A Study on the Uses and Conservation of Traditional Fruit Trees in Uttarakhand: Their Ethnobotanical and Nutritional Significance

Year : 2025 | Volume :12 | Issue : 01 | Page : 01-19
    By

    Aradhana,

  • Maneesha Singh,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India
  2. Professor, Department of Botany, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

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Uttarakhand, a mountainous state in India, is home to a rich diversity of traditional fruit trees, characterized by their significant ethnobotanical and nutritional value. These fruits, cultivated in temperate and subtropical conditions, are integral to the livelihoods of rural populations, offering food security and economic opportunities. This study explores the distribution, morphological traits, and ethnobotanical uses of traditional fruits like kafal (Myrica esculenta), hisalu (Rubus ellipticus), and timil (Ficus auriculata). Additionally, their phytochemical properties and nutritional benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities, are discussed. Traditional knowledge of wild fruits has enabled their sustainable use as food, medicine, and fodder, but challenges like climate change and inadequate commercialization hinder their full potential. Conservation strategies, coupled with value addition, can enhance their marketability and support the local economy. This paper highlights the necessity of improved cultivation, post-harvest technologies, and community education to maximize the benefits of traditional fruit trees in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand’s traditional fruit trees, like kafal, hisalu, and timil, hold significant ethnobotanical and nutritional value, supporting rural livelihoods through food, medicine, and fodder. These fruits are rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Despite their potential, challenges such as climate change and limited commercialization hinder their utilization. The study emphasizes the need for conservation, improved cultivation practices, post-harvest technologies, and community education to enhance marketability and promote sustainable use, benefiting both the local economy and biodiversity.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, traditional fruits, uttarakhand, nutritional value, conservation, wild edibles

[This article belongs to Emerging Trends in Chemical Engineering (etce)]

How to cite this article:
Aradhana, Maneesha Singh. A Study on the Uses and Conservation of Traditional Fruit Trees in Uttarakhand: Their Ethnobotanical and Nutritional Significance. Emerging Trends in Chemical Engineering. 2025; 12(01):01-19.
How to cite this URL:
Aradhana, Maneesha Singh. A Study on the Uses and Conservation of Traditional Fruit Trees in Uttarakhand: Their Ethnobotanical and Nutritional Significance. Emerging Trends in Chemical Engineering. 2025; 12(01):01-19. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/etce/article=2025/view=0

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 12
Issue 01
Received 07/01/2025
Accepted 09/01/2025
Published 15/01/2025
239