Underutilized Fruits: A Colour Handbook

Underutilized fruits are less-known, less appealing, less-exploited fruits which are generally used is smaller locality or region. These are rich is many vitamins, nutrients and nutraceutical compounds. The underutilized fruits may be categorized in two groups i.e. indigenous and exotic. India has a rich diversity of fruits and several fruit plant species such as jack fruit, bael, aonla, ber, jamun, mahua, phalsa, lasoda, karonda, wood apple, bilimbi, kokum etc. have originated in Indian subcontinent. Several exotic fruits such as rambutan, avocado, longan, mangosteen, passion fruit, wax apple, durian etc. were introduced in India from South America , Africa, south east Asian countries during last four centuries. These fruits are rich in certain nutrients and slowly these are making place in our food baskets.