Jaamun ,জাম

ঝড়ের দিনে মামার দেশে

আম কুড়াতে সুখ

পাকা জামের মধুর রসে

রঙিন করি মুখ।

There are two types; Goda Jaam and Pati Jaam in Bangladesh. Goda Jaam is almost round and colour of flesh and seed are light brown. Pati Jaam is long oval size and flesh seed are dark brown.

Jaamun- Fruit, Seeds, Bark And Leaves

Jaamun, also popularly known as jambul is a nutritious seasonal fruit found in abundance in Asia. This fruit is eaten as a health snack in many parts of the world. Jaamun is a delicious tropical plum-like fruit rich in vitamins and minerals.Sometime, Jaamun is termed as Black Berries or Plum. That is wrong  Fruit, seeds, bark and leaves of Jambul have medicinal properties. Jaamun is loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids essential for a healthy body and mind. This article brings to light various health benefits of Jaamun.

Jaamun, also popularly known as jambul is a nutritious seasonal fruit found in abundance in Asia. This fruit is eaten as a health snack in many parts of the world. Jaamun is a delicious tropical plum-like fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. Fruit, seeds, bark and leaves of Jambul have medicinal properties. Jaamun is loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids essential for a healthy body and mind. This article brings to light various health benefits of Jaamun.

Jaamun is a tasty fruit with a unique color and taste. The sweet and tangy explosion of flavor the ripe fruit has is heavenly, cannot be described in words, you should try it to experience that feeling. The purplish patch this fruit leaves on the tongue when eaten is because of plant pigment anthocyanin, Native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal , Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines

and Sri Lanka, the Jambul tree grows in forests, alongside roads, and is also grown in backyards because of its numerous health benefits. This tree was introduced in Florida, USA by USDA in 1911. This humble fruit is loaded with nutrients essential for good health. As compared with other fruits, Jambul provides lesser calories making it the perfect choice in a healthy diet. The hybrid variety of Jaamun is seedless, whereas natural jambul has a single seed.

Astringent and acidic in nature, this pulpy sweet fruit is had in many parts of the world with a light sprinkle of salt. Jambul has numerous medicinal properties and is used as a home remedy in various treatments. Leaves, bark, and seeds of this tree are used as traditional medicine. Juice of Jaamun is gaining momentum globally because of presence of bioactive phytochemicals that minimize the risk of liver disease and cancer. Major sugars present in this ripe fruit are fructose and glucose. Bark, leaves, and seeds of jambul have been used since ancient times to cure various diseases and ailments. Considering its numerous health benefits, it is least surprising why demand for this fruit is rising significantly.

Jaamun History- Fruit of Gods

History of Jaamun fruit goes a long way. It is believed this exotic

fruit has its origins in Neolithic times, when man consumed wild berries, wild plums, and nuts as a staple. In India, Jaamun is referred to as the ‘Fruit of Gods’. The fruit is of significant importance in Hindu mythology. During his 14-year exile from Ayodhya, Lord Rama is believed to have eaten several berries and plums including jambul.

Jaamun trees require partial rainfall and thrive in dry weather. Jaamun that comes from various parts of the world differ in size, this because of soil and weather conditions.

Use of Seeds, Bark and Leaves of Jaamun/Jambul

Seeds of Jaamun are used by Ayurvedic practitioners, herbalists and traditional healers in various formulations. The seeds are usually

dried and powdered. Jaamun powder is mixed with different herbs and spices in accordance with treatment for an ailment, illness, or disease.

Bark powder of Jaamun tree is mixed with Jaamun juice and used as a treatment for cough and cold.

In several Asian cultures, leaves of jambul are grounded into a fine paste and given to individuals suffering from dysentery. Leaves of this fruit are also used to treat frequent urine discharge, excess sweating, and healing wounds.

Nutritional value of Jaamun

Jaamun is a rich source of nutrition. 3-4 calories are present in a medium sized jambul. As the calorie content is low, this makes an ideal fruit snack for individuals that want to maintain weight or are on a weight loss diet. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, this fruit is an essential of several diet plans recommended by nutritionists and dieticians. Nutritional value of Jaamun is given below.

Jaamun nutritional value (Per 100 g) (Source USDA)

Vitamins

• Vitamin C- 18 mg

• Vitamin A- 3 IU

• Riboflavin (B2) – 0.012 mg

• Pyridoxine (B6) - 0.038 mg

• Niacin (B3) - 0.260 mg

• Thiamine (B1) - 0.006 mg

• Pantothenic Acid (B5) – 0.160 mg

Minerals

• Calcium- 19 mg

• Iron- 0.19 mg

• Potassium- 79 mg

• Phosphorous- 17 mg

• Carotene- 48 ug

• Sodium- 26.2 mg

• Magnesium- 15 mg

• Folic Acid- 3 mg

Nutrients

• Carbohydrates- 15.56 g

• Water- 83.13 g

• Fat- 0.23 g

• Energy- 60 kacl

• Protein- 0.72 g

Other Names for Jaamun/Jambul

Aside from being popularly known as Jaamun or jambul,

this fruit has several other names. Here is a list of other names for this delicious juicy fruit.

• Jambhul

• Jamboola

• Jambula

• Jambu

• Java plum

• Jaam

• Kaalo Jaam

• Jambolan Plum

• Jamblang

• Black Plum

• Jambolan

• Malabar Plum

• Damson Plum

• Duhat plum

Culinary uses of Jambul/Jaamun

Ripe Jambul fruit can be used in a number of healthy snacks and

dessert recipes. Plain ice creams (single flavors) topped with a generous amount of jambul pulp tastes divine. Jambul sauce adds a unique flavor to frozen desserts. You can top cakes, pastries, puddings, and custards with a mushy dollop of jambul pulp. If you haven’t used Jaamun pulp in a pie, get busy now. Single crust or bottom crust pies that are filled with jambul pulp is a memorable explosion in the mouth. Jaamun sauce is also used as flavoring in various exotic dishes.

Sweet and tangy Jambul pulp can also be used as a dip for various vegetarian and non vegetarian salads. Several chefs in Asian cuisine use Jaamun sauce for plating (presentation of dishes) because of its dynamic purple color and unique taste. You can make Jaamun pulp at home or buy it at a supermarket. Jambul sauce, Jambul Vine or Jambul Pulp is available in many Western supermarkets, however, jams, chutneys and vinegar made from Jambul fruit are rare mostly available in select Asian supermarket shelves.

If you haven’t sunk your teeth in this delicious juicy fruit loaded with numerous health benefits as yet, get going to your fruit seller now.

Surprising benefits of Jaamun

Jaamun or Black plum is an important summer fruit, associated with many health and medicinal benefits. The black plum is known to relieve stomach pain, carminative, anti-scorbutic and diuretic. Jaamun vinegar is good to reduce enlargement of spleen, diarrhea, and who has urine retention

problems. Jamum’s ployphenolic compounds are effective against cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, asthma and arthritis. Various digestive disorders i.e. flatulence, bowel spasm, stomach disorders, dysentery are cured by Jaamun. It is also eaten as tonic to increase sexual activity. Jaamun is known by different names such as jambul, jambas, Jaamun, jambolan, rajaman, kala Jaamun, neredu, naval, nerale, jamali, java plum, black plum and black berry.

Jaamun for diabetes treatment

The Jaamun fruit and Jaamun leaves are good for diabetes patient.

The black plum has anti-diabetic features. Jaamun helps to convert starch into energy and keep your blood sugar levels in check. In the summer season, the sugar patient should eat Jaamun regularly because of its low glycemic index. Jaamun reduces the symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination and thrusting. The extract of bark, seeds, and leaves are too beneficial

in the treatment of diabetes. In a recent study in CDRI, Lucknow, India, it has been found that the dried alcoholic extract of the seeds are good to reduce the level of blood sugar. The decoction of the bark and powdered seed is good in the treatment of diabetes. The extract of the bark, seeds and leaves are good in decreased of sugar in urine (glycouria). Jamum and Jaamun seeds are hypoglycemic effects. Jaamun seeds powder contains jamboline, a type of glucose, which helps to control the conversion of starch into sugar.

Jaamun for beauty and fair skin

Jaamun seeds are used as an effective agent to treat acne. First of

all crush the Jaamun sees and mix cow milk to it. Apply the paste before going to bed and wash it in the morning. Regular application of these ingredients is helpful in curing and treating of acne. The problem of oily skin is controlled with the mix of Jaamun pulp, barley flour, amla juice and rose water. Use this mix as face mask and wash when it gets dry. To control dark spots from your face, the paste of Jaamun seed powder, lemon powder, gram flour, few drops of almond oil and rose water, is prepared. Apply it on your face and wash it when it dries off. Jaamun cures leucoderma after stimulating the melanin.

Jaamun nutrition facts

The black plum has many vital nutrients. The nutrition values and nutritional properties of Jaamun are as follows: The Jaamun fruit is loaded with sugars like glucose and fructose along with lesser calories. The 100 grams of the fruit contain nutrients: calcium (15 mg), iron (1.41 mg), magnesium (35 mg), phosphorous (15 mg), sodium (26.2 mg), vitamin C (18 mg), thiamine (0.019 mg), riboflavin (0.009 mg), niacin (0.245 mg), vitamin B6 (0.038 mg), calories (62 k cal), carbohydrate (14 gm), carotene (48 ug), folic acid (3 mg), fiber (0.6 gm), fat (0.23 gm), protein (0.995 gm), water (84.75 gm).

Medicinal uses of Jaamun

One of the best medicinal benefits of Jaamun is its anti-diabetic

properties. The black plum works against diabetes and convert sugar into energy. The Jaamun fruit is good for digestive system because of its coolant features. Jambul is being having astringent properties, helps to prevent acne, blemishes, wrinkles and pimples. It is also good for blood due to more amount of iron. The presence of vitamin C is beneficial for fair skin complexion. Jaamun is having many bio-chemical compounds, which includes flavonoids, essential oils, gallic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, betulic acid, etc., which are beneficial in managing and treating of many diseases.

Commercial uses of Jaamun

Colored jelly is made with black plum flash by adding a

commercial jelly agent. The black plum squash is prepared with Jaamun juice. For making squash, other ingredients such as sugar, water, citric acid and sodium benzoate are used. Sodium benzoate is used for the purpose of preservation. Besides squash, jams and candies are also made from Jaamun. Vinegar is made from the unripe fruit while as excellent quality of wine is prepared from ripe Jaamun.

Jaamun to increase haemoglobin

Jaamun has the adequate amount of iron and vitamin C. The

presence of iron in the black plum is good to increase the haemoglobin count. Jamum iron content acts as blood purifying agent. Since, it is the medium of purifying your blood; therefore, it is good for skin and beauty. Iron content is beneficial in menses where the lady faces blood loss. People suffering from anemia and jaundice should take Jaamun because of its high iron content.

Jaamun for healthy heart

Jaamun is extremely beneficial to keep heart disease at bay. The black plum is laden with potassium. 100 gram of Jaamun contains about 55 mg of potassium. This sufficient amount of Jaamun is beneficial to diseases like heart, high blood pressure, and stroke. Regular eating of Jaamun helps to prevent hardening of arteries.

Jaamun leaves treat ulcers

The eating of Jaamun leaves is good in treating of digestive related

disorders. Chewing and eating of Jaamun leaves are good in treating of diarrhea and ulcers. Jaamun leaves have great significance in ayurvedic medicine. Jamum is good in prevention of liver diseases such as necrosis and fibrosis. Due to presence of bio-chemical and phytochemical substance like polyphenol, the black plum acts like as anti-cancer substance. Jaamun solves acidity when it is taken along with roasted cumin powder and black salt.

Jaamun for oral health

The black plum leaves are antibacterial properties and are used for

strengthening teeth and gum. The leaves are astringent, considered good for throat problems. The decoction of the bark is used to wash mouth and beneficial for mouth ulceration due to its astringent effect. It is good for mouth as well as for teeth due to its acidity. Gargling of its bark helps in prevention of gums bleeding (gingivitis). Jaamun leaves powder, which is obtained after drying and burning it, used as teeth powder and helpful in checking gum infection and bleeding.

Jaamun juice benefits

Jaamun juice has many health and medicinal benefits. Being it a seasonal fruits, one should try to have more and more amount of

Jaamun juice during the month of June, July and August. Some of the amazing and surprising health benefits of Jaamun juice are given below.

Drinking of Jaamun juice is used to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhea, dysentery and dyspepsia.

In case of diarrhea, Jaamun juice is beneficial after mixing little amount of sat in it.

Jaamun juice along with curd is good against digestive problems.

Teeth related problems can be solved by applying Jaamun juice or by drinking it.

Jaamun juice is beneficial in treating of piles and hemorrhoids.

Drinking of the fresh fruit juice helps in cough and asthma.

Jaamun juice enhances your immune system.

It protects you from cold and acts as anti-aging agent.

The juice of the fruits is given in spleen enlargement and urine retention.

Jaamun juice should be taken to overcome the problem of female sterility.

Jaamun precautions and side effect

Road side Jaamun should be avoided as it may be contaminated from lead and heavy metals.

Pregnant as well as breast-feeding mother should avoid Jaamun.

Since, Jaamun lowers blood sugar; therefore, one should not eat jamum before and after two weeks of surgery.

Eating of Jaamun empty stomach should be avoided.

Milk shouldn’t be taken after eating Jaamun.

Eating of excess Jaamun leads to body ache and fever. Excessive eating of it is also not good for throat and chest.

Heavy dose of Jaamun may cause cough and accumulation of sputum in the lungs.

Jaamun enhances vatta dosha, so people with high vatta should avoid it.

JAAMUN OR BLACK PLUM MOCKTAIL RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2):

250 gms of Jaamun or Black Plum, or two heaped cups

2 tablespoon castor sugar

1 and ½ tablespoon Grenadine Syrup

3 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon black salt or a little more to suit your taste

2 cups water

2 springs of mint for dressing

Some white salt to line the brim of your mocktail glass

PREPARATION:

Boil Jaamuns, sugar and water together in a saucepan till the pulp is absolutely softened.

Allow cooling down to room temperature and then keep in the refrigerator and let it macerate for 1-2 hours.

Now de-seed, the best way is to push through a broad strainer and push down using a spoon or spatula till all the pulp along with the juice falls down and only seeds with some fruit skin are left on the strainer.

Use a blender to fine blend the pulp and juice together. Now strain using a fine strainer and refrigerate.

 Now add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

To serve, line a cocktail glass with salt by first wiping the brim with a wet cloth and then placing inverted over salt spread in a plate.

Add some ice cubes in the bottom and pour the mocktail over it, top up with a spring of mint and serve chilled.

Black Jaamun ice-Cream:

A good choice for an easy to make ice-cream! Cook some black Jaamun pulp, cornflour, milk and sugar substitute and freeze it in airtight containers for three to four hours. Then remove and slush it in a blender, and refreeze for six to eight hours. The wait is long, but totally worth the spoonful of fresh and delicious fruit dessert.

Mango Jaamun

Ingredients

12 oz. Jaamun (I used frozen)

1 small green mango

2 tsp. roasted cumin powder

½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1 tsp. black salt

8-10 mint leaves

Water as needed

Method

Thaw Jaamuns and take out the pulp. Discard seed.

Roast mango on the stovetop until soft. You can even broil it in the oven or boil them.

Scoop out the mango pulp once cool.

Add all of the ingredients and blend until smooth.

Add more water to make it a thin consistency. It should be of juice consistency.

Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Serve chilled over ice.

Notes

I did not add any sugar, as the Jaamuns were sweet. You can add some sugar or jaggery if you are using fresh Jaamuns.

Add some lemon juice if the mangoes are not tangy.

You can strain the panna to get a smoother consistency. I did not strain mine as I like fruit fibers.

Enjoy this refreshing cooler!!