Neem Fruit

Neem fruit is green in colour initially and gradually turns to yellow when fully ripened. A matured fruit is very fleshy and filled with sweetish fluid. Fruit contains 40-55% water content. Collection of fruits requires organized and planned plantation and collection efforts.

Types of Neem Fruit

For collection and storage purpose, neem fruits can be divided into four categories:

• Dry (upto10 % moisture)
• Semi-Dry (11-20% moisture)
• Fresh (about 50% moisture)
• Wet and damaged

Forms of Neem Fruit

• Raw fruit
• Fruit extract
• Powdered fruit
• Neem fruit juice

Neem Fruit Processing

• Cleaning
• Depulping
• Dehulling or Decortication
• Grinding
• Solvent Extraction or aqueous extraction

Use of Neem Fruit in Industries
Pharmaceutical Industry: Neem fruit, pulp and extracts are used to manufacture medicines and drugs curing diseases like diabetes, leprosy, skin disorders, constipation etc.

Cosmetic Industry: Powdered form or extracts of fruits are used to manufacture herbal shampoos, soaps, creams and ointments.

Agriculture Industry: Compounds present in neem fruits possess pest and insect repellent properties, therefore it is used on a large scale to manufacture bio and natural insecticides and pesticides.

Veterinary Use: seeds are said to be used for wildlife food. It is relatively non toxic to animals.