Bael fruit or Bengal quince
Family Rutaceae
Aegle marmelos, the bael fruit or Bengal quince (A. marmelos 1), is a thorny deciduous tree, up to 12 m high, with trifoliate leaves and sweet scenting flowers. The globose fruits, 5-10 cm across (A. marmelos 2) resemble citrus fruits, but with a hard skin. The aromatic yellowish pulp (A. marmelos 3) contains many seeds and becomes hard in drying.
Distribution and use
The fruit is eaten fresh or dried and made into jam. It is a native of India and is introduced in some tropical countries. Unripe fruits are used medicinally.