose its freshness and flavor quickly.
Average price
The average price of ice apple or taati ningu in Bengaluru varies depending on the quality, quantity, and location of the fruit. Average price can range from Rs. 8 to Rs. 10 per piece, or Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per dozen. The price may also fluctuate depending on the demand and supply of the fruit in the market. The fruit is usually cheaper in the rural and suburban areas, where it is grown and sold locally, than in the urban and central areas, where it is transported and sold by middlemen. The fruit is also cheaper in the early and late summer months, when it is more abundant, than in the peak summer months, when it is more scarce.
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