Gunda

Scientific Name

Cordia myxa

Native Region

India

Swadeshi Code

SWADESHI-09

Overview

Gunda, also known as Indian Gum Berry, Lasoda, Lisora and Cordia Myxa, is a traditional fruit vegetable found across many regions of Bharat. Although botanically a fruit, it is widely consumed as a vegetable and is particularly famous for pickles, seasonal preparations and traditional summer cuisine.

Its unique sticky texture, excellent preservation qualities and nutritional value have made it an important part of indigenous food systems for generations.

Names Across Bharat

Gunda – Gujarati, Hindi
Lasoda / Lisora / Lesua
Dela / Tenti
Bhokta – Marathi
Chalkhe – Kannada
Bird Lemon
Assyrian Plum
Cordia Latifolia

Botanical Information

Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific Name: Cordia myxa
Growth Habit: Medium-sized tree
Fruit Texture: Sticky and mucilaginous
Climate: Semi-arid to tropical
Traditional Status: Indigenous Bharatiya species

Season & Availability

Typically available during summer months.
Harvested before full maturity for vegetable and pickle use.
Fresh fruits appear from late spring to early monsoon depending on region.
Widely found in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions.
Often sold in local markets during its short seasonal window.
Preserved through pickling for year-round consumption.

Seasonal Produce

Traditional Uses

One of the most popular traditional pickle ingredients in western India.
Used in mixed vegetable preparations.
Combined with spices, mustard and oil for long-term preservation.
Included in household summer food traditions.
Used in community feasts and traditional cuisines.
Consumed both fresh and preserved.

Traditional Culinary Heritage

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Traditional knowledge systems have long valued Gunda for its nutritional and wellness-supporting properties. It contains dietary fibre and naturally occurring plant compounds that have made it a valued ingredient in indigenous food traditions.

Good source of dietary fibre.
Traditionally associated with digestive wellness.
Consumed as part of seasonal diets.
Contains naturally occurring micronutrients.
Used in traditional household remedies in several regions.
Supports dietary diversity through indigenous food consumption.

Traditional medicinal uses vary across regions and communities. Such uses form part of local knowledge traditions and may differ based on preparation methods and cultural practices.

Storage & Preservation

Gunda is particularly valued because of its suitability for preservation. Its unique texture allows it to absorb spices and seasonings effectively, making it one of the most popular vegetables for traditional pickling.

Fresh fruits should be consumed soon after harvest.
Can be preserved for extended periods through pickling.
Traditionally stored in earthenware or glass containers.
Oil-based preservation is common in many regions.
Properly preserved products can remain usable for many months.

Interesting Facts

Botanically a fruit but commonly treated as a vegetable in Indian cuisine.
Known by numerous regional names across Bharat.
Its sticky interior is one of its most distinctive characteristics.
Has been part of traditional food systems for generations.
Frequently associated with homemade seasonal pickles.
Represents an example of indigenous food biodiversity.
Often unavailable in large modern retail chains despite its traditional popularity.
Remains an important part of regional culinary heritage.

Related Gourds

Explore other traditional vegetables within the Gourds repository.