kokum

Mostly this fruit Kokum is found in the Konkan region, it is famous as a thirst quencher for the harsh summers. Kokum trees are found in abundance in not only the Konkan but also in Alibaug. The tall evergreen trees are filled with dark red cocoons in April and May.

The Kokum fruit has many uses in food preparations. The seeds of the ripe fruit are used in curries. Kokum juice has a sweet, tangy taste and has plenty of health benefits other than just being a delicious drink. This is usually a summer drink. The dried peels of the Kokum fruit are used as a flavouring agent or taste good to eat them just like that.

Kokum juice –

In Alibaug and the surrounding regions Kokum juice is prepared at home. The peels of this fruit are cut into pieces and stored in a glass jar to which sugar and a pinch of salt is added. The glass jar is then covered with a thin piece of cotton cloth and stored out in the sun.  The sugar melts in the sun and the juice from the peels is separated. You get a thick concentrate of the Kokum juice in this manner. This glass jar is stored in the sun for over a month and then brought indoors. The concentrate is then diluted and can be had as a refreshing drink.

Solkadhi –

Solkadhi which is yet another type of juice preparation is the pride of Konkan region. It is now available in most hotels and restaurants. No matter how heavy a meal you have had, just one glass of Solkadi is enough to digest your food. If you want to get the real taste of Solkadi then you must visit Alibaug. The peels of the Kokum fruit are dried and the juice is extracted from it after which freshly prepared coconut milk is added.  Then as per taste you add sugar, salt, fresh coriander leaves and your glass of tasty and delicious Solkadi is ready.

In addition to preparing Kokum juice, Solkadi etc. dried peels also called Aamsul are used as a flavour enhancer in many food items. It has souring qualities like tamarind. The fruit peels are salted and left to dry in the sun which is then used as Aamsul in mostly coconut based curries or other dishes. This fruit has medicinal properties, it aids in digestion and controlling acidity.

This resourceful fruit is the pride of Konkan.

Scientific Name – Garcinia indica

Nickname  – kokum , कोकम

Season – Summer

Medicinal benefits –

• Aids in weight loss
• Improves digestion पचन सुधारण्यासाठी
• Beneficial for Diabetics
• Controls Acidity
• Can elevate your mood