Sugar plam

Sugar palm or toddy palm is the name of Borassus flabellifer. The sweet sap of the Palmyra tree is called Toddy and is used in preparation of Palm jaggery. This plam tree exists in tropical countries. Fruits somewhat resemble coconut. The pulp is tender and the husk is fibrous similar to that in Coconut. The fruit has a black husk and is 4 to 7 inches in diameter. It is borne in clusters. The top portion of the fruit is cut off to reveal the three sweet jelly seed sockets. During early summer, they are sold in markets and for a limited period of time.

Almost every part of the tree is useful to humankind.

• The sap is fermented to make Arrack which is an alcoholic beverage.
• The tender fruit pulp is eaten raw during summer because it gives a cooling effect to the body
• The fruit contains vitamin A, B and also Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid.
• Minerals such as Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc are found in the fruit.
• Matured palm fruit juice is used in making pancakes.
• The pulp from the mature fruit is used over the skin to cure Dermatitis.

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