Origin of bael fruit

Beal fruit has been known in India since ancient times, and the tree on which it grows is regarded as sacred.  The history of this tree has been traced to Vedic period (2000 BC – 800 BC). The mention of bale fruit has been made in Yajurveda.

The tree has great mythological significance and abounds in the vicinity of temples. The leaves of the tree are traditionally used as sacred offering to Lord Siva, the God of health.

In the ‘Upavna Vinoda’, a Sanskrit treatise on silviculture and in the ‘Brihat Samhita’, mention was made of bael fruit. It has been said that this tree indicates the presence of underground water.

Three reaches about 40 feet in height and its fruit are generally about 2 to 5 inches across. The Portuguese called them marmelos because they gave the flavor of marmalade and can be eaten raw.

Garcia d’Orta who resided in India as physician to the Portuguese viceroy at Goa in the 16th century, wrote an account of the fruit under the name of Marmelos de Benguala, describing its use in dysentery.
Origin of bael fruit