Soapnut ( Kunkudukai )

Description

Soapnut, known as Kunkudukai in Telugu, refers to the dried fruit of the Reetha tree (Sapindus mukorossi). It’s a deciduous tree found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, and Nepal. The tree is known for its ability to grow to a large size, up to 60 feet tall, and its resilience to diseases and insects. Soapnuts are characterized by their yellow, leathery, and round fruits, which contain saponin, a natural surfactant that creates a soapy lather. These fruits, bark, and roots have been used in traditional medicine and personal care for centuries.