Vol. 11, Special Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
Joginder Singh and Rashmi Nigam

Abstract:
These underutilized fruits have many advantages in terms of ease in growing, hardy nature and good yield even under extreme weather conditions. Most of the important underutilized fruits are indigenous and it is easily available. Arid zone vegetation comprises a wide range of edible fruit bearing and food producing species viz. Capparis decidua (Ker), Cordia dichotoma (lasora), Ziziphus mauritiana (ber), Ziziphus nummularia (Bordi), Salvadora oleoides (Pilu), Balanites aegyptiaca (Hingota), Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) etc. which play an important role in the nutrition of children in rural and urban areas alike and are relished by them. These crops have their own history of consumption because, local people are well aware about their nutritional and medicinal values. The value added products of these fruits have expected to catch the national and international markets if it is properly focused. The review paper is mainly emphasizing on nutritional, food and medicinal value of these underutilized fruits and its impact on betterment of health. These crops are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and have medicinal potential.