Indian Prune-Erakina

Introduction

Prunes are a dried version of European plums, often known as dried plums. The prune (both dried and fresh) is called Aloo Bukhara in Hindi in India. Prunes are a sweet fruit with a deep flavor and a sticky, chewy texture that is not only delicious but also beneficial.

About

A prune is a dried plum that is most typically found in Europe (Prunus domestica). Prunes cannot be manufactured from all kinds of plums. Prunes are the firm-fleshed fruits (plums) of Prunus domestica cultivars with a high soluble solid content that does not ferment when dried. Except when referring to plum cultivars developed for drying, the term “prune” is no longer used for fresh plums.

Close up of a dried prune

Indian Prune’s application

Apart from its excellent offspring, Indian prunes are a very popular fruit. This tree has a lot to give the world. Starting with the most basic requirement of a human, the tree’s wood is highly sturdy and has a fine-grained structure. The tree’s stem is quite short, usually only reaching a length of 5 cm, which may limit the size of the product made from it. As a result, all products made from the tree’s stem are typically modest. The stem of this tree is used to make a variety of items, including self-bows, spoons, combs, knitting needles, and so on. Due to its delicate grain structure, the wood is also a good choice for intricate carvings.

Bunch of prunes on green net 

The physical properties of the plant

In the best of circumstances, this fascinating tall shrub can reach a height of five meters. When exposed to direct sunlight, the plant grows tall and straight, while when exposed to low light, it bends towards shadier areas. Branches sprout from the central root system rather than the tree’s trunk, as they do in other plants. The tree’s foliage is a vibrant green that darkens with age.

The leaves range in length from 3 to 5 inches and have an oval form that tapers towards the ends. This shrub undergoes quick transformations since it is the first to leaf out in early spring and the first to turn color when the season shifts to autumn. During August, the leaves turn a shade of sunny yellow, but they cling to the branch until the beginning of autumn.

This plant has the characteristics of a dioecious plant, which means it does not produce fruit on its own. This is because male and female flowers are produced on distinct plants and rely on insects for pollination.

We’re talking about the shrub’s most stunning feature: the blossoms. They are stunning greenish-white blossoms with a distinct natural appearance. These blooms are found in pendulous clusters and have the appearance of trumpet-shaped blossoms.

The shrub is easily recognizable by its blooms, which are unusually formed and bloom very early, even before the plant has fully leafed out. Furthermore, the plant’s immature leaves stand up straight while the mature leaves droop down, displaying a very distinct trait.

Indian prunes, also known as osoberry fruits, are small fruits with a structure that closely resembles that of small plums, with a dark blue hue when completely ripe. Americans eat osoberry in their everyday diet, and they also make tea from the tree’s bark. In addition to the tree’s other benefits, the twigs can be used as an aphrodisiac to improve sexual moods and as a mild anesthetic.

Eight prunes hanging from the tree with green leaves.

Health advantages of Indian prune

Including Indian prunes in one’s diet could be a good idea because the fiber present in prunes helps to reduce cholesterol, which keeps heart disease at bay. It also aids in satiating appetite and makes one feel full, allowing the digestive tract to flow normally and avoiding constipation and other digestive disorders. This fruit also contains an essential vitamin known as vitamin K, which aids in the formation of strong bones and the clotting of blood in the body. Apart from vitamin K, this fruit is high in potassium, which helps the bones function properly and keeps blood pressure in check when salt levels are too high.

Although this fruit, like all dried fruits, has a high sugar content and a high calorific value, it is still consumed in moderation by those on diets and diabetes patients due to the specific benefits it provides. Everything consumed in moderation is always good for the body.

SANA AYSHA

09.06.2022