Ramphal, Sitaphal And Hanuman Phal: The Ramayana Link Behind These Seasonal Fruits Isn’t What You Think

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Have you ever stopped to think about how strangely connected some Indian fruit names are to the Ramayana? Sitaphal, Ramphal, Hanuman Phal, Lakshman Phal sound less like fruits and more like characters straight out of an epic we all grew up hearing about. Most people assume there must be an ancient story behind them. Maybe these were fruits eaten during vanvas, or something mentioned somewhere in the Ramayana itself.

Photo Credit: Instagram@rajadeja13/manjeet.kaur19/kitchensbell

But the truth behind these names is far more unexpected. These fruits are real, popular across India, packed with nutrients - and despite their deeply Indian names, they did not even originate in India. The story of how they got linked to Ram, Sita, Hanuman, and Lakshman is a mix of folklore and trade history.

First, What Exactly Are These Fruits?

Ramphal, Sitaphal, and Hanuman Phal all belong to the Annona family of fruits. Scientifically, they are relatives, which explains why they share a creamy texture and naturally sweet taste.

Here's the basic breakdown:

Sitaphal = Annona squamosa

Also known as custard apple or sugar apple

Ramphal = Annona reticulata

Also called bullock's heart

Hanuman Phal / Lakshman Phal = commonly linked to Annona muricata

Better known globally as soursop or graviola

These fruits are packed with fibre, vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, and natural sugars that provide energy.

The Plot Twist: These Fruits Are Not Originally Indian

This is the part most people don't know.

Despite the Ramayana-inspired names, these fruits are actually native to:

• Central America
• South America
• The Caribbean

Historians and horticulture experts believe they reached India through Portuguese trade routes sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries. So why the names? That comes from Indian cultural storytelling and local naming traditions that developed later.

Why Sitaphal Was Linked To Sita

Sitaphal is probably the most loved among the three. It has soft white flesh, a gentle sweetness, and a cooling effect people often associate with summer.

Many believe the fruit was named after Sita because:

• it looks delicate and pure
• its sweetness reminded people of her character
• the creamy white pulp symbolised softness and calmness

There's no historical proof behind this connection, but the association became deeply rooted in Indian culture over time. And honestly, once you hear the name "Sitaphal," it is difficult to imagine it being called anything else.

Ramphal Is Bigger, Creamier And Less Famous

Ramphal is the lesser known cousin in the Annona family. Compared to Sitaphal, it:

• has smoother skin
• is less grainy
• often tastes creamier and milder
• a reddish or pinkish appearance also makes it easy to identify.

Theories around its name are mostly folklore. Some stories claim the fruit was linked to Lord Ram because it was considered noble, rich, or royal in taste. Others simply believe it was named to pair naturally with Sitaphal.

Though there is no verified Ramayana reference to Ramphal itself, the pairing of Ram and Sita through fruit names became culturally memorable enough to survive for generations.

Hanuman Phal Or Lakshman Phal

Depending on the region, people may call this fruit:

• Hanuman Phal
• Lakshman Phal
• Soursop
• Graviola

In many Indian markets, Hanuman Phal and Lakshman Phal are used interchangeably.
The fruit itself is larger, green, and spiky-looking, which may explain why people associated it with strength and power. Some even loosely connect it to Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani mountain, though there is no scriptural evidence behind that claim. What matters is that the naming became part of local storytelling traditions rather than ancient mythology itself.

Are These Fruits Actually Healthy?

Yes. These fruits genuinely contain:

• antioxidants
• fibre
• vitamin C
• potassium
• magnesium
• Because of this, they may help support:
• digestion
• hydration
• immunity
• natural energy levels
• skin health through antioxidants

Sitaphal and Ramphal also contain small amounts of iron and calcium.

One Important Thing People Ignore: The Seeds

The fruit pulp is generally safe to eat when ripe. Many Annona fruits contain compounds in their seeds that should not be consumed. Crushing or eating the seeds is not recommended. This is one reason why blindly following viral "natural remedy" videos online can backfire.

To summarize, Ramphal, Sitaphal, and Hanuman Phal are a mix of botany, trade history, folklore, and Indian imagination. Scientifically, they came from the Americas. Culturally, India adopted them and connected them to some of the most recognisable figures from the Ramayana.