🌴4. Palmyra Palm Sprout (Panang Kizhangu / Thati Thegalu / Gengulu) – A Heritage Superfood from the Toddy Palm!

Today, let’s get to know more about a lesser-known marvel of the Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabellifer), also known for gifting Ice Apple (Tadfali) and Toddy (Taadi). While the refreshing fruit and the iconic drink are well-known, Palmyra also offers us an underground gem—the Palmyra Palm Sprout (Panang Kizhangu). 🌱

🌿 What is Palmyra Sprout?

The Palmyra Sprout is a tuberous stem, slightly yellowish and chewy when boiled, underground sprout of  Palmyra Palm tree ,also grown from germinated seeds planted underground. It is collected  by digging the area where seeds are germinated and cleaned for further use. Traditionally known and cherished in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, it’s a culturally celebrated food with incredible health benefits.

🥣 Nutritional Powerhouse

Palmyra Sprout is a nutrient-dense vegetable, bringing rich fiber and iron to the table. Here’s a snapshot of its nutritional profile:

• Calories: 118.4 kcal/100g
• Moisture :62.38g/100g
• Carbohydrates: 23.53 g/100g
• Fiber: 7.3 g/100g
• Protein: 8.5 g/100g
• Fat: 0.6
• Iron: 0.38 mg/100g

High in fiber, this tuber aids digestion, controls appetite, and supports weight management. Low in glycemic index (57), it’s also suitable for diabetics.

🌱 Key Benefits

1. Antioxidant – Fights free radicals for overall health.
2. Anti-diuretic – Supports kidney function and hydration.
3. Anthelmintic – Known to prevent various stomach related problems and constipation.
4. Anti-diabetic – Low glycemic impact, beneficial for sugar regulation.

👩🍳 Culinary Ideas and Usage

Traditionally eaten after boiling, Palmyra Sprout’s versatility shines through various dishes. Palmyra Root Powder is prepared with mature palmyra tubers , the skin is peeled, cooked in steam and chipped. These chips are dried, powdered into fine flour or coarse flour using a mill to obtain rava. When processed into rava, it’s perfect for  idli, laddu, payasam, porridge, and pakora. As a high-fiber flour, it helps relieve constipation and other stomach ailments.

Let’s get creative—try it in global dishes for a fusion twist!

🏆 The Takeaway

Though lesser-known, the Palmyra Sprout is a treasure trove of benefits, supporting digestive, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. Its rich cultural roots and functional benefits are just waiting to be rediscovered. Let’s bring this heritage superfood to the mainstream and enjoy its wellness benefits and unique taste!

💡 How would you incorporate Palmyra Sprout into your diet? Share your recipes and ideas below!

References :

Sahni, C., Shakil, N. A., Jha, V., & Kumar Gupta, R. (2014). Screening of nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the roots of Borassus flabellifer (Asian Palmyra Palm). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry JPP, 58, 58–68.

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