Seasonal fruits are simply fruits that are at a peak in terms of harvest and flavor in a particular season. Eating fruits in their respective seasons has a number of benefits ranging from economic, nutritional, and even taste. India is one of the leading producers of fruits in the world. Through this article, we’ll have a look at some of the seasonal fruits in India, and why you should consume fruits in their season.
Benefits of Eating Fruits Seasonally
Here are some of the benefits of seasonal fruits consumption -
The healthiest way to get your fruits
Fruits when grown in their seasons are much healthier as they are not transported over a long distance or processed, thereby ensuring their freshness. In the off-season, fruits are generally sold after they are processed to last longer using various techniques that can reduce their nutritional content. For instance, blanching can reduce the vitamins in the fruit, dehydrating can reduce vitamin C in fruits, and so on. On top of this, fruits in the season always taste better too!
Support the Locals
If you consume fruits that are in season, it will support the local farmers and producers who work hard to get these healthy fruits for you. The price you pay for these fresh seasonal fruits will in fact directly go to them unlike off-season fruits sold through supermarkets.
Benefits of the Environment
Shipping fruits across long distances, processing the food, etc. takes a toll on the environment. A wide range of chemicals and gases are released into the environment, as well as a large amount of energy is used during refrigeration of these fruits. To top it all, producing fruits in season requires very few fertilizers as compared to growing them in the offseason.
Save a Rupee or Two
Fruits that are in season are almost always cheaper than when they are offseason. This is due to the large supply of these fruits in the specific season. This will allow you to get fruits at more reasonable prices. Although, in cities, due to transportation and handling charges, you may not notice the price difference. As a result, always try to get fruits directly from the local farmers and producers.
List of Seasonal Fruits in India
There are numerous seasonal fruits in India. Some are grown all around the year, and the others are grown in the 4 seasons in India namely - summer, winter, fall, spring.
Year-Round Fruits
These fruits don’t need a specific season to be produced. As a result, they are grown throughout the year.
Apples
One of the most common fruits in the world, apples is also one of the healthiest. There is a wide range of apples that are available in the Indian market. You will find apples available in any season. Apples are a rich source of fiber and therefore aid in weight loss. Apart from this, apples benefit the body in a number of ways ranging from boosting bone and heart health to even preventing certain types of cancer and diabetes.
Apricots
Low in calories and high in nutrients, apricot is the fruit of the apricot tree. Apricots are harvested all around the year, although it is at a higher yield in the spring season. Apricots are high in antioxidants and a number of vitamins and minerals. It is great at promoting eye health, skin health, and even for the gut. The high potassium content in the fruit also helps in regulating your blood pressure and functioning of the muscle-nerve system.
Avocados
Also known as butter fruit in India, avocado is a highly nutritious fruit grown around the year. It is eaten as a fruit, used in milkshakes, as well as an ingredient in several dishes including guacamole. The fruit is loaded with fiber and heart-healthy fatty acids. In fact, it even has more potassium than bananas! Avocados are a great fruit to reduce cholesterol levels, improve eye health, and even to provide relief from arthritis.
Bananas
Banana is a popular fruit consumed all around the globe. It is one of the most powerful fruits out there and can be found during any season. There are a number of varieties of bananas including plantains (used in cooking). Filled with nutrients, bananas are great at regulating blood sugar levels, weight loss, and even boost heart health.
Coconut
Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm and is a common fruit consumed around the world. In fact, the fruit is so valuable that almost every part of it is used in one way or the other. The water known as coconut water can be consumed as a drink, the milk (coconut milk) extracted from the flesh of the inner seed is used in cooking, the shell can be converted into charcoal, and the husk can be used to make coir. Coconut water is a great rehydration drink. It can also boost heart health. The flesh of the coconut and the water contain antioxidant properties that are great for the immune system.
Lemons
Lemon, despite its small size, contains a large number of nutrients. It is grown from a small evergreen tree. Lemon is filled with vitamin C and fiber which makes it adept at improving the immunity system, helping in weight loss, as well as improving skin and hair health.
Papayas
Papaya is a fruit containing orange flesh and black seeds. Though it is comparatively less popular, it is an incredibly healthy fruit. It helps in digestion, improves heart health, improves skin conditions, and has powerful antioxidant properties. Several studies have even shown that papaya contains anti-cancer properties.
Fruits in Winter
There are a few fruits that require a cool climate to produce seeds. These are grown in the winter months, typically between December and January.
Dates
Dates are a popular fruit grown in many tropical regions of the world. Dates have exceptional nutritional values with a high amount of carbs. Dates are great at improving brain health and contain rich amounts of fiber. The fruit is also rich in antioxidants that help fight diseases. In pregnant women, dates can help induce natural labor.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit believed to have originated in Barbados. The fruit is also considered as one of the healthiest citrus fruits. Grapefruits have a low-calorie content yet high in nutrients. They are great at boosting immunity, aiding weight loss, and even preventing diabetes by maintaining insulin levels. They are rich in antioxidants and are found to improve heart health as well.
Kiwi
Also known as Chinese gooseberry, kiwi is a fruit native to central and eastern China. This small fruit packs quite the punch with a number of nutrients. From aiding in digestion, boosting the immune system, maintaining blood pressure, to even treating asthma, kiwi is a healthy fruit.
Oranges
Orange is one of the most popular citrus fruits around the world. With a sweet-bitter taste, they are also rich in vitamin C, fiber, thiamine, folate, and antioxidants. Oranges have the ability to boost your heart health, prevent kidney stones, and even prevent Anemia. Though considered as a winter fruit, oranges can also be found in the spring season.
Pear
With a unique bell shape, pears are a sweet delicious fruit rich in nutrients. Pears have anti-inflammatory properties and help in promoting gut health. Several studies have shown promise in pears showing anti-cancer properties as well. Consuming pears regularly can help lower the risk of diabetes as well as boost heart health.
Tangerines
Tangerine is a fruit belonging to the same family as that of oranges. Though smaller in size than an orange, the two share a few similarities. Tangerines are packed with antioxidants that can help against premature aging and even boost immunity. They can improve digestion as well as help detox the body.
Fruits in Spring
In India, typically the spring season is usually around February to April, having a sunny and pleasant climate. The following are some of the fruits that are harvested in this season.
Barbados Cherries
Native to the Caribbean islands, Barbados cherriesare small sweet-sour berries. They are known by various names around the world including West Indian cherry, Amazon cherry, etc. It is one of the berries with the highest amount of vitamin C. They are rich in antioxidants and contain low amounts of calories. Barbados cherries are great at lowering blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients.
Jackfruit
Originating in the western ghats of South India and the rainforests of Malaysia, Jackfruit is an exotic tropical fruit with a delicious sweet flavor. Jackfruits are a great solution to reduce bad cholesterol in the body. The high potassium in the fruit helps maintain blood pressure as well. Jackfruit is found to possess phytochemicals that act as antioxidants and have the ability to prevent cancer.
Lime
Similar to lemon, lime is a citrus fruit with a sour taste. However, limes are smaller than lemon and are often round and green in color. Much like lemon, lime is also rich in nutrients including vitamin C. The fruit has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that make it great against inflammation in the body.
Lychee
Native to China, lychee is a small fruit belonging to the soapberry family. Lychees have a pink-red skin which has to be removed before consumption. They have a sweet flowery taste. Lychees contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals, potassium, copper, etc that can protect against heart disease, diabetes, and possibly even cancer.
Mango
Mangoes are a popular fruit with a juicy sweet flavor. They belong to the cashew family and have a wide range of varieties. Apart from its delicious taste, mangoes come with a lot of health benefits. They are great at improving eye health, specifically preventing damage from macular degeneration. They have also been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer, as well as improve heart and skin health.
Pineapples
Pineapples are one of the world’s most important tropical fruits. They are considered both incredibly tasty and healthy. Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and contain disease-fighting antioxidants. They are believed to aid in digestion as well as prevent cancer. Often, pineapple serves as a relief from arthritis, and even to speed up recovery after surgery.
Strawberries
With bright red skin, strawberries are a sweet and juicy fruit. They can be consumed raw, or even used in jams, jellies, and other food products. Being a berry, strawberries are great at improving heart health. It can also regulate blood pressure and may prevent cancer.
Fruits in Summer
Summer in India is quite hot and falls usually between May and June. There are a lot of fruits that need this heat to grow. The following are some of the summer fruits in India.
Asian Pear
Asian pears are a species of the normal pear tree that is native to East Asia. Unlike normal pears, they are shaped like an apple with a yellowish tanned color. They are rich in fiber with low amounts of calories. The nutrients in the fruit are great for improving blood, bone, and cardiovascular health.
Black Currants
Black currants are a group of berries that possess immense health benefits. They contain a number of vitamins and are excellent at boosting your immune system. Rich in potassium, they are also great at reducing blood pressure. Blackcurrants are also good against inflammation.
Blackberries
Blackberries are a fruit that possesses a number of nutrients and antioxidants. They are a rich source of vitamin C and fiber. Blackberries can improve your brain functioning and help in improving bone and skin health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are sweet and delicious fruits that are popular around the world. They can be blue or purple in color. It is considered as the king of antioxidant foods and therefore is great at protecting the body from diseases. They are also capable of protecting against signs of aging and even prevent cancer.
Breadfruit
Belonging to the mulberry and jackfruit family, breadfruit is a fruit that is much similar to a potato. They are a great source of carbohydrates. In several parts of the world, the pulp of the fruit has been used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and hypertension. They are also filled with compounds that can reduce inflammation.
Cantaloupe
Also known as sweet melon, cantaloupe is a variety of the musk melon family. They are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folates. The fruit contains a large amount of water content and is therefore good for staying hydrated. Cantaloupes also contain several other vitamins and minerals that are essential to the human body.
Figs
Figs can be consumed fresh or even dried. Packed with nutrients, these are great for digestive and heart health. Figs are also potent in reducing your blood sugar levels and possess anti-cancer properties.
Grapes
Having been grown for thousands of years, grapesare one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are eaten raw, made into jams, jellies, or even used in wine-making. Grapes are a great source of vitamin C and K. The rich antioxidant nature is useful for the body to prevent several diseases including certain types of cancer. Grapes also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
Mulberries
Mulberries are the fruit of mulberry trees and are grown in different colors including black, white, or even red. Mulberries are usually used in wine-making, jams, jellies, and other canned foods. They can also be dried and eaten as a snack. Mulberries can reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and even prevent cancer.
Plum
Plums are a fruit known for its immense health benefits and nutritional value. They can be consumed fresh or even dried. Plums can help relieve constipation and osteoporosis. They are also rich in antioxidants and can help reduce blood sugar levels and promote bone health as well.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a fruit belonging to the rose family. Though there are other colors of raspberries, the red raspberry is the most common one. They are low in calories and are packed with nutrients. Raspberries possess cancer-fighting properties and are rich in antioxidants. This allows them to help your body fight off infections and diseases.
Watermelon
Having over 1000 varieties, watermelons are grown worldwide. The high water content in the fruit makes it one of the best fruits to beat the summer heat. They are also a good source of vitamin C, catenoids, and lycopene that provide it with immense health benefits. Watermelon can improve heart health, help with dehydration, as well as prevent certain types of cancer.
Fruits in Fall
The fall season (retreating monsoon) in India usually falls between September and November. The following are some of the fruits that are cultivated in the rainy season.
Cactus Pear
Also known as prickly pear, these are a type of pears with a thick prickly skin. They possess a number of vitamins and minerals providing health benefits. Prickly pears are great for treating diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, treating obesity, as well as in curing hangovers.
Cape Gooseberries
Cape gooseberries are also known as Rashbari in India and are berries with an orange color. These berries possess more vitamin C than even lemons and are also rich in other nutrients. They promote eye health and are also good for reducing blood pressure.
Guava
Guava is a common tropical fruit grown in a number of parts of the world. The guava fruits are used to reduce blood sugar levels, boost heart health, and even reduce menstrual pain. Even the leaves of the plant are useful as they are used in herbal tea and extracted to make health supplements.
Quince
Considered as a symbol of love and fertility in ancient Greece and Rome, Quince is a fruit much similar to apples and pears. Quince has a good amount of fiber and antioxidants that are beneficial to the body. It may also reduce pregnancy-induced nausea in women. It is also used to cure several gastro problems including stomach ulcers and acid reflux.
Pomegranates
Containing hundreds of edible seeds, pomegranatesare considered one of the healthiest fruits. The fruit contains two compounds that are considered to be extremely powerful - Punicalagins and Punicic acid. Pomegranates have great anti-inflammatory effects and can also help prevent breast and prostate cancer. They are also great at reducing blood pressure. The juice of the pomegranate seeds is believed to be a good remedy for erectile dysfunction.
Sapote
Also commonly known as Chiku in India, Sapote is a soft delicious fruit. They are rich in nutrients and can aid in weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, increase immunity, treat anemia, and even promote skin health.
Fruits, vegetables, and various such agricultural products thrive in India due to the favorable climate and soil conditions. Amongst fruits, India ranks first in the production of Bananas (25.7%), Papayas (43.6%), and Mangoes (including mangosteens and guavas) (40.4%). The vast production base of fruits in India offers tremendous opportunities for export from the country. Pisum Foods is the leading fruits exporters from India. We at Pisum Foods help our clients with every step of the export process right from finding buyers to quality check to the final delivery of the products. We also conduct in-depth market analysis in order to choose the right products and the best market. If you wish to export fruits, Contact Pisum Foods now!
Conclusion
Buying fruits that are in season is the best way to consume them for their health benefits, taste, and several other reasons. The best way to get top quality seasonal fruits in India is to buy from the local farmers. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to get it directly from them. This is where Fruitizm is a game-changer, through Fruitizm, you can buy fruits online and get them delivered right to your doorstep. What’s even better is that the Fruitizm online storebuys the fruits directly from the local farmers, thereby ensuring freshness and 100% top quality. Visit our online store today for the best quality fruits in the market.
source: https://www.fruitizm.com/blog/seasonal-fruits-in-inis