Grewia asiatica (Phalsa or Falsa)

  

Grewia asiatica (Phalsa or Falsa) is a species of Grewia native to southern Asia from Pakistan’ India east to Cambodia and widely cultivated in other tropical countries.  This fruit with Latin name Grewia asiatica. The tree is small in size, about 16-21 feet tall. It is native to India and South Asia. The tree has a rough bark and drooping branches that are covered with hairs. The leaves are big and thick oval shaped with pointed tips. The fruit is purple in color and ripens on the tree. The tree can grow in a variety of soil conditions and climates and is drought resistant. Phalsa Is a large scraggly looking bush or a small tree it does need protection from freezing temperatures. This is a fruit native to tropical countries. It is available in India during the months of May and June, the peak hot months. Phalsa is purple to almost black in color when ripe the taste is similar to a grape sweet’ sour ‘bitter’  and acidic although the texture reminds more of a crabapple or apple. A very delicate and perishable fruit Phalsa is difficult to transport. This is one of the reasons it is not available throughout the country. When consumed during summers it provides a much-needed cooling effect. The fruit needs sufficient sunlight and warmth to ripen fully. It is mostly eaten fresh with a sprinkling of salt and black pepper. Syrup of the fruit is also prepared, so that one can enjoy the fruits' benefits for a longer time. There is a single seed in the middle of the fruit. A native of the Indian subcontinent the Phalsa is so rare here in the US that only a handful of rare fruit enthusiasts seem to be aware of it. Used extensively in Folk medicine in its native land the Vitamin C enriched Phalsa has now become the subject of renewed medical research in many countries of the world. The Phalsa is indigenous to India and Southeast Asia. It has been introduced in the Georgia and Florida in the USA. It is also found in Puerto Rico. Phalsa grows in many types of soil and the tree is drought tolerant. The fruit in Pakistan is used for its medicinal properties. The green fruits are known to cure stomach aches. The leaves are used to alleviate boils on the skin. It is known that this fruit has many great purposes to help human’s life. The wood is being used as golf sticks’ poles and singles caused by the strong and elastic form. Not only providing that function but also the bark has a role as a good ropes material to make. Falsa fruit is having a role in maintaining the body health. Falsa fruit has a great source of sodium. The high concentration of vitamins contained in Falsa fruit it will boost your health for sure. Vitamin B1 which presents in Falsa fruit helps to maintain the heart and nerve function. In contrast the deficiency of vitamin B1 consumption may lead to certain health problems including anorexia muscle weakness and nerve damage. The symptoms of having arthritis are including the pain and the limited function of joints. It is also linked to the presence of inflammation. Then to prevent this disease you may have to consume Falsa fruit as an option. Drinking Falsa fruit juice is great to treats the respiratory problems including asthma’ bronchitis' colds and others. Simply mix Falsa fruit with ginger or lemon juice to add the flavor. A glass of enjoying and healthy drink at the same time. Build a good muscle by consuming Falsa fruit regularly. The presence of potassium and protein’ it will promote the muscle function as well as strengthen the muscle. Falsa fruit contains a good source of protein it helps the body to gain more energy. The presence of calcium contained in Falsa fruit’ indeed it is beneficial to increases the performance of healthy bone. The regular consumption of Falsa fruit helps to control the blood pressure and soothing the liver as well as promoting the heart health. The recent research has shown that chemical in Falsa fruit helps to prevent the cancer cell growth including breast cancer cells and liver cancer cells. The presence of iron contained in Falsa fruit helps to treats anemia.  The lack of this kind of nutrients may lead to certain health problems including the chronic fatigue. Falsa is unfortunately not available in USA. Research going on for introducing Falsa in USA however it’s not yet available. Life will be perfectly complete by eating this great fruit as well.