Falsa (Grewia asiatica) - The Summer Superfruit

Falsa(s) fruit, served chilled with slight sprinkle of salt or spices - photo clicked by Author

    Summer months, particularly May and June but also April, provide us with refreshing purple berries known as Falsa or Phalsa. They form part of childhood memories for many children and elderlies alike. The sour-sweet and tangy taste has a lasting impression. These seasonal berries are native to South Asia, particularly grown in India and Pakistan.  

    Scientifically named as Grewia asiatica, these berries are grown primarily in Indian subcontinent. These bushes or small trees are grown in India and Pakistan at large scale particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal and in Himalayan foothills.

    The berry is known to have many health benefits and is considered a summer superfruit. It is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids which lend to it anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is rich source of vitamin C, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium which make it beneficial as they provide for immunity, skin health, aid in digestion, bone strength, hemoglobin support, heart and fluid balance respectively. The fruit is a low-calorie delicacy and can be a craving with few harms. Besides being eaten as a fruit these berries can be made into juices, jams, jellies, chutneys and spreads, the later helping to increase shelf life of otherwise highly perishable fruit.

    Limited availability to the summer months makes it a delight often associated with summer holidays and thus adding to its nostalgia value amongst the folks. Many traditions associate parts of the Falsa shrubs like bark and leaves with medicinal properties helpful in curing diarrhea, fever and respiratory issues.

    I wonder how many of us are still relishing the wide variety of summer superfruits like Falsa and many other including Jamun (Java Plum/Black Plum sci. Syzygium cumini), Aam (Mango sci. Magnifera indica), Litchi (Lychee sci. Litchi chinensis), Aloo Bukhara (Plum sci. Prunus salicina), Bael (Wood Apple sci. Aegle marmelos), Kharbooja (Muskmelon sci. Cucumis melo), Tarbooj (Watermelon sci. Citrullus lanatus) etc. Do we know of all the ways of enjoying these temptations of summer? More so, are we aware of the benefits beyond the taste? And are they being served in any ‘modern’ or non-traditional ways too?

Special Note: My browsing of Amazon points at some ways these fruits are being processed to make them available throughout the year! Like Jamun is being sold as strips or even as tablets in combination with Karela. It is fascinating to see plums being sold in dry forms as prunes while muskmelon seeds are being served as snacks and toppings!