Jamun/ Black Plum: An Introduction

Most of us correlate Jamun, or Black Plum or Indian Blackberry, with fond recollections of summers spent as children. It's a little fruit with a dark purple color that almost looks black. In contrast, the flesh of this fruit is pinkish white.

Jamun is a popular summer low-calorie fruit that has been connected to a myriad of health benefits. This miracle fruit can help with anything from stomach aches to diabetic treatment and cancer prevention.

Where is Jamun Found?

Jamun is a berry that is native to South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. In 1911, it was taken to Florida in the United States. Since the Jamun tree's fruits do not all mature at the same moment, they can be collected every day. Jamun can be found easily in fruit markets. While summer is the most popular time to eat this fruit, it grows all year in subtropical and tropical areas.

What Does Jamun Taste-like?

Jamun is a delicious fruit that has a sweet and sour flavor depending on how ripe it is. It also has a sour, astringent aftertaste. Jamun's skin's dark purple color leaves a trace on the tongue and lips that can last for several hours. But don't worry, it’s perfectly safe!

Nutritional Facts About Jamun

Jamun is a nutrient-dense snack that is ideal for summer. Anthocyanin, a powerful phytonutrient, gives a significant quantity of antioxidants to the body and is responsible for the dark color of its skin. High in fructose, a naturally occurring sugar, Jamun is a low-calorie fruit.

100 grams of Jamun contain just 62 calories, 18 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of calcium, 15 mg of phosphorus, 26.5 mg of sodium, 55 gm of potassium, 5 mg of magnesium, and low levels of thiamine, riboflavin, carotene, folic acid, fiber, and fat.

Jamun is high in glucose and water, making it a refreshing fruit to consume throughout the heat.

Health Benefits of Eating Jamun

Each part of the Jamun tree has something to offer. Because of its multiple health benefits, it holds a unique spot in Ayurvedic medicine. Some health benefits of Jamun are:

1. Enhances Haemoglobin  Content: Being a rich source of Vitamin C and Iron, it enhances the      hemoglobin content.
2. Controls Diabetes: Being a low-calorie fruit, the polyphenolic ingredient helps in managing blood sugar levels.
3. Improves the Skin Health: The astringent property of Jamun & the Vitamin C helps to  have blemish and acne-free skin that glows radiantly.
4. Strengthened Immunity: Vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals present in the fruit boost the immunity of your body.
5. Helps in weight loss: With a high quantity of fiber, this low-calorie fruit helps in weight  loss, along with improving digestion.
6. Improves heart health: Protects the heart with its antioxidants and minerals like potassium.

Side-Effects of Jamun

Unfortunately, eating Jamun in excess amount can upset your stomach, especially if it’s an empty stomach. It’s highly acidic.

You can also get body ache or fever.

People with low sugar levels should avoid eating too much Jamun as it reduces sugar levels.

Pregnant women should not consume it.

Healthy Jamun Recipes to Try

1. Jamun Juice Recipe: Add the pulp of Jamun, jaggery, chilled water, and a pinch of black salt to the blender. Then pour it into a      glass.
2. Jamun Chia Pudding Recipe: Add chia seeds, coconut milk, & honey in a bowl. Let it soak. Make a puree of Jamun pulp. Combine      both the mixture and garnish it with some more puree and some nuts.
3. Jamun Smoothie: Blend chopped Jamun, yogurt, sugar, and 2-3 drops of vanilla essence. Your smoothie is ready!

What are you waiting for? Try these quick recipes!