Vol. 11, Issue 3, Part C (2025)

Abstract
Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) is an underutilized fruit crop native to the Indian subcontinent that holds untapped promise for strengthening nutritional security, food processing innovations, and rural value chains. Its resilience in arid and semi-arid conditions, high content of vitamin C, iron, phenolics, and antioxidants, and versatility in traditional and modern food applications make it an ideal candidate for wider promotion. This paper synthesizes evidence from government reports, horticultural surveys, phytochemical analyses, and food technology studies to critically examine Karonda’s role as a neglected but valuable fruit. The review highlights its nutritional significance in combating micronutrient deficiencies, documents successful applications in processing sectors including jams, squashes, beverages, and functional foods, and analyzes its contribution to sustainable rural livelihoods through low-input cultivation and value-added enterprises. Despite this potential, challenges remain in terms of post-harvest stability, consumer awareness, and weak market linkages. Strengthening research, processing technologies, and institutional support can reposition Karonda as a “nutrition-sensitive” crop contributing simultaneously to public health and rural economic resilience.