Fruits of change: Why cultivating the new generation’s palate can benefit biodiversity & society

During a recent visit to the bustling markets of Lucknow, my 9-year-old niece, who had just arrived from a metropolitan city, accompanied me for a stroll. As we navigated through the colorful stalls, her eyes caught sight of a peculiar fruit. "What's that ugly-looking thing?" she asked, pointing at a pile of badhal fruits, known locally as monkey jack. I smiled, recognising her curiosity as an opportunity to introduce her to this lesser-known gem of the Indo-Gangetic region. “That's badhal,” I explained, “a fruit that looks like a misshapen papaya but tastes like a cross between an orange and a custard apple.” Intrigued, she hesitated at first, but after some convincing, she agreed to try a piece.

Her initial scepticism quickly turned to delight as she savoured the unique flavour. The taste was a revelation for her, and she was so enamoured that she decided to keep the seeds. "I want to plant these at home," she declared, envisioning a small badhal tree growing in the urban park of her colony. This simple encounter not only introduced her to a new taste but also sparked an interest in preserving a part of our natural heritage. “One seed at a time”.

In urban settings, underutilised fruits like badhal hold immense potential to enrich our diets and reconnect us with nature's bounty. Often overshadowed by more commercially popular fruits, these hidden treasures offer unique flavours and nutritional benefits that deserve recognition and appreciation.

In Uttar Pradesh, indigenous fruits like ripe badhal, kathal (jackfruit), karonda (carissa), aonla (Indian gooseberry), bel (wood apple), shehtoot (mulberry) and sahjan (drumstick) are integral to the region's agricultural and cultural landscape. These fruits are not only valued for their unique flavours and nutritional benefits but also for their adaptability to local climatic conditions. 

Kathal, for instance, is a versatile fruit used in both savory and sweet dishes in Uttar Pradesh, while karonda is known for its tangy taste and is often used in pickles and preserves. 

Aonla is celebrated for its high Vitamin C content and is a staple in traditional medicine. Bel offers a refreshing pulp that is used in beverages and desserts and is often found in every street of Lucknow during the scorching summer months.

Shehtoot provides a sweet, juicy treat that is enjoyed freshly plucked from the roadsides or open plotted areas. Sahjan is renowned for its nutritional density and is a common ingredient in various dishes.

Recognising and promoting these underutilised fruits can enhance dietary diversity, support local economies and preserve the rich biodiversity. By integrating these fruits into urban settings, communities can benefit from their health advantages, while maintaining a connection to traditional agricultural practices.

Not only the consumers but the growers, like urban farmers, can also significantly benefit from cultivating underutilised fruits in several ways. Firstly, these fruits often have unique flavours and nutritional profiles that can attract niche markets, allowing farmers to diversify their offerings and potentially command higher prices. This can lead to increased income and economic stability for urban farmers. 

Additionally, growing underutilised fruits can help preserve biodiversity and genetic resources, which is crucial for resilient agricultural systems. By cultivating these fruits, urban farmers can also make use of underutilised spaces, such as vacant lots or rooftops, transforming them into productive areas that enhance urban green spaces and contribute to environmental sustainability. 

Moreover, urban farming of such fruits can reduce food miles and carbon emissions by providing locally grown produce, thereby supporting more sustainable food systems. Finally, these initiatives can foster community engagement and education, as they often involve local residents in the cultivation process, promoting awareness of sustainable practices and healthy eating habits.

By embracing such fruits, urban dwellers can diversify their food sources, promote biodiversity and reduce reliance on imported produce. Moreover, cultivating an appreciation for these native species can foster a deeper connection to local ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Encouraging the consumption and cultivation of underutilised fruits in urban areas not only supports sustainable food practices but also helps preserve traditional knowledge and culinary diversity for future generations. Recognising and cherishing these fruits can transform urban landscapes into vibrant spaces of ecological and cultural richness.

Educating local communities about the benefits of underutilised fruits can be achieved through a variety of engaging and informative strategies. One effective approach is organising food fairs and cooking competitions that highlight these fruits, allowing people to experience their unique flavours and culinary potential firsthand. 

Farmers‘ markets can serve as platforms for direct interaction between urban farmers and consumers, where educational materials and tasting sessions can be offered to raise awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of these fruits.

Additionally, incorporating underutilised fruits into school curriculums through farm-to-school programmes can instill knowledge and appreciation in younger generations, teaching them about sustainable food systems and the importance of biodiversity. 

Community gardens and workshops can also play a crucial role by providing hands-on experiences in growing and using these fruits, thereby fostering a deeper connection to local agriculture and traditional practices as well as encouraging their integration into daily diets and urban landscapes.

Educating children about underutilised fruits and facilitating their interaction with these species, especially, can play a crucial role in cultivating a culture of preservation and appreciation for biodiversity.

Activities such as planting, harvesting and cooking with these fruits allows children to understand the value of preserving biodiversity and maintaining sustainable food systems.

As children learn to recognise and cherish these fruits, they become ambassadors for change, advocating for the conservation of these vital resources. This early exposure and education can lead to a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, ensuring that the knowledge and appreciation of these underutilised species are passed down to future generations.

N Manika is a natural resource management expert and member of IUCN and SER.

Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.