Carissa

Carissa

An African shrub, climber plant Carissa is known for both its fruits and medicinal use. The species that is mainly produced is Carissa Macrocarpa, or Natal plum, named after a region in Northern South Africa where it grows. It is difficult to grow these plants because of milky sap exudation that comes out whenever there is a wound or cut in the plant. It is difficult to harvest and transport these fruits as they can be easily damaged.

The  berries have a short shelf life because the sap congeals.

  • It is low in cholesterol, sodium free, and vitamin C, B1, B2, A, calcium, protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, copper and is low in fat.
  • Plant prevent cells from damages, protects the teeth from decay and the gums from diseases, strengthens the nails and lowers the risk of depression.
  • Peeled or unpeeled, fruits are made into jam, other preserves, syrup or sweet pickles. Jelly is made from slightly under ripe fruits or a combination of ripe and unripe to enhance the color.

It is also good for the skin as it prevents pre-mature aging and offers other benefits as well because fruits contain powerful antioxidants.

Image:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carissa_carandas_fruits.JPG

Sakurai Midori / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 25, 2016

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