Nutritional and therapeutic attributes of neglected and underutilized fruit crops in Sri Lanka and their Potential applications in value addition

Abstract

Sri Lanka endowed a rich biodiversity, making it a significant source of plant species used as food sources. Fruits serving as both desserts and refreshments. Major and minor fruits contribute vitamins to the Sri Lankan diet, but underutilized fruit crops, lacking developed cultivation protocols and commercial production, remained as unexplored resources. Soursop (Annona muricata), Lavalu (Pouteria campechiana), Madam (Syzigium cumini), Nam-nan (Cynometra cauliflora), Mangosteen (Garcinia mangosteen), Beli (Aegle marmelos), Kamarankha (Averrhoa carambola), Jambu (Syzygium jambos), Sapodilla (Achras sapata), Veralu (Elaeocarpus serratus) are some underutilized fruit crops available in Sri Lanka. This review article highlights the nutritional, medicinal, and value-added potential of selected minor fruits in Sri Lanka.