Dried kokum |
- Garcnia Indica, it is a fruit-bearing plant in the mangosteen family(Clusiaceae), is also commonly known as Kokum.
- The outer cover of the fruit is dried and is called Kokam. It is also called Puranpuli in Tulu, Bhirand in Konkani.
- Kokum fruit is called Muragalu Hannu (ಮುರಗಲು ಹಣ್ಣು) / punar puli( ಪುನರ್ಪುಳಿ ಹಣ್ಣು) in Kannada
- This plant is native to the western ghats of India and this plant's fruit is used as a souring agent in Maharashtra, Assam, Karnataka, and Goa states India.
- It is used as an alternative to tamarind in rasam recipes and fish curries and other dishes. and is widely used in Konkan, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada region of Karnataka.
Health benefits ok Kokum: It is useful for digestion issues,lose motion, gastritis issues. It is also helpful in weight reduction.It helps in rejuvenating the skin.
Rasam made of Kokum is also served to new moms as a dietary food