Curious About Elephant Apples? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever heard of an elephant apple? This fascinating fruit is also known as chalta, and it grows on the tree Dillenia indica.
The Basics: What Is an Elephant Apple?
The elephant apple is a large, spherical fruit that can weigh up to 4 pounds! It has a pale yellow-green skin with a thick layer of pulp inside. The pulp is tart, slightly sweet and resembles the texture of cooked apples.
Growing Elephant Apples: How Long Does It Take?
If you’re thinking about growing your own elephant apples, it’s important to know that this process takes patience. These trees typically take anywhere between 5-8 years to mature before they start bearing fruit.
Once they are ready for harvest, the fruits will drop from the branches when ripe, usually during late summer or early autumn. If you live in a warm climate with moist soil conditions and plenty of sunlight exposure – congratulations! Your tree may bear fruit even earlier!
Uses for Elephant Apples
So what can be done with these exotic fruits once they are harvested? There are many ways to enjoy them! For example:
– In India and Bangladesh, where they are commonly found – people use them for pickling.
– The leaves from the tree can be used in traditional medicine across Asia.
– Some people simply eat them raw!
One thing’s for sure – elephant apples are versatile!
A Final Word
Growing an elephant apple tree may not be easy but it’s definitely worth it if you have enough space in your garden or backyard. Whether eaten raw or mixed into recipes like curries or jams – this unique fruit will not disappoint your taste buds! So why not give it a try today?
