English Name: Wood Apple
Botanical Name: Limonia acidissima
Description:
Wood apple, also known as "kaitha" or "kotbel" in Bangladesh, is a distinctive fruit that holds cultural significance and offers a range of health benefits. This fruit, with its rough and hard exterior, is revered for its unique flavor and versatility.
The wood apple has a tough, woody shell that encases a pulpy, aromatic flesh. The pulp is known for its tangy, sweet, and slightly sour taste. It can be consumed as is, or used to make refreshing beverages, jams, and chutneys. The fruit's pulp is also a key ingredient in traditional drinks like "bel pana" during religious festivals.
In Bangladesh, wood apple is cherished not only for its taste but also for its medicinal properties. It is believed to aid digestion, treat digestive disorders, and provide relief from constipation. The fruit's pulp is known to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall well-being.
Wood apple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and iron.