Though it has a rigid surface and is bitter in taste, bitter melon is believed to have a host of medicinal properties including helping with balancing and regulating blood sugar level. Additionally, the juicy pulp of Jamun/ Jambo fruit contains resin, Gallic acid and tannin and the taste can vary from acidic to fairly sweet. The Jamun seed is known to contain a biochemical called ‘jambolin’ and glycoside, which is believed to check the conversion of starch into sugar. It is also a rich source of vitamins A & C. Popular name(s): Jambul, Jamun, Black Plum, Faux Pistachier, Indian Blackberry, Jambol, Doowet and Jambolan. “The fruit of the tree are very tasteful; one who regularly consumes the juice of the jambu tree, does not suffer from old age, disease and can even resist death…” Vayu puran, Chapter 46, Verse 28/29.
Gram flour, besan, or chickpea flour, is a pulse flour made from a variety of ground chickpeas known as Bengal gram. It is a staple ingredient in the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, including in Indian, Bangladeshi, Burmese, Nepali, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Gram flour can be made from either raw or roasted chickpeas. The roasted variety is more flavorful, while the raw variety has a slightly bitter taste.
Jaggery is often called Cane Sugar. It is a dark, coarse, unrefined sugar made from the sap of a variety of palm tree or from the sugar cane juice. It has a sweet, rich and fudgy caramel flavor and complements anything you would use normal sugar for. Natco Jaggery Goor comes in a solid block and is used for making Indian sweets, and used in tea or coffee just like ordinary sugar.