CUCUMBER TREE OR BILIMBI FRUIT ! HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF BILIMBI FRUIT ! SWEET AND SOUR BILIMBI FRUIT CURRY RECIPE !

  WHAT IS BILIMBI FRUIT ? CUCUMBER TREE:

Bilimbi is a tropical fruit that belongs to the genus Averrhoa and the family Oxalidaceae. It is also known as cucumber tree, tree sorrel, or kamias in some regions. 

It is native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, but

has spread to other parts of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Americas.

Bilimbi fruit looks like small cucumbers, with thin green skin and white crisp flesh. The fruit is very sour and acidic, and is usually eaten as a relish or cooked in dishes that need a tangy flavor. Bilimbi fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants, and has various health benefits such as improving digestion, skin health, and immunity.

Bilimbi tree is a small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has pinnate leaves with many leaflets, and produces flowers on the trunk or branches. 

The flowers are purplish red and occur in pendulous clusters. The fruit is ellipsoidal and elongated, and turns from light green to yellowish green when ripe. Bilimbi fruit has various health benefits such as:

MANAGING DIABETES: 

Bilimbi fruit can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It contains compounds that inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. By reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestines, bilimbi fruit can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.

TREATING HYPERTENSION: Bilimbi fruit can help

lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases. It contains potassium, which is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It also contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that protect the blood vessels from oxidative damage and inflammation.

REMEDYING HEMORRHOIDS: Bilimbi fruit can help treat hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anus or rectum that cause pain and bleeding. It has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can reduce swelling and bleeding. 

It also has laxative effects that can ease constipation, which is a common cause of hemorrhoids.

STRENGTHENING BONES: Bilimbi fruit can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. It contains calcium, which is a mineral that is essential for bone formation and maintenance. It also contains vitamin C, which is a vitamin that helps synthesize collagen, which is a protein that provides structure and strength to bones and other connective tissues.

SOOTHING COUGH AND COLD: Bilimbi fruit can help soothe cough and cold symptoms, such as sore throat, congestion, and fever. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can fight against infections that cause respiratory illnesses. 

It also has expectorant effects that can loosen

mucus and phlegm in the lungs and throat. It also has vitamin C, which is a vitamin that boosts immunity and helps fight off infections.

Bilimbi fruit can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways. Some of the common uses of bilimbi fruit are:

PICKLING: Bilimbi fruit can be pickled in vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to make a sour and crunchy condiment that can be eaten with rice, fish, meat, or vegetables. 

Pickled bilimbi fruit can last for several months in the refrigerator.

CHUTNEY: Bilimbi fruit can be cooked with sugar,

ginger, garlic, onion, chili, and spices to make a sweet and spicy sauce that can be served with bread, crackers, cheese, or meat. Chutney is a popular dish in Indian cuisine.

CURRY: Bilimbi fruit can be added to coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and chicken or fish to make a creamy and tangy stew that can be eaten with rice or bread. Curry is a common dish in Southeast Asian cuisine.

JAM: Bilimbi fruit can be boiled with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin to make a thick and sweet spread that can be used on toast, pancakes, waffles, or cakes. Jam is a simple way to preserve bilimbi fruit for later use.

Bilimbi fruit is a sour but healthy fruit that has many 1benefits and uses.

 It can help manage diabetes, treat hypertension, remedy hemorrhoids, strengthen bones, and soothe cough and cold. It can also be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes such as pickles, chutneys, curries, and jams. Bilimbi fruit is a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet.

                      BILIMBI FRUIT CURRY:

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup oil

10-12 curry leaves

1 large onion, finely chopped

2-3 green chilies, cut in small pieces 

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp chilli powder

250 grams bilimbi fruit, sliced

1 cup thick coconut milk

Salt to taste

                   HERE IS THE RECIPE:

Heat the oil in a pan and fry the curry leaves and

onion until the onion is soft and starts turning golden.

Add the chilies, turmeric, coriander and chilli powder and fry for 1 minute, then add the bilimbi and fry for 5 minutes.

Add coconut milk and salt. Simmer uncovered until the mixture is thick and oily.

Serve hot with rice or bread.

     IT'S CALLED HERBS TREAT AND TASTE :