Kokum Fruit: Health Benefits And Recipes

The kokum fruit (Garcinia Indica) is native to the tropical forest regions of India. 

Primarily used in Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Goa, it is deep red but turns black when dried. It is mainly used as a substitute for tamarind, which works as a souring agent.

In Gujarat, it is used to add sourness to dal. In Assam, it is used in fish curry and dal, and in Maharashtra. It is used for making seafood and other dishes.

Other than this, it is also used to make red sharbat. Most Maharashtrian use kokum to make sol kadhi, which helps to smoothen digestion and helps in weight loss. 

Table Of Contents

1. Health Benefits Of Kokum Fruit 

2. Kokum Fruit Recipe 

3. Dietitian's Recommendation 

4. The Final Say 

5. FAQs 

Health Benefits Of Kokum Fruit 

Kokum fruit is rich in fibre and carbohydrates. It has ample health benefits, and we have listed here a few.

1. Regulates Weight 

Kokum fruit is rich in a compound named Hydroxy citric acid. The compound suppresses the appetite so that you tend to eat fewer calories. Also, the good fibre content of the kokum fruit helps you feel satiated for longer, and it tends to weight loss.

Kokum fruit reduces the chances of turning carbs into fats, reducing fat deposition in the body. 

2. Improves Mood 

Kokum fruit can uplift your mood, lower anxiety, and relax your mind. Having kokum fruits helps to boost the serotonin level in the body, which calms the mind, makes you feel happy and cheerful, and cuts down negative thoughts.

3. Boosts Digestion And Relives Acidity 

As per Ayurveda, the dried kokum fruit, made into and consumed as kokum juice, is a natural remedy to enhance the digestive Agni or fire and improve the body’s pachan shakti or digestion. Kokum has cooling properties, which curbs acidity and improves digestion with fibre.

4. Reduces Swelling And Treats Wounds 

According to a study by the Institute of Health, kokum has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. This is due to certain phenolic compounds in the kokum fruit.

To lower inflammation, you can apply kokum fruit paste which can cure cuts and cracks and reduce swelling and injury of burns.

5. Curbs Cancer 

Kokum fruit is rich in antioxidants and contains anti-carcinogenic properties, which fight the free radicals in the body by curbing the chances of cancer. 

6. Treats Heart Issues 

Kokum fruit contains potassium, manganese, and magnesium, which regulate heart health. Also, kokum fruit is very low in calories and rich in fibre and other antioxidants, which are excellent for the heart.

7. Repairs Damage Tissues 

Kokum fruit has anti-ageing properties, keeping the skin youthful and repairing damaged tissues. It is rich in antioxidants named vrikshamla, which is excellent for skin health.

Kokum Fruit Recipe

1. Kokum Fruit Kadhi 

Kokum fruit kadi is also knowns as solkadi. It is easy to make and helps to ease digestion. 

 Ingredients

• Kokum- 6-7,  semi-dried
• Garlic- 4-5 cloves, chopped
• Green chili- 2, medium 
• Oil- 1 tsp
• Kashmiri red chili- 2, medium 
• Cumin seeds- ½ tsp
• Curry leaves- 6-7, leaves 
• Coriander leaves- ⅓ cup, chopped
• Salt, as per taste 

Preparation Method 

1. Soak green chilli, kokum and salt in a bowl for 1 hour.

2. Strain the kokum and chilli water and throw away the soaked chilli and kokum.

3. Take a deep pan and add oil and cumin seeds. Let the seeds splatter

4. Add the garlic and curry leaves and red Kashmiri chilli. Saute for 5-6 seconds.

5. Add the coconut milk, salt and kokum water, stir well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes with occasional stirring.

6. Once one boil comes, switch off the gas and serve hot kokum kadhi with steamed jeera rice or vegetable pulao.

2. Kokum Fruit Sharbat 

Kokum fruit sharbat is a well-known summer drink in Maharashtra and is loved by everyone. 

Ingredients

• Kokum fruit- 5-6, semi dried 
• Cumin seeds powder- ½ tsp 
• Black salt, as per taste 
• Sugar, as per taste

Preparation Method 

1. Soak the kokum fruit in water for 45 minutes 

2. Strain the water and keep it aside. Blend the kokum with half the kokum water until it emulsifies appropriately.

3. Take half the kokum water and sugar, mix well in a pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on sim. 

4. Cool the water properly. Add the blended kokum paste with the sugar and kokum water, and then strain it after mixing it properly.

5. In that strained water,  put cumin seeds powder and black salt 

6. Mix well, pour this ¼ syrup into a glass, add chilled water and serve.

3. Spicy Kokum Mocktail 

Spicy kokum mocktail is a combination of kokum suitable for all seasons. 

Ingredients

• Soaked kokum pulp- ¼  cup
• Green chilli- 1 chopped finely
• Chia seeds- 1 tsp
• Honey- 1 tsp

Preparation Method 

1. In the kokum pulp, add honey and green chilli and mix well.

2. Mix the pulp with chilled water or normal water. Add the chia seeds, stir well, and let the chia seeds swell and drink.

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Kokum fruit is considered a natural coolant to the body, so it is used to drink while you have acidity or gastric troubles. 

Besides that, kokum fruit has anti-allergic properties, which also help curb inflammation and itching called pitta. So drinking kokum fruit sharbat is excellent for reducing the level of pitta in the body.

-Dietitian Akshata Gandevikar 

The Final Say 

People love kokum fruit due to its sour taste, which alleviates the taste of the food. Also, it helps to soothe mood, is excellent for skin, and helps to reduce constipation, acidity and allergies. 

Moreover, it is perfect for people having diabetes as it has a good amount of fibre which keeps the blood sugar level in check and the recipes of kokum are so mouth-watering that you should try it at home.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to have kokum fruit juice?

You can have kokum fruit juice any time of the day. However, try to avoid it at night.

2. What taste does the kokum fruit have?

Kokum fruit has a tangy taste which can be resembled with tamarind.

3. Is having kokum fruit good for weight loss?

Yes, kokum foods have properties which inhibit the formation of fats from carbs which promotes weight loss.

4. Does kokum have any side effects?

Hyper-allergic people should avoid having kokum fruit as kokum will not help to cure hyper allergies. It can help to curb mild allergies and inflammation.

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