What is the Difference Between Bael Fruit and Wood Apple

Bale fruit and wood apple are two similar tropical fruits commonly found in Asia. Although some people use these two names interchangeably, bale fruit is not the same as wood apple.

What is the difference between bale fruit and wood apple? Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) has a hard, yellowish-green shell that turns yellow when ripe. Inside, it has orange fibrous pulp. Wood apple (Limonia acidissima) has a rough, grayish-brown shell and a sticky, earthy brown pulp.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Bael Fruit  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Wood Apple
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Bael Fruit and Wood Apple
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Bael Fruit and Wood Apple
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Bael Fruit and Wood Apple
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Bael Fruit, Wood Apple

What is Bael Fruit

Bael fruit is a fruit native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The fruit is found in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It is scientifically known as Aegle marmelos. However, it’s also known by names like Bengal quince, golden apple, Japanese bitter orange, and stone apple.

The bael fruit is usually about 5 to 10 cm in diameter. It has a thick, hard rind that doesn’t split when ripe. The shell is smooth and green to gray, but it turns yellow when fully ripe. Inside, the fruit is divided into sections filled with pulp and contains several seeds encased in a mucilage that solidifies as it dries. This fruit takes about 11 months to ripen and reaches maturity in December. Some bael fruits can be as large as a grapefruit or pomelo. As it has a hard shell, it needs to be cracked open with a hammer or machete.

The flesh of bael is fibrous and has a strong, aromatic scent. Many describe it as sweet, tangy, and slightly astringent, with hints of citrus and tamarind. The pulp often has a marmalade-like consistency. Moreover, bael fruit has many health benefits. It is commonly used to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and boost the immune system due to its high vitamin C content.

What is Wood Apple

Wood Apple (scientifically known as Limonia acidissima) is another tropical fruit native to South Asia. It is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

The fruit has a hard, rough shell that is brown or gray in color. When ripe, it naturally splits open. Inside, it has a sticky, fibrous pulp. Its flesh is aromatic – it has a unique earthy taste with a mix of sweetness and tanginess. The seeds are embedded in a slimy, mucilaginous pulp that solidifies as it dries.

Wood apple is commonly used in traditional medicine and cooking. Its pulp is often used to make health drinks, desserts, jams, and pickles. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Therefore, it helps in digestion and boosts immunity.

Similarities Between Bael Fruit and Wood Apple

1. Both have hard outer shells. You have to crack them open to access the pulp inside.
2. Their pulp is fibrous and sticky.
3. They are native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
4. They are used in traditional medicine to aid digestion and boost immunity.
5. Both can be eaten raw or can be used to make various products like juices, jams, pickles, and candies.

Difference Between Bael Fruit and Wood Apple

Scientific Name

• Bael fruit is Aegle marmelos while wood apple is Limonia acidissima.

Appearance

• Bael is globose or slightly pear-shaped with a thick, hard rind that turns yellow when ripe. Wood apple has a round or oval shape with a hard, rough exterior covered by a thick, woody shell that is grey or brown.

Pulp

• The pulp of bael fruit is orange in color, while the pulp of wood apple is earthy brown.

Flavor

• Bael fruit has a sweet, tangy, and slightly astringent flavor, whereas wood apple has a more earthy and robust flavor with a strong tangy base.

FAQ: Bael Fruit and Wood Apple

1. Is bael fruit the same as wood apple?

Although many people use the name ‘wood apple’ to describe the bael fruit, the wood apple is not the same as the bael fruit. Bael fruit is Aegle marmelos while wood apple is Limonia acidissima.

2. Who should avoid eating bael fruit?

Eating too much bael fruit can cause digestive problems like bloating, gas, and constipation. Bael fruit can lower blood sugar levels, which may be risky for people with hypoglycemia or those taking diabetes medication.

3. Can bael fruit be eaten raw?

Yes, bael fruit can be eaten raw. The fibrous orange pulp inside is edible and has a sweet, tangy flavor. Some people also use this pulp to make juices, smoothies, or desserts.

4. What is bael fruit good for?

Bael fruit is good for digestion, as it helps relieve issues like bloating and constipation. It also boosts the immune system with its high vitamin C content and antioxidants.

Reference:

1. “Aegle Marmelos.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Bael15 Mounts Asit” By Asit K. Ghosh Thaumaturgist – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Wood-apple dec2007“By Seisfeldt at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Jayantanth using CommonsHelper. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia