She appears tough, adorning herself with thorns to wither nature’s challenges. Get past her tough exterior and you discover a sweet and tangy delight. She bears many names-Katu Lovi (roughly translated to thorned plum), Uguressa or Governor’s Plum. If you grew up in the countryside of Sri Lanka you are sure to be fortunate with the privilege of enjoying this delicious fruit, albeit while getting yellow-hued stains all over your clothes).
Governor’s Plums or Flacourtia indica is native to Asia and Africa and is widely grown in Sri Lanka. Packed with a number of nutrients, this fruit has a sweet and sour taste. It also provides numerous health benefits such as boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure and healthy skin. Read along to explore how Governor’s plums – one of Mother Nature’s most treasured bounties – can help you lead a healthy life.
Health Benefits of Governor’s Plums
Governor’s plums are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that help prevent and treat various health conditions. Governor’s plums are a good source of iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen in the body. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, which is characterised by fatigue, weakness, pale skin and shortness of breath. Eating governor’s plums can help boost the iron intake and prevent or treat anaemia.
Governor’s plums also help prevent and treat arthritis. It is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and other minerals that are vital for bone health. These minerals help maintain bone density and strength and prevent osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weak and brittle. Eating governor’s plums can also help reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by arthritis. Governor’s plums is rich in Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections. Vitamin C also helps reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu symptoms, such as coughs, sneezes and runny nose. Eating governor’s plums can help restore the normal function of the digestive system. The high fibre content of Govenor’s Plums helps regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Fibre also helps absorb excess water in the intestines and prevent diarrhea. Governor’s plums have been used traditionally as a remedy for snake bites in some parts of Africa. The juice of the fruit is applied to the wound to neutralise the venom and reduce swelling. The pulp of the fruit is also eaten to enhance recovery.
Culinary Uses of Governor’s Plums
Governor’s plums have a juicy flesh that has a sweet and sour flavor. They can be eaten fresh or chilled for a refreshing treat Governor’s plums can be cooked with sugar and water to make a thick paste that can be used as a spread for bread or crackers. The paste can also be strained to make a syrup that can be used as a sweetener or flavoring for drinks and desserts. Governor’s plums can be fermented with yeast and sugar to make a wine that has a fruity aroma and taste. The wine can be consumed as a beverage or used for cooking. The juice of the fruit can also be extracted and mixed with water or other juices for a refreshing drink. Governor’s plums can be chopped or sliced and added to salads for a burst of flavour and colour. They can also be cooked with spices and herbs to make sauces or curries that go well with rice, bread or meat dishes.
Here’s Why You Will Find Governor’s Plums Interesting
People in different parts of the world have given it various names such as batoko plum, Madagascar plum, Indian plum, Rhodesia plum Mauritius plum, ramontchi, kangu, flacourtia, batoka plum, paniala, Ceylon plum and bilangra. They belong to the family of Flacourtiaceae or Salicaceae, which includes other fruits such as passion fruit, guava, pineapple guava and wax apple. They are evergreen trees or shrubs that can grow up to 15 meters tall. They have spiny branches and rough bark that are gray or brown in colour. They have oval or round leaves which are toothed or scalloped at the edges. Governor’s plums have inconspicuous flowers that are greenish or yellowish in colour. They bloom from December to April and are pollinated by insects or wind. They are 2.5cm in diameter. The fruits are reddish, purple or black in colour when ripe. They have a thin skin and a fleshy pulp that contains 6 to 10 seeds. Governor’s plums are a wonderful fruit that can offer many benefits for your health and taste buds. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that may help prevent and treat various diseases. They can also be used for making jams, syrups, wines, juices, salads, sauces and curries. Try adding governor’s plums to your diet and enjoy their amazing benefits.
