Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Economic importance

• The fruits contain 95% water, 0.2% protein, 0.3% minerals and 3.3% CHO per 100g fresh weight. It is also a rich source of iron. The seed kernels are also used in various sweets and other delicious. The unripe fruits are also cooked as a vegetable in some parts of India. The sweet, juicy pulp of the ripe fruit is eaten fresh throughout the tropics and subtropical regions.
• The fruit has cooling effect and is used as an expectorant, diuretic and stomachic and is allaying thirst. It is a common man’s fruit relished by both rich and poor alike. The fruit juice is also consumed by many after adding a pinch of salt & black pepper. The juice is delicious and nourishing and exerts a cooling effect in hot summer months.