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sun-dried black nightshade berries.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
manathakkali vathalmanathakkali vatralblack nightshade berry vathal
SERVING
CALORIES
300
PROTEIN
4.0g
CARBS
75g
FAT
1.0g
FIBER
5.0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories300kcal—
Protein4.0g8%
Carbohydrates75g27%
Fiber5.0g18%
Sugar55g110%
Total fat1.0g1%
Saturated fat0.10g1%
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water15g—
MINERALS
Sodium10mg0%
Potassium400mg9%
Calcium80mg6%
Iron3.0mg17%
Magnesium40mg10%
Phosphorus80mg6%
Zinc2.1mg19%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A100µg11%
Vitamin C10mg11%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.35mg29%
Riboflavin (B2)0.38mg29%
Niacin (B3)3.2mg20%
Vitamin B60.50mg29%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup144g
1 tablespoon9g
1 teaspoon3g
1 ml0.6g
1 liter600g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenols, which help protect cells from oxidative damage.
- ✓Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine to treat stomach ailments, mouth ulcers, and liver disorders.
- ✓Contains essential nutrients including iron, calcium, and Vitamin A, contributing to overall health.
- ✓May possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help in managing inflammation-related conditions.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Before use, fry the dried berries in a small amount of oil or ghee until they puff up and turn dark brown. This process, called 'tempering', reduces bitterness and enhances their flavor.
- 2Add the fried berries to tamarind-based curries (like 'Vathal Kuzhambu' in South India) to impart a unique tangy, bitter, and savory taste.
- 3Crush the fried berries and mix them with hot cooked rice and a dollop of ghee for a simple and traditional dish.
- 4Incorporate the fried berries into yogurt-based dishes ('thayir pachadi') or sprinkle over stir-fries for added texture and a complex flavor profile.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place inside an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain freshness.
- When stored properly, they can last for 6 months to a year without losing their flavor or texture.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Are sun-dried black nightshade berries healthy?
Yes, these berries are highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenols, which protect cells from oxidative damage. They are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat stomach ailments, mouth ulcers, and liver disorders.
What is the nutritional profile of sun-dried black nightshade berries?
Per 100g, these berries contain approximately 300 calories, 4g of protein, 75g of carbohydrates, and 1g of fat. They are also a good source of essential minerals like iron and calcium, along with Vitamin A.
Are sun-dried black nightshade berries vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally vegan and gluten-free. They are a plant-based fruit product and are suitable for individuals following a gluten-free diet or a vegan lifestyle.
Are these berries keto-friendly?
While they contain 75g of carbs per 100g, they are typically consumed in very small quantities (about 5-10g per serving). In these small amounts, they can fit into a keto or low-carb diet, but intake should be monitored.
How do you cook or prepare sun-dried black nightshade berries?
They are most commonly deep-fried or sautéed in a small amount of oil or ghee until they become crunchy and dark. They are frequently used in South Indian dishes like Vathal Kuzhambu or served as a side for curd rice.
What do sun-dried black nightshade berries taste like?
They have a unique, intensely bitter and earthy flavor profile. When fried, the bitterness mellows slightly and they develop a savory, salty, and crunchy quality that adds depth to mild dishes.
Can I eat sun-dried black nightshade berries raw?
While not harmful if properly dried, they are extremely hard and unpleasantly bitter when raw. Cooking them in oil is the standard preparation method to make them palatable and crunchy.
How should I store these berries and how long do they last?
Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If kept away from moisture, sun-dried black nightshade berries can last for up to one year without losing their nutritional value or flavor.
Do these berries help with mouth ulcers?
Yes, they are traditionally recognized in Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine for their ability to heal mouth ulcers and stomach linings. Their anti-inflammatory properties are believed to soothe the digestive tract.
Can I substitute sun-dried black nightshade berries with something else?
The closest substitute is sun-dried turkey berries (Sundakkai), which offer a similar bitterness and texture. If neither is available, you can use dried fenugreek seeds for bitterness, though the texture will differ.
RECIPES
Cook with sun-dried black nightshade berries.
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