Gular
What is it?
Cluster figs, commonly known as gular, are a fruit belonging to the Moraceae (mulberry) family.
The fruits resemble figs and grow in clusters directly from the tree trunk. The outer skin is leathery. Unripe fruits have a slightly acidic taste and are astringent in nature. The fruit slowly becomes sweeter as it ripens. The colour of the fruit also changes from green to a deep red as it matures. The fruit contains tiny seeds, similar to figs.
What other names does it have?
Botanical Name: Ficus racemosa
Regional Names: Lapoosen (Uttar Pradesh), Dumur Phol (West Bengal), Rumbud (konkani), Atthimara (Kannada), Dimiri (Odia), Udumbaramu (Telugu)
When is it in season?
Where is it found?
Cluster fig trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. They prefer warm and humid environments and temperatures between 20°C and 38°C. The tree is native to the Indian Subcontinent, and is often found growing along the sides of roads, its evergreen canopy providing shade.
What is its history/cultural significance?
Gular trees are native to India, and are often planted around villages to provide shade and edible fruits. In the fruiting season, the ripe figs fall on the ground, often staining the road. According to folklore, the flowers of the Gular tree are known to be elusive, and not many people claim to have seen them. The Hindi phrase ‘Gular ke Phool’ is used to describe something that is a rare occurrence. The fruits have been consumed by rural and tribal communities. Historian Priti Saxena documents how these trees served as an important food source in Bihar during the famine of 1767-68. The fruits serve as a source of food for wildlife like bugs, birds, and macaques.
How can you use it?
When raw, Gular fruits can be cooked and prepared into curries, sabzis, pickles, and mashed into chokha. To prepare for cooking, the raw fruit must be cut and washed thoroughly. Par-boiling or pressure-cooking will help soften the fruit’s tough and chewy texture. Ripe Gular fruits can be eaten directly after washing them in water.
What states can I find it in?
What parts of the plant are edible?
Fruit, Shoots, Young Leaves
Is it nutritious?
Gular fruit is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids. According to the same study, the fruits also contain alkaloids and resins, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.
How do you store it?
Fresh Gular fruits have a short shelf-life and should be consumed immediately. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Dried Gular fruits can be stored in an air-tight container away from moisture and sunlight for around six months.
TL Stories & Recipes:
Discovering Gular, the Lesser-Known Fig, and Other Lessons About Lost Foods
In this article, the author traces the social and culinary history of Gular in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Gular ki Sabzi by Priti Saxena
Other Stories:
Gooler, the country fig: A medicinal fruit that can be cooked in many ways by Sangeeta Khanna
This article explores the author’s memories and recipes of Gular from Banaras.
Other Recipes:
Cluster Fig Curry by Prabha Kamath
Gooler Ka Chokha Recipe by Down To Earth
‘Know Your Desi Ingredients’ is an ever-expanding repository of knowledge for ingredients that are native to the Indian subcontinent and adapted into the mainstream culinary narratives of people, places, and cultures across India. If you would like to share more information about the write-ups featured here, send us an email at connect@thelocavore.in with your inputs and any verified sources we should look into.
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