7 Fruits You Can Forage From the Forests of Western Ghats

Oranges foraged from a tree near the Blyton Bungalow, Poomaale Estate, Coorg

Have you ever gone foraging in a forest or picked scrumptious fruits from a tree on your hiking trails? Do you still remember its sweet, rich, earthy and clean taste? We do too! 

Living in forest-friendly collectives, we have the opportunity of going food foraging from our backyards. Having 2 collectives in the dense forests of the Western Ghats is all the more rewarding owing to its abundant biodiversity and prehistoric natural links. We often find varieties of mushrooms in the rainforests, nutritious fiddlehead ferns when it’s the season, wildly growing coffee berries, and more often than not, numerous fruits which are shared by all beings of the estate. Here’s a list of the common fruits you can find during your jungle adventures in the Western Ghats.

1. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a common fruit found in the forests of the Western Ghats, thanks to the region’s diverse flora and suitable climate. Jackfruit trees are large and evergreen, reaching heights of 20 to 30 meters. The fruit itself is known for its massive size, with a rough, spiky greenish-yellow exterior and multiple sweet, aromatic fleshy bulbs inside. The fruit is highly valued for its delicious taste, ranging from sweet to tangy, and can be enjoyed ripe or unripe. In addition to its culinary uses, jackfruit is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice.

Jackfruits are also a favourite of the elephants that move across the Poomaale Estate. The presence of jackfruit trees in the forested areas of the Western Ghats contributes to the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem. It serves as an example of the diverse indigenous fruits found in the forests, highlighting the importance of these habitats.

2. Oranges

Oranges, specifically sweet oranges, are not naturally found in the forests of the Western Ghats. Instead, they are cultivated in orchards and agricultural areas within the region. However, the climate of the Western Ghats is favourable for growing various citrus fruits, including oranges, in cultivated areas. Oranges were introduced to the landscape for agricultural purposes and soon became a common tree in the region, where you can end up finding these pulpy, fibrous fruits in some forest areas as well. While the Western Ghats may lack wild oranges, the region still supports their growth ecologically.

3. Avocados

Much like oranges, avocados are also not native to the landscape of the Western Ghats. But it is the first tree you see upon reaching the environment-friendly Blyton Bungalow in the Poomaale Estate. Avocado trees, evergreen and reaching up to 20 meters in height, produce fruit with a creamy texture and nutty flavour. Avocados are prized for their abundance of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes.

In the Western Ghats regions where avocado cultivation occurs, farmers follow specific agricultural practices for optimal growth and fruit production. This includes selecting suitable avocado varieties, preparing the soil, providing irrigation, managing pests and diseases, and maintaining the trees. While avocado cultivation is not as widespread in the Western Ghats compared to regions like Central and South America, certain areas within the Western Ghats offer favourable conditions for growing avocados.

4. Wildberries

The forests of the Western Ghats are home to several types of berries that grow naturally in the region. Some of the berries found in the forests of the Western Ghats include:

Blackberries: These are small, dark berries that grow on thorny shrubs. They are known for their sweet and tart flavour and are often used in jams, pies, and desserts.

Raspberries: Raspberries are small, delicate berries with a vibrant red colour. They have a sweet and slightly tangy taste and are commonly enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary preparations.

Strawberries: Strawberries are popular berries known for their bright red colour and sweet flavour. They grow on low-lying plants and are widely consumed both fresh and in various desserts and beverages.

Blueberries: Blueberries are small, round berries with a dark blue or purple colour. They have a mildly sweet flavour and are packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Blueberries are often used in baking, smoothies, and breakfast dishes.

Indian Gooseberries (Amla): Gooseberries are small, translucent berries that come in various colours, including green, red, and yellow. They have a tart taste and are used in jams, jellies, pies, and sauces.

Indian Blackberries (Jamun): Jamun berries are small, purple fruits that grow on tall trees. They have a unique flavour that is both sweet and tangy. Jamun berries are often eaten fresh or used to make juices, syrups, and desserts.

These are just a few examples of the berries that can be found in the forests of the Western Ghats. The region’s diverse flora provides a habitat for a wide variety of wild berries, adding to the rich biodiversity of the area.

5. Wild Guavas

Wild guavas are native to the Western Ghats and grow in their forests. These small to medium-sized evergreen trees bear round or oval-shaped fruits with greenish-yellow or yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is sweet and tangy, typically white or pink.

Highly valued for their nutritional content, wild guavas are rich in vitamin C, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. They can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications like juices, jams, and desserts. In the forests of the Western Ghats, wild guavas play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, providing food and habitat for animals and contributing to the ecological balance of the region. They exemplify the natural abundance and diversity of native fruits found in the Western Ghats.

6. Wild Bananas

Wild bananas, also known as wild plantains, grow naturally in the forests of the Western Ghats. These perennial plants have large, broad leaves and produce small to medium-sized bananas in various colours. While the fruit of wild bananas is smaller than cultivated varieties, it retains a similar shape and taste.

Consumed by both local communities and wildlife, these bananas provide a source of food and nutrition. The presence of wild bananas in the forests of the Western Ghats contributes to the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance. They serve as a food source for animals, including primates and birds, and play a vital role in maintaining the health and diversity of the forest ecosystem. 

7. Passionfruit 

Passionfruit is another non-native plant which has adapted to the landscape of the Western Ghats. The fruit grows on vigorous climbing vines with distinctive flowers and has a round or oval shape with a tough outer rind. Inside, the fruit contains a juicy, aromatic pulp filled with small seeds. Known for its tropical flavour, passionfruit is used in various culinary preparations and is valued for its nutritional content.

While passionfruit is not typically found in the wild forests of the Western Ghats, certain cultivated areas within the region’s diverse microclimates and fertile land may support its growth. 

Having an abundance of these fruits and other foods from the forest is a true blessing for us who have made the Poomaale Estate in Coorg our home and who are yet to make one in the Poomaale 2.0 Collective and CoForest. We hope that someday, with our permaculture farming efforts, our farm produce is as clean, rich and diverse ad these foods from the forest.