Jun 9, 2025

From Jamun to Amla: 10 common desi fruits and their English names

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Common desi fruits

India is home to a variety of delicious local fruits. Here’s a quick guide to 10 desi favourites and their English names.

Getty Images

Jamun

Called Java plum or black plum in English, jamun is a purple fruit known for its sweet-sour taste and medicinal benefits.

Getty Images

Amla

Also known as Indian gooseberry, amla is rich in vitamin C and often used in pickles, juices, and hair care.

Getty Images

Sitaphal

Sitaphal is a custard apple in English. It has a creamy texture and sweet pulp, often enjoyed as a dessert fruit.

Getty Images

Ber

Ber is known as Indian jujube or Chinese date. It’s chewy, sweet-tart, and commonly eaten fresh or dried.

Getty Images

Imli

Imli is tamarind in English. Its tangy pulp is widely used in Indian chutneys, curries, and refreshing summer drinks.

Getty Images

You may also like

10 phrases people say that make them loo...
​7 plants that attract snakes (and shoul...

Chikoo

Chikoo is called sapodilla. It’s soft, brown, and sweet, often eaten fresh or used in milkshakes and desserts.

Getty Images

Anjeer

Anjeer is a fig in English. It can be eaten fresh or dried and is rich in fibre and natural sweetness.

Getty Images

Sharifa

Sharifa is another name for custard apple, sometimes used interchangeably with sitaphal, depending on the region in India.

Getty Images

Bel

Bel is known as wood apple. Its hard shell protects a sweet, aromatic pulp used in juices and Ayurvedic remedies.

Getty Images

Phalsa

Phalsa is called Indian sherbet berry. These small, purple fruits are tangy and refreshing, often made into summer coolers.

Getty Images

Thanks For Reading!

Next: 10 phrases people say that make them look and sound intellectual instantly