FRUITS FOUND IN GOA

Name: Amisha Velip. FYBCOM. Seat no : 2203404

There is a wide variety of fruits available in Goa and in large quantities too. You will find fresh fruits throughout the state at cheap prices. They offer a rare opportunity for residents to get erreichern with vitamins, and of course, a feast for the palate.

Goa grows almost all known fruits such as mango, figs, passion fruit, chiku, papaya, guava, and much more, it is not hard to understand why people describe Goa as the “Paradise”.

Fruit and vegetable markets in Goa are very bright, scenic and offer good photo taking opportunities. You will find them at almost at any time of the year because most of the fruit crops in tropical climate provide multiple harvests in a year. Pineapple, banana, papaya, chiku, durian, passion fruit, as well as grapes, watermelons, melons, and figs are available fresh throughout the year. Mango, a favorite, is available in the summer.

MANGO

Mango, India’s national fruit is easily available in Goa. The mango season is from early April to June. . In Goa, you will find many varieties of mango like Mankurad, Neelam, Totapuri, Malgesh, Amarapali, Pairi, Neelam, etc.

Taste – It is usually sweet, but the texture and taste varies according to the type. Some mangoes have pulpy and soft texture, but others are more firm. The best mangoes are very yummy.

 Health Benefits – The fruit is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, improves immunity and protects against infection. Overeating can lead to intestinal problems and allergies. The recommended amount is two fruits per day.

PINEAPPLE

Pineapples arrived in Goa from Brazil. The fruit grows very well in humid coastal regions that receive high rainfall, which makes Goa a great place for cultivation. There are quite a few pineapple plantations here with the total cultivated area being 336 hectares. The annual production is more than 5,000 tons. You will thus find a lot of pineapples everywhere in Goa.

Taste – Yellow in color, its fibrous flesh has a tropical flavor, and it balances the tart and sweet taste very well. However, closer to the fruit’s base, there is more sugar content, and thus this area is sweeter. The texture here is more tender as well. However, it can taste sour if your fruit is not ripe. Add a pinch of salt to your pineapple and it will become sweeter.

Health Benefits – Pineapples are good for your health. It improves your immune system, makes your bones stronger, treats arthritis, speeds up wound healing, treats cough and cold, makes your skin look younger, and even prevents hair loss.

CHIKU

Chiku, also called chikoo, is another fruit you will find easily in Goa. Internationally, it is known as Sapota. India is one of the world’s leading producers of this fruit. Karnataka and Maharashtra, both neighbors of Goa, are the leading producers. Like mango, there are many varieties of chiku too. The rind of the fruit is rough and brown, and is therefore often called sweet potato. The flesh is yellow/pink, sweet, and contains 2-3 large black seeds, which can be easily removed.

Taste – Its look and taste is like a melon. The ripe fruits are very sweet, but the sweetness is less than melons. The texture is softer too. There is a slight muskiness too, which adds to the flavor of papaya. Raw papaya has 88% water and fills your stomach fast, so you won’t feel hungry.

Health Benefits – Chiku or sapota provides relief from bowel disorders, improves bone health, its rich Vitamin A content improves vision, provides more energy, makes the skin glow, softens and moisturizes hair, fights dandruffs, makes the bones stronger, reduces the risk of kidney stones, delays the signs of aging, and even prevents some types of cancer.

PAPAYA

Papaya (plant – Carica papaya) grows up to 6 m in height. Green outside and orange/red inside, it is very attractive to look at, and very yummy in taste. Papaya is produced in large quantities in Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Brazil, the tropics, and India in large quantities. Brazil is the world’s largest producer, followed by India. Goa also produces its own papaya. It is an excellent fruit. Papaya contains a lot of minerals. It is used in medicine and cosmetics as well. 

Taste – Its look and taste is like a melon. The ripe fruits are very sweet, but the sweetness is less than melons. The texture is softer too. There is a slight muskiness too, which adds to the flavor of papaya. Raw papaya has 88% water and fills your stomach fast, so you won’t feel hungry.

Health Benefits – Papaya is known to lower cholesterol, boosts immunity, improves digestion and vision, aids weight loss, eases menstrual pain, delays the signs of ageing, prevents infections, reduces the symptoms of burns and acne, prevents arthritis, improves skin health, and also has anticancer properties.

BANANA

Goa bananas are different from those you will find in the UK and in other European countries in scale and quality, but above all in taste. Indian bananas are not as big as the ones in South America. Goa grows different varieties, but most bananas you will usually find are of the yellow color here rather than green, and is smaller in size. 

Health Benefits – Bananas have high fiber content, and are good for your heart. They improve digestion, provide your body a lot of nutrients, fights anemia, improves kidney health, moderates the blood sugar levels, helps you lose weight, improves sensitivity, and provides you with a lot of energy, which is why those into sports eat bananas regularly.

Taste – The first thing you will notice is the smell – it is very strong. The organic compound isoamyl acetate gives bananas its unique smell, and also taste, which is sweet, creamy, and slightly sticky. The pulp inside is very soft.

GUAVA

Green/yellow outside and pink inside, guava is an exotic fruit you will commonly find in Goa. It is harvested throughout the year, except for May and June. The peak harvesting season, however is August, November-December, and then again March and April.

Taste – The taste of the guava is sweet and sour, and the smell is very strong. In Goa, you can buy the raw fruit and eat it fresh. You can also eat guava cheese, guava jam, sorbets, syrups, jellies, pickled, dried, and frozen.

Health Benefits – Guava is rich in vitamin C, A, iron and calcium. It reduces the risk of diabetes, slows down the absorption of sugar, regulates the blood pressure levels, improves eye health, relaxes the nervous system, cleanses the body, treats constipation, improves complexion, and is also good for the brain. Doctors recommend guava for improved nutrition of children and pregnant women.

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Published by Amishavelip

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