Abstract

Underutilised horticultural crops offer immense potential for enhancing nutrition, promoting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable agriculture, especially in marginal environments. This article explores six such crops—Cape Blueberry, Cape Gooseberry, Bael, Jamun, Karonda, and Kachnar—highlighting their nutritional richness, adaptability to adverse conditions, and unique bioactive compounds. These crops often surpass commercial counterparts in specific nutrients such as vitamin C, polyphenols, and proteins, yet remain neglected due to poor market integration and limited awareness. By drawing comparative nutritional insights, the article emphasises the need for renewed focus on these crops to diversify food systems, address micronutrient deficiencies, and strengthen rural livelihoods.