What Does a Wood Apple Contain? A Look at Its Rich Nutritional Profile

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

With a hard, woody shell and aromatic pulp, the wood apple (Limonia acidissima) is an underutilized fruit powerhouse, and analysis reveals that a 100-gram serving can contain significant amounts of protein, fiber, and calcium. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the wood apple is highly valued for its therapeutic properties, which are derived from its rich nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

The wood apple contains a dense nutritional profile of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is also rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as vitamins such as C and B-complex. Its powerful phytochemicals, including tannins and flavonoids, provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Key Points

Rich in Dietary Fiber: The wood apple is an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and relieving constipation.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: It contains vital nutrients such as vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium.
High in Antioxidants: Its phytochemical profile, featuring flavonoids and tannins, provides strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Offers Digestive Relief: Used in Ayurvedic medicine, wood apple pulp is known to help treat digestive issues like diarrhea, dysentery, and ulcers.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: Its unique, complex flavor allows it to be used in beverages, jams, and savory dishes across different cuisines.
Nutrient-Dense Pulp: The edible pulp provides a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, offering a balanced nutritional boost.

Macronutrients: The Foundational Fuel

The pulp of the wood apple is a source of essential macronutrients. A 100-gram serving offers carbohydrates, including natural sugars, and a substantial amount of dietary fiber, crucial for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and alleviating constipation. Wood apples also contain protein, with amounts varying based on maturity and analysis.

The Importance of Fiber

The fiber in wood apples aids digestion by adding bulk to stool, stimulating intestinal muscles, acting as a prebiotic, and slowing sugar absorption to help manage blood sugar levels.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

The wood apple is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It's a source of vitamin C, important for the immune system, with studies showing high levels in fresh pulp. B-complex vitamins, such as riboflavin (B2) and thiamine (B1), are present and vital for energy metabolism. Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, also supports vision, skin, and immune function.

Key Minerals

Wood apple provides a range of minerals. It is a source of calcium for strong bones, phosphorus which works with calcium, bioavailable iron for hemoglobin, potassium to regulate blood pressure, and zinc for immune function.

Bioactive Phytochemicals

The wood apple's health benefits are linked to its bioactive compounds, which offer protection against ailments.

Flavonoids: These antioxidants combat oxidative stress and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins: Found in the leaves and pulp, tannins provide anti-inflammatory benefits and are traditionally used for digestive issues.
Coumarins: These compounds have antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antioxidant effects.
Saponins: These medicinal compounds are also present.

Comparison: Wood Apple vs. Bael Fruit

Wood apple (Limonia acidissima) and bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) are often confused but have distinct characteristics. The table below highlights some differences.


Feature	Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima)	Bael Fruit (Aegle marmelos)
Shell	Extremely hard, woody, and greyish-white.	Smooth, tough, and yellow or greenish.
Pulp	Aromatic, resinous, astringent, brown, with numerous small seeds.	Sweet, aromatic, and orange-colored with a slimy texture.
Flavor	Sweet, sour, and tangy, sometimes with fermented notes.	Sweet, fragrant, and pleasant.
Key Minerals	High in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium.	Also rich in vitamins and minerals, but specific profiles differ.
Traditional Uses	Often used for digestion, liver, and cardiac health.	Valued for digestion and managing blood sugar.

Culinary Uses

The wood apple's unique flavor makes it versatile in cooking.

Beverages: The pulp is used to make 'sherbet', a cooling drink.
Jams and Jellies: Its pectin content makes it suitable for jams and chutneys.
Desserts: It flavors ice creams and milkshakes.
Savory Dishes: It's used in chutneys, curries, and sauces.

Conclusion

A wood apple contains a rich blend of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and significant fiber for digestion. It provides essential vitamins like C and B-complex, along with minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. Its phytochemicals, including flavonoids and tannins, offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These components support its use in traditional medicine and its recognition as a healthy food. For more research, you can explore studies on platforms like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

To eat a wood apple, you must first crack its hard outer shell with a hammer or a strong object. Scoop out the pulpy, aromatic flesh with a spoon, and you can enjoy it raw, blended into a juice, or cooked into jams and chutneys.

Yes, wood apples are excellent for digestion. They are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and relieves constipation. In traditional medicine, it's also used to treat diarrhea and soothe intestinal inflammation.

While sometimes confused, wood apples (Limonia acidissima) and bael fruits (Aegle marmelos) are different species. Wood apples have an extremely hard shell and a tangy, resinous pulp, whereas bael fruits have a smoother shell and a sweeter, more fragrant pulp.

The high fiber content of wood apples helps slow the absorption of sugar, which can help manage blood sugar levels and prevent sharp spikes. This makes it a potentially beneficial fruit for individuals concerned with blood glucose control.

A wood apple contains several important vitamins, including a significant amount of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. It also provides B-complex vitamins like riboflavin (B2) and thiamine (B1), along with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.

Yes, wood apple is known in traditional practices to have a cooling effect on the body. For this reason, it is often consumed as a sherbet or juice during summer to help combat heatstroke and maintain body temperature.

Common uses include preparing beverages, jams, and jellies from the pulp. In some regions, it is also used in savory applications like chutneys and sauces, and for flavoring desserts such as ice creams.