Veliyath Gardens

Mundu Fruit Plants (Garcinia Dulcis)

Regular price 450.00
Regular price Sale price Rs. 450.00
Sale Sold out
Plant Type

Mundu Fruit Plant (Garcinia dulcis): A Comprehensive Guide

Common Names

Mundu fruit is known by various names across different regions and cultures:

  • English: Mundu, Egg Tree, Rata Fruit

  • Indonesia: Baniti, Mundu

  • Thailand: Ma-dan

  • Malaysia: Asam Mundu

  • Philippines: Batuan, Balik-balik

  • Vietnam: Mây chua

  • Cambodia: Tepong

  • India: Goruka

Botanical Name

  • Scientific Name: Garcinia dulcis

  • Family: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Origin and Distribution

Mundu fruit (Garcinia dulcis) is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in tropical regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It thrives in warm and humid climates and is often cultivated in home gardens for its edible fruit and medicinal properties.

Description of the Fruit

Mundu fruit is a small, globe-shaped fruit with a pale yellow to deep orange outer skin. The fruit typically measures 5-8 cm in diameter and has a slightly pointed end. Its outer skin is thin and textured, enclosing a soft, juicy, and fibrous pulp. The fruit contains 1 to 5 seeds embedded within the pulp. The taste is tangy and slightly sweet, making it suitable for both raw consumption and culinary preparations.

Culinary Uses and Taste

  • The pulp has an acidic and slightly sweet taste, often compared to a mix of mango and citrus.

  • It can be eaten fresh, though its tartness may not appeal to all.

  • Mundu fruit is commonly used to make jams, chutneys, and juices.

  • In some cultures, the fruit is cooked with sugar and spices to create a delicious preserve.

  • The pulp is added to soups and sauces to enhance the flavor.

  • In Indonesia and Thailand, mundu is sometimes used in spicy dishes and salads.

Health Benefits of Mundu Fruit

Mundu fruit has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

  1. Boosts Immunity: Rich in vitamin C, mundu fruit strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infections.

  2. Supports Digestive Health: The fruit is a natural digestive aid, relieving bloating and constipation.

  3. Wound Healing: The fruit pulp is applied to cuts and wounds to speed up healing and reduce infection.

  4. Pain Management: Crushed roots are traditionally used to relieve fever and reduce body pain.

  5. Cough and Respiratory Relief: Extracts from the fruit are used as an expectorant to clear coughs and sore throats.

  6. Maintains Skin Health: The fruit has compounds that promote glowing skin and help manage acne and blemishes.

  7. Treats Bile and Liver Disorders: It is believed to aid in bile regulation, benefiting the liver and gallbladder.

  8. Helps Manage Diarrhea: In folk medicine, mundu is used as a remedy for diarrhea and stomach disorders.

  9. Oral Health: The fruit is traditionally chewed to combat bad breath and oral infections.

  10. Relieves Swelling: Pounded seeds are applied to swollen areas to reduce inflammation.

Nutritional Value (Per 100g of Fruit)

  • Calories: 45-60 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 10-15g

  • Fiber: 2-4g

  • Vitamin C: 20-30mg (helps boost immunity)

  • Calcium: 10-15mg (supports bone health)

  • Potassium: 150-200mg (maintains heart and muscle function)

  • Iron: 0.5-1mg (aids in oxygen transport in blood)

  • Antioxidants: Rich in flavonoids and xanthones (help combat free radicals)

Cultivation and Growth of Mundu Fruit Plant

  • Soil Requirements: Grows best in loamy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

  • Watering: Requires moderate watering; avoid waterlogging.

  • Temperature: Thrives in warm, humid tropical climates.

  • Propagation: Grown from seeds or grafted plants.

  • Bloom Time/Fruiting: The tree starts bearing fruits 4-5 years after planting.

  • Maintenance: Moderate maintenance; regular pruning and mulching enhance growth.

Preservation and Storage

  • Fresh mundu fruits can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days.

  • Refrigeration extends shelf life up to 10-12 days.

  • The pulp can be extracted and frozen for use in jams and preserves.

  • Sun-drying or dehydrating the fruit helps preserve it for months.

Cultural and Traditional Significance

  • In Indonesia and Malaysia, mundu is a sacred fruit, often associated with health and prosperity.

  • In Thailand and Vietnam, the fruit is used in traditional herbal medicine.

  • Some indigenous communities consider it a symbol of fertility and renewal.

  • The tree’s bark and gum resin are used in rituals and natural dyes.

How to Add Mundu Fruit to Your Daily Life

  1. Eat Fresh: Enjoy mundu fruit as a tangy, refreshing snack.

  2. Make Juice: Blend the pulp with honey and water for a nutritious drink.

  3. Prepare Jam: Cook the fruit with sugar and spices to make homemade jam.

  4. Use in Cooking: Add mundu pulp to curries, soups, and chutneys.

  5. Apply as a Natural Remedy: Use crushed fruit or extracts for wounds and skin care.

Conclusion

Mundu fruit (Garcinia dulcis) is a lesser-known yet highly valuable fruit with numerous health benefits, culinary uses, and cultural significance. Whether enjoyed fresh, made into jam, or used as a natural remedy, this tropical fruit is a must-have for those looking to explore the richness of nature’s bounty. With its unique taste, medicinal properties, and vibrant nutritional profile, mundu fruit is a fantastic addition to a healthy lifestyle!

Planting and Care

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Requires moderate watering; avoid waterlogging.

Temperature: Thrives in warm, humid tropical climates.

Propagation: Grown from seeds or grafted plants.

Special Feature

Wound Healing: The fruit pulp is applied to cuts and wounds to speed up healing and reduce infection.

Pain Management: Crushed roots are traditionally used to relieve fever and reduce body pain.

Cough and Respiratory Relief: Extracts from the fruit are used as an expectorant to clear coughs and sore throats.

Maintains Skin Health: The fruit has compounds that promote glowing skin and help manage acne and blemishes.

Uses/Benefits

The pulp has an acidic and slightly sweet taste, often compared to a mix of mango and citrus.
It can be eaten fresh, though its tartness may not appeal to all.
Mundu fruit is commonly used to make jams, chutneys, and juices.