Sunday 24 November 2013

RAMPHAL OR SITA PHAL (CUSTARD APPLES)

These eye-catching fruit come onto the streets in winter - such an odd shape and unusual flavour, they're like nothing else.  Originating in the West Indies, Bermuda, Florida and Mexico,  they are now grown in North East India in the Calcutta region.

Sometimes called 'Sweet Apple', or perhaps more appropriately because of the shape, 'Bullock's Heart',  (as they are known in Mediterranean countries), they are packed with Vitamins and free radicals and considered a cure-all for a number of ailments.  However, you need a practiced eye when buying them, otherwise it's a costly mistake !  The flavour is like a grainy form of custard.  They sell for about 120 rupees per kilo and for the same money, you could buy yourself an entire thali lunch with roti, subji, rice and a desert !

They need to be soft and ripe, otherwise they are inedible.  They can be eaten with a little spoon to  scoop out the custard interior, or they can be mashed through muslin to make a delicious flavouring for milkshakes or ice cream !


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