Falsa (Grewia Asiatica)

Falsa (Grewia Asiatica) is native to the Indo-Pak subcontinent. It is grown in many areas of Pakistan and is considered to be an exotic summer fruit here.

Falsa is quite often mistaken with several types of berries from America but in reality it is purely an Asian Fruit.

Falsa is grown as green seedings on bush like trees reaching a maximum height of 12-15 feet. The skin of the ripened fruit is purple to black in colour with its size less than one inch in diameter.

Falsa fruit is available in May and June in Pakistan as it requires high temperature and lots of sunlight for good yield and quality. When fully ripened. It has a unique sweet and sour taste not comparable to any other fruit.

Being highly perishable, Falsa is difficult to transport to long distances and that is one reason why most people are not aware of this wonderful fruit. It is mostly eaten fresh with a sprinkle of salt and sometimes sugar as well.

Falsa is mostly grown in the interior Sindh and Southern parts of Punjab with the surroundings of Multan being the most suitable for its cultivation.

Falsa fruit makes a tasty and refreshing drink. Fresher Falsa Juice with real fruit pulp contains good amount of Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Vitamins A & C and Carbohydrates.

Falsa has cool refreshing and digestible properties with its juice being ideal as a summer drink as it allays thirst and burning sensations and can also reduce inflammations and irritation on skin due to excessive heat.

According to the ancient Indo-Pak medicinal research on plants, the Falsa has following properties:-

• It acts as a cooling tonic to quench thirst and burning sensations.
• It is effective in clearing sour throats and coughs.
• It relieves urinary troubles.
• It has good digestive properties.

Despite its small size, this mostly unexplored wonder fruit has many health benefits. By not being aware of this local fruit, we are missing out on its amazing benefits.