AVERRHOA BILIMBI

                                            Averrhoa bilimbi Linn
        (Tree sorrel, tree cucumber, bilimbi)

This is rare, exotic fruit  it is commonly known as bilimbi or tree sorrel, native of Thailand and Singapore. In India it is usually found in gardens, generally it prefers warmest conditions.

ALC GARDEN- PHOTO -EENADU - 03-09-2012

It is closely allied to the carambola, but quite different in appearance, manner of fruiting, flavor and uses. The bilimbi leaves and taste of fruits are quite similar to goose berry but these plants are not related.

The tree is very attractive, reaches up to 35ft height, purplish yellow flowers born on trunks in clusters. It produces thick green colored bunches of fruits resembling small cucumbers.The fruits are too acid for eating raw, they prepared as a relish which is served with rice, fish and meat.in cooking it is used in the place of tamarind.

The fruit is rich source of vitamin C

It reduces acidity,

The fruit juice is popular for making cooling beverages,

Nutritional value for 100 gm of fruit

• Moisture 94.2-94.7 g
• Protein 0.61 g
• Ash 0.31-0.40 g
• Fiber 0.6g
• Phosphorus 11.1 mg
• Calcium 3.4 mg
• Iron 1.01 mg
• Thiamine 0.010 mg
• Riboflavin 0.026 mg
• Carotene 0.035 mg
• Ascorbic Acid 15.5 mg
• Niacin 0.302 mg

Medicinal importance:

Leaves : Rheumatism,Mumps,Skin eruptions and venereal diseases.

Flower: Thrush, cold and cough.

Fruits: Rich source of vitamin C

This plant has less number of species, research is going on to confirm effectiveness of the plant parts.