Sugar palm fruit vendors make hay while sun shines

Summer season brings not only the heat but also a set of select seasonal fruits and vegetables that help beat the heat in a healthy way. People have given up on artificial flavored chill drinks to the nature’s best available. One such is the Palmyra Palm or Sugar Palm jelly seeds (Taati Munjalu) which are available in plenty across the city.

Sugar Palm fruits which are also called Ice Apples are preferred by people of all ages, given their only availability during summer season. Demand for natural coolants like fruit juices, Coconut water, Sugar cane juice, Watermelon is very high when compared to that of cool drinks. Added to the summer chillers list is the favorite of majority people, Sugar Palm for its rich nutritional value.

Loaded with minerals and vitamins, sugar palm fruits are a healthy option for people on diet or suffering from diabetes. It is a rich source of vitamins B and C, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, and riboflavin. Palmyra fruit is an excellent home remedy for prickly heat during summer season.

A thin layer of sugar palm fruit jelly applied on the affected area has a soothing effect and immediately alleviates the itchiness associated with prickly heat. Sugar palm fruits are also effective in reducing the symptoms of chicken pox and enhance the rate of healing. “Sugar palm fruit is also beneficial in treating inflammatory skin problems such as redness due to intense heat. It prevents prickly heat, boils and redness of the face.

These fruits can be used on children and infants since it prevents malnutrition in children. It aids in reducing obesity besides providing a sustained and uniform energy supply to the body,” said the District Medical and Health Officer Dr R Naga Malleswari. P Rajaji, a vendor who was spotted selling these fruits on the road near Edupugallu says, “It is only a summer job that we do.

We sell a dozen for Rs 40 and we do not buy these fruits from anybody. Our people climb the trees to bring them down and then, we head to the nearest place to sell them off. This is a good deal because we rarely spend anything on acquiring the fruits.” Another, Ch Nehru, a vendor from Venkata Palem village from the capital region says that the fruits are highly liked by children and youngsters who stop by to take parcels. The concept of breaking the Taati Kaya to get the jellies is a visual treat for people who relish on this summer special.