Bael fruit, Bengal quince

Where does Bael fruit grow?

Found in: Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Cuba, East Africa, East Timor, Fiji, Guianas, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North America, Northeastern India, NW India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Pohnpei, SE Asia, Singapore, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uganda, United States, Vietnam, West Africa

Notes: There are 3 Aegle species. In some places the fruit is used as treatment for diarrhoea. The tree is common in temple gardens in India. It has anticancer properties.

Status: Fruit are sold in markets. It is commonly cultivated.

Growing Bael fruit, Bengal quince

Cultivation: It is grown from seed. Seed are taken from freshly picked ripe fruit. Seedlings are planted out after one year. It can be grown from root offshoots. They are best grown using patch budding. Trees are spaced 6-9 m apart. Trees can be pruned to have 4-6 strong branches. Suckers should be removed. It can also be grown from root suckers or air layering.

Edible Uses: The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used to make drinks. The fruit are often sliced and dried. Marmalade can be made from ripe pulp. They can also be pickled or used in jams and jellies. The young shoots and leaves can be eaten raw in salad. They are also used in chutneys. The flowers are used to make a drink. CAUTION: There are reports that leaves make women sterile or cause abortions.

Production: It is slow growing. Trees produce in 3-4 years. Full production is gained after 15 years. Fruit are produced throughout the year. Fruit should be picked and not allowed to drop. There can be 200-400 fruit per tree. A fruit can weigh 1 kg. Fruit ripen in the dry season. Fruit can be ripened off the tree. Trees can continue bearing for 50 years. The fruit can be stored for 2 weeks at 30°C and for 4 months at 10°C.

Nutrition Info

Bael fruit, Bengal quince Photos

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