As the summer heat intensifies, the demand for nungu (palm fruit) has surged across Chennai, with fruit vendors lining the streets from Marina Beach to T. Nagar, selling the translucent, jelly-like fruit by the heaps. Touted as nature’s own coolant, nungu is not just a seasonal delicacy, but a health-packed fruit gaining growing popularity among the city’s health-conscious population.Speaking to this reporter, nutritionist Dr. Rekha Srinivasan said, “Palm fruit is rich in water content, making it excellent for hydration. It’s low in calories, high in potassium, and aids digestion. It also soothes acidity and cools the body from within—making it ideal for the scorching Tamil Nadu summer.”
A single nungu pod contains vital nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C, iron, and zinc. It is often recommended for children and the elderly to prevent dehydration and improve gut health.
In local markets, one piece sells between ₹10 and ₹20 depending on size and freshness. Vendors say sales have doubled over the past few weeks. “People now ask not just for the taste, but also for health. We are selling close to 300 fruits a day,” said Kumar, a roadside vendor in Mylapore.
From being consumed raw to being blended into summer drinks or desserts like nungu payasam and nungu sherbet, this humble fruit has come a long way from its rural roots. With rising temperatures and a push toward natural foods, nungu continues to thrive as Chennai’s seasonal superfood.