The palmyra sprout, derived from the toddy palm tree or Broassus Flabellifer is commonly grown in Bihar, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Uusally eaten raw, boiled or roasted, the fibre-rich vegetable is in season from the months of January to March. Eaten in sabzis or mixed with jaggery, the sprout is also called Panam Kazhangu in Tamil, Khajoor ka Ankoor in Hindi and Thegalu in Telegu.
A lesser-known product of the toddy palm tree that is harvested for sweet toddy, palm fruit, palm sugar, the palmyra sprout is cultivated just below the surface and is harvested when still tender. Amongst one of the forgotten food traditions in the country, palmyra sprout finds itself gaining relevance through local food bloggers and for its nutrient-dense properties.
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High Protein Content
A rich source of plant-based protein, the proteins from the palmyra sprout is beneficial for the regeneration of tissues and regulating hormones and body enzymes. Unlike most other essential nutrients that are stored in the body, consuming palmyra sprouts do not result in the formation of any protein reservoirs in the body and hence, helps in regulating and maintaining optimum protein levels.
Good for Skin Health
Palmyra sprouts possess high anti-inflammatory properties that is highly beneficial for maintaining good skin quality. It enhances the rate of healing and soothes itchiness, rashes, prickly heat and redness of the face. Applying a paste of the sweet palmyra sprout as a face pack or consuming it as a drink, can work wonders for everyone, including children and infants.
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Fibre Rich
Having an excellent amount of fibre content, eating the palmyra sprout keeps you full for longer and is effective in regulating bowel movements and overall gut health. It eases stomach inflations and cools down the body during the summer. It helps retaining minerals and nutrients in the body and reduces one’s tendency to overeat.
Calcium, Magnesium and Iron Dense
Calcium content, necessary for muscle-contraction, keeps the bones from wearing out due to age-related ailments. Palmyra sprouts protect against the onset of osteoporosis in women and the iron content helps in the functionality of a healthy pregnancy. If fed to children starting at a younger age, palmyra sprouts improve vitality and haemoglobin levels in the blood. The presence of magnesium in the sprouts are great for cardiovascular health and creation of healthy cholesterol.