The Essence of Local Goodness:
“Don’t Let ‘Best’ Make You Forget the ‘Rest’!Rediscover the flavours of homegrown goodness and the community connections that go with them. While we all chase the ‘best,’ the real treasures are often right in our homes and in our neighbourhoods. Local foods, which are cultivated and gathered within a certain geographical area, possess considerable importance across multiple dimensions of human existence. The significance of these entities extends beyond the realm of personal health and well-being, encompassing the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of environmental sustainability. Local fruits and vegetables have superior freshness and nutritional value owing to their ability to be harvested at optimal ripeness and promptly consumed thereafter. The inclusion of locally grown fruits in the food system enhances food security by diminishing reliance on remote suppliers of agricultural produce. During periods of crises or disruptions in the global food supply chain, the presence of a robust local food system can serve as a means to guarantee that communities are able to obtain fresh and nutritious fruits. One such super fruit of Assam that we tend to ignore is Elephant Apple/ Ou-Tenga. This fruit is found in several geographical locations, including valleys and streamside areas in Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In the Indian subcontinent, the distribution of this species spans the sub-Himalayan tract, encompassing the states of Assam, North Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, as well as the southern Indian states and the Andaman Islands. The geography of Assam has a crucial influence in the cultivation and significance of this distinct fruit. The Elephant Apple thrives in the fertile soil of the Brahmaputra valley, benefiting from the abundant water supply provided by the Brahmaputra river. The fruit exhibits robust growth in the adequately drained, loamy soil of the valley, and its copious presence in this geographical area makes a substantial contribution to the agricultural diversity of Assam.
Herbal Medicine and Culinary Uses:
The elephant apple holds significant potential as a promising fruit within the field of herbal medicine. Various preparations of this plant and its components have been documented to possess phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, phenolics, and saponins, which are accountable for exhibiting notable pharmacological effects in both human and animal models. The elephant apple, which is native to the Assam region, is being utilized in various food products either as the main ingredient or as a supplementary component. This tree possesses significant value due to its therapeutic capabilities, characterized by its embellishing foliage and fragrant blossoms. The plant is classified as an ornamental shade tree, renowned for its fruit-bearing capabilities and the pleasant aroma emitted by its flowers. The fruit of this particular tree is widely recognized for its characteristic apple-shaped appearance, including yellow-green hues. These fruits are deemed edible and are particularly enjoyed by elephants.
Elephant apple in Ancient relics:
According to Ayurveda and Sidha, the tree is renowned for its divine bestowal of herbal therapeutic virtues. It is extensively utilized by individuals and widely employed in the practices of Ayurveda and Siddha. The leaves, bark, fruits and other parts possess a wide range of antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic The fruit pulp is utilized as a tonic and laxative in the treatment of chest discomfort and stomach ailments. In the Ayurvedic tradition, this substance is recognized for its ability to decrease vata, the dosha associated with motion, while simultaneously enhancing pitta, the dosha associated with energy. The fruit juice, when combined with sugar and water, is employed as a refreshing beverage. This fruit is mentioned in many ancient books like Upavarhana Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Rajanighantu, Matsya purana, Agni purana and Asya shodhana. The plant is aphrodisiac and promotes virility. In these ancient books, the fruit is mentioned as astringent, phlegmatic, fragrant, and odourless; it also induces flatulence. It was stated that the fruit has cardiotonic properties. The green fruit is acidic, pungent, and effective at eliminating wind and phlegm, whereas the mature fruit is sweet, sour, appetizing, and beneficial for mucus-associated colic. The utilization of the decoction of this particular plant as a universal remedy for poison is mentioned in the Matsya Purana. According to the Agni Purana, the use of water infused with stem extract in the vicinity of a wound caused by a spider bite is said to aid in the elimination of venomous substances. The practice of Asya shodhana involves the cleansing of the oral cavity.
Cultural Significance and Therapeutic Activities:
Elephant apples exhibit a range of therapeutic activities, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antiprotozoal, antimutagenic, and anticholinergic properties. Additionally, these apples have been found to have beneficial effects on hair, making them suitable for hair treatment purposes. The Elephant apple carries great cultural significance in the region of Assam. In Assamese households, it is common practice to store fruit beneath the bed. There exists a belief that it possesses the ability to prevent the occurrence of chicken pox as well as other ailments. The elephant apple is primarily regarded as a fruit that is consumed in both cooked and raw forms. This particular fruit is characterized by its thick sepals, which possess a tart flavour and are commonly utilized in the culinary preparation of curries and fish dishes. A mixture of aromatic fruits is incorporated into a succulent fruit pulp, which exhibits a gelatinous consistency, or alternatively, subjected to fermentation processes to produce vinegar. A diverse range of delectable foods are crafted, such as outenga dali, outenga maas, outenga achaar, outenga candies, and outenga squash. Multiple research conducted on both humans and rats have demonstrated the potential of fruit juice as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes, dysentery, boils, and cough. Consuming raw fruit has been found to have potential benefits in stimulating hunger, easing constipation, and providing relief from stomach discomfort. The mucilage derived from the fruit possesses potential applications in the removal of hair dandruff and skin lice. The powdered extract derived from the bark of the plant possesses medicinal properties that have been seen to effectively treat specific urinary ailments. Additionally, the juice derived from the plant has demonstrated potential in preventing various respiratory conditions such as cough, cholera, fever, as well as gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhoea and dysentery. Research findings have also demonstrated that the flower possesses significant medicinal properties in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diabetes, and gastrointestinal ailments.
A Call to Embrace Local Fruits:
Local fruits play a pivotal role in the world of nutrition and sustainability, embodying a trifecta of significance through their low cost, easy availability, and remarkable nutritional value. As Wendell Berry once wisely stated, “Eating is an agricultural act.” Local fruits not only directly connect us to the very land we inhabit but also contribute significantly to our overall well-being. Their affordability is a testament to the economic benefits of consuming what grows in our immediate environment. In an era where globalized supply chains can increase the price of imported fruits, local options often prove to be more budget-friendly. Michael Pollan’s words, “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food,” underscore the simplicity of local fruits, which carry a distinct familiarity and authenticity, and the Elephant apple (Ou-Tenga) is one such super fruit of Assam.