BLACK KOKUM
(Garcinia indica)
'Wet Kokum / Aamsul’
Kokum-Black is the dark purple to black, sticky rind of the ripe fruit of tropical evergreen tree, known as kokum, or goa butter tree of western coast of southern India. Kokum fruits are picked when ripe and the rind is removed, soaked in the juice of the pulp and semi dried in sun.
It has a refreshing sour taste, slightly astringent with a faintly sweet aroma.
Suggested Uses:
When added to food it imparts a pink to purple color and sweet/ sour taste. Kokum
is preferred substitute for tamarind, added whole to the dish. Just add a few at a time,
for their sourness to release. Added to curries, dals, kadhi and vegetable dishes.
A summer refreshing drink is made with Kokum in India.
Health Benefits:
Kokum has been known as Grandma’s cure for acidity. Also effective in case of flatulence,
stomach pain and gaseous distension. The Hydroxycitric acid in kokum known to lower LDL chlolesterol. It is also a strong anti-obesity agent as it suppresses appetite. Its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent heart diseases.
