Blood Fruit, also called Khoon Phal in Hindi and Roktogula in Bengali, is a wild, climbing plant that grows in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, as well as countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often climbing on tall forest trees.
The name Haematocarpus comes from Greek, where “haema” means blood and “carpus” means fruit, a perfect reference to its deep red color and juicy pulp. When ripe, the fruit is soft, slightly acidic in taste, and filled with a thick, crimson juice that just looks like blood.
A Nutrient Powerhouse in Disguise
Despite being largely overlooked in mainstream diets, Blood Fruit is packed with essential nutrients. It contains nearly 90% moisture, making it hydrating and refreshing. A 100-gram serving offers:
-
Iron (0.57 mg) – higher than common fruits like mango, apple, or guava.
-
Vitamin C (13.15 mg) – more than jackfruit or papaya, helping boost immunity.
-
Carotenoids and Beta-Carotene – antioxidants that are great for eye health and skin.
-
Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus – vital for maintaining heart, bone, and nerve function.
It also has a good amount of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, making it a strong antioxidant fruit that may help in reducing inflammation and slowing down the aging process.
Medicinal Benefits Rooted in Tradition
For generations, Blood Fruit has been part of indigenous medicine. Here’s how different communities use it:
-
The Garo tribe in Meghalaya uses it to treat anaemia and blood-related disorders. Ripe fruits are soaked in water overnight and consumed in the morning like a natural tonic.
-
In Bangladesh, its shoots are used to treat jaundice, and the root paste is applied to relieve itchiness.
-
The fruit is also believed to support heart health, improve digestion, and may even have anti-cancer potential due to its high antioxidant content.
While scientific research on these traditional claims is still in early stages, the nutrient profile of the fruit supports many of these benefits.
How to Eat and Use Blood Fruit
The fruit can be enjoyed in various simple and creative ways:
-
Fresh and Raw: When fully ripe, the pulp is soft, tangy, and slightly sweet and perfect for a refreshing snack.
-
Juice or Infusion: Soak sliced fruits in water to make a natural, iron-rich drink.
-
Pickles and Chutneys: Green, unripe fruits are often pickled or made into chutneys.
-
Natural Dye: Its rich red juice can be used to naturally color soft drinks, desserts, and even fabrics. With its strong coloring ability, there's growing interest in using it as a natural food colorant, replacing synthetic dyes that may have health risks.
-
Wine Making: Some communities also use Blood Fruit to make traditional fruit wine.
A Few Words of Caution
Like many wild fruits, Blood Fruit contains natural compounds that need to be consumed in moderation. It has been found to contain small amounts of nitrate, oxalate, phytate, and saponin compounds that can interfere with nutrient absorption if eaten in excess. However, the levels in the edible pulp are considered safe for regular consumption.
As with any wild or lesser-known food, it’s best to introduce it slowly into your diet and consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s world of superfoods and health supplements, Blood Fruit stands as a reminder that nature’s pharmacy is often just beyond our backyard. For remote tribal communities, it offers not only nourishment but also food security, cultural identity, and economic opportunity.
Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, this fruit remains underutilized and largely unknown outside its native regions. Large quantities of it go to waste during the fruiting season. By bringing it into wider culinary and medicinal use, there’s a real opportunity to create sustainable livelihoods while promoting better nutrition.
Future Prospects
With increasing interest in natural, plant-based wellness, Blood Fruit holds strong potential as a nutraceutical crop. More research, better awareness, and conservation efforts could turn this hidden gem into a market-ready functional food, especially valuable for people suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia or looking for antioxidant-rich diets.
Blood Fruit isn’t just another exotic wild plant, it’s a symbol of the rich, untapped botanical wealth that nature offers us. From healing traditions to potential health trends, it carries stories, benefits, and hope. As more people seek out natural, nutrient-rich foods, it may finally get the recognition it truly deserves.
So next time you hear about a fruit that bleeds red juice and heals from within, remember the humble Blood Fruit, the forest’s own superfood in disguise.
