{"id":2929,"date":"2018-06-21T09:25:07","date_gmt":"2018-06-21T09:25:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kodavaclan.com\/kodaguheritage\/?p=2929"},"modified":"2026-10-22T16:04:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T16:04:45","slug":"ambatte-hog-plum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kodavaclan.com\/kodaguheritage\/ambatte-hog-plum\/","title":{"rendered":"Ambatte – Hog Plum"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ambatte \u2013 Hog Plum<\/h1>\n
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A Native Fruit Tree of Kodagu \"\"<\/h2>\n

Kodava name:<\/strong> Ambatte<\/p>\n

Kannada name<\/strong> : Goddada Kayi, Kodali Mavu, Amate kayi<\/p>\n

English name:<\/strong> Hog Plum \/ Indian Hog Plum<\/p>\n

Scientific name:<\/strong> Spondias pinnata<\/em> (L.f.) Kurz
\nFamily:<\/strong> Anacardiaceae<\/p>\n

Overview<\/h3>\n

Ambatte is a deciduous fruit-bearing Native tree f<\/a>ound in Kodagu and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. Known for its distinctive sour fruit, the tree forms part of the region’s natural vegetation and traditional food culture.<\/p>\n

The hog plum is valued for its fruit, which can be used in a variety of culinary preparations. Its characteristic tangy flavour makes it useful in dishes that require a natural souring ingredient. The tree is also recognised for its aromatic bark, leafy canopy and seasonal growth.<\/p>\n

Botanical Characteristics<\/h3>\n

Ambatte is a medium-to-large deciduous tree that can grow to considerable height under favourable conditions. Its bark is generally greyish and may have a mildly aromatic smell.<\/p>\n

The leaves are compound, consisting of several leaflets arranged along a central stalk. New foliage and seasonal leaf changes contribute to the tree’s changing appearance throughout the year.<\/p>\n

The flowers are small and pale, appearing in clusters. These are followed by fleshy, oval-to-rounded fruits that are green when young and become yellowish as they ripen. The fruit contains a hard seed surrounded by acidic, aromatic pulp.<\/p>\n

The Fruit and Its Uses<\/h3>\n

The fruit of Ambatte is known for its pronounced sour taste. Depending on its stage of maturity, it may be used in different ways.<\/p>\n

Common culinary uses of hog plum include:<\/p>\n