The scramberry or the Loobikka is generally known as a sour tasting berry, though the fully ripe ones will have a little sweetness. However, Sweet Loobi, which are hybrid varieties are now available.
Loobikka also has very small pods on the inside. The seedlings start bearing fruits in four or five years and continue to bear fruits for forty to fifty years. Plants through vegetative propagation methods start bearing fruits in 2 years. The Looobi, which is a small tree, grows as a house tree.
- Origin: India, Southeast Asia
- Common names: Loobikka, Lovlolika, Sruvavrksha, Indian coffee plum, Indian sour cherry, Scramberry
- Scientific name: Flacourtia jangomas
- Botanical family: Salicaceae
- Edibility rating: 6/10
- Health Benefits: 6/10
Edible Uses
Loobikka chutney is made by crushing ripe loobikka with salt and green chillies and pouring coconut oil over it. It is also suitable for mixing salted loobikka and green chillies.It can be used for pickling due to its high acidity and for making jams as it is well ripened. Loobikka is also used as a sweetener in fish curries.