Physico-chemical evaluation of wild genotypes of bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.) from Bhabar region of Uttarakhand

Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) belongs to the family Rutaceae, occupies an important place among the indigenous fruits of India. Every part of the tree such as root, bark, leaf, flower, fruits, seed and even its latex are important in several traditional system of medicine that is why it is one of the most important medicinal trees in India. Bael fruit is hardy in nature and surrounded by a hardy shell over it which protect the fruit from spoilage and other injuries. Seeds are surrounded by slimy transparent mucilage which Known as (marmelosin) “panacea of stomach ailments”. The bael fruit pulp contains many functional and bioactive compounds such as riboflavin, vitamin B, minerals, carotenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids and other antioxidant compounds which protects us from free radicals and protect us from several chronic diseases. Under the present investigations, various wild genotypes of bael fruits have been collected from Bhabar regions of Uttarakhand and have been studied for their physico-chemical properties. The findings have revealed that a few genotypes are very rich in mineral and vitamin contents and have potentials to be developed as superior varieties for various purposes.