Description
Gunda Gumberry 5 kg
Gunda Gumberry Uganda
Gunda (also known as Gumberry in English) is a small, greenish fruit commonly found in India and parts of South Asia. It comes from the plant Cordia myxa, which belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Gunda has various names across different regions: in Hindi, it's called "Lasora," while in other regions it's referred to as "Indian cherry" or "Bhokar."
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Gunda (Gumberry)
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Rich in Fiber: Gunda is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion and prevent constipation. It is often used in traditional medicine for treating digestive issues.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Gunda contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. It's beneficial for people suffering from conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
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Antioxidants: The fruit is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
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Boosts Immunity: Gunda is known to have a good amount of vitamin C, which helps in boosting the immune system and protecting against common infections like colds and flu.
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Lowers Cholesterol: Regular consumption of Gunda may help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels due to its high fiber content, thus supporting heart health.
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Diuretic Properties: Gunda acts as a natural diuretic, promoting urination, which helps in the detoxification of the body and may be beneficial for individuals with kidney or urinary tract issues.
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Promotes Skin Health: The fruit's antioxidant properties can help in promoting skin health by fighting free radicals and preventing signs of aging.
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Relieves Respiratory Issues: Gunda is used in traditional remedies to treat respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, and asthma due to its expectorant properties. It helps in clearing mucus and providing relief from congestion.
Culinary Uses
In Indian cuisine, Gunda is commonly used in pickles (especially in the form of gunda achar) and chutneys due to its tangy flavor. It is also added to curries and vegetable dishes, and its sticky texture makes it an interesting ingredient for various recipes. The fruit is typically consumed when it's green and tender, as the mature fruit becomes very hard.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
In Ayurveda, Gunda is valued for its ability to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). It has traditionally been used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throats.
How to Prepare Gunda (Gumberry) in Various Dishes
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Gunda Pickle (Lasoda Achar)
Ingredients:
- Fresh Gunda fruits
- Mustard oil
- Mustard seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Salt
- Asafoetida (hing)
Steps:
- Wash and dry the Gunda fruits.
- Slit the fruits and remove the sticky seed inside.
- Boil the fruits for a few minutes, then let them cool.
- In a pan, heat mustard oil and add mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds.
- Once they crackle, add asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add the boiled Gunda fruits and mix well.
- Store the pickle in a jar, and let it sit for a week before consuming.
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Gunda Curry (Lasoda Sabzi)
Ingredients:
- Gunda fruits (fresh or boiled)
- Potatoes (optional)
- Onion and garlic
- Ginger paste
- Tomato puree
- Spices: cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder
- Salt
- Oil
Steps:
- Wash the Gunda fruits and remove the seeds.
- Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté onions and garlic until golden brown.
- Add ginger paste and tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add spices (turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt).
- Add Gunda fruits and potatoes (optional) and cook for 10–15 minutes until tender.
- Garnish with garam masala and serve with chapati or rice.
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Stuffed Gunda (Bharwan Gunda)
Ingredients:
- Fresh Gunda fruits
- Stuffing: ground peanuts, roasted chickpea flour (besan), red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, salt
- Oil for frying
Steps:
- Wash and slit the Gunda fruits. Remove the seeds.
- Prepare a stuffing mixture using ground peanuts, roasted chickpea flour, and spices.
- Stuff the Gunda fruits with the mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry the stuffed Gunda until golden and tender.
- Serve hot with roti or paratha.
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Gunda Chutney
Ingredients:
- Fresh Gunda fruits
- Green chilies
- Garlic
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander leaves
- Salt
- Lemon juice
Steps:
- Boil the Gunda fruits for a few minutes.
- Blend together with green chilies, garlic, cumin seeds, and coriander leaves to make a smooth paste.
- Add lemon juice and salt to taste.
- Serve with snacks, chapati, or as a dip.
Preparation Tips:
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Handling the stickiness: Gunda fruits have a sticky resin inside. After boiling or steaming, you can slit the fruits and remove the seeds to reduce the stickiness.
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Spices for pickling: Gunda’s natural tangy flavor pairs well with spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and chili powder in pickles.
In addition to these recipes, Gunda can also be added to various stews, stir-fries, or salads. The fruit is versatile and adds a unique flavor and texture to dishes.
