Falsa or Phalsa in Urdu, Grewia in English Pharwan in Sindhi while Palsa in Persian is the name for the much awaited fruit by many people in the summer. However, its botanical name is much difficult on tongue, called as Grewia asiatica.
Our favourite fruit Falsa or Phalsa is widely cultivated in tropical countries including Pakistan. It is extensively cultivated for its sweet and sour acidic fruits, which are sold in the market during summer season.
The season of Falsa is quite started in Pakistan as witnessed at many of the fruit markets, streets and chawks of the city. But now, Falsa is available at expensive rates not easy on the pocket of everyone. It is been selling at 240 per kg in the markets.
The mouth-watering sherbet or squash is also prepared from the fruit pulp by mixing it with sugar and used as an astringent, stomachic and cooling agent.
The fruit is low in sodium, fat and rich in Vitamin C and plays role in curing some fatal diseases such as liver diseases, constipation, heat rashes and Malaria and are said to be good for heart and blood disorders, fevers and diarrhea.