Kokum is an indigenous plant commonly found in western ghats of India and also known as Garcinia Indica. It is a small fruit like cherry tomato which is red in colour and converts to purple on ripening. Rich in nutrients, the ever-growing fruit is packed with vital vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin C and minerals, namely calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc. It also consists of a good amount of folic acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, hydroxycitric acid and fibre. Regions that have scorching heat require refrigerant ingredients in food and drink and Kokum is widely known to provide relief from the heat.
Usage of Kokum
It can be used in the form of various cosmetic products, including Kokum Body Butter, Kokum Butter Lip Balm and others. The fruit is useful for curing piles, dysentery, tumours, pains and heart complaints. It is procured by prominent Indian kadhis in numerous households.
Benefits of dried Kokum
Kokum is mostly halved and dried because dried seeds are then grown seemingly like citrus fruit. It is ordinarily traded as a dried rind, dark purple to black, sticky with curled corners. When joined by a food substance, it shows a pinkish purple colour and a refreshing sweet/sour taste. Being rich in nutrition and acting as a summer fruit, dried Kokum is healthier than tamarind. It is beneficial as an infusion and works against skin ailments, namely rashes, caused by allergies.
Benefits of Kokum juice
Its juice is capable of battling against allergies caused by insect bites, acidity, sun exposure and related symptoms. It has discovered anti-carcinogenic properties. This is due to the availability of some phenolic compounds in the kokum fruit and further serves as a healer as per Ayurveda. While it prevents infections and treats sores, it is suitable for the digestion of the human body.
Benefits of Kokum butter
Kokum butter comprises five to eight large seeds which hold 20-23% of the fruit’s weight. It has a light colour and looks somewhat flaky and crumbly which is also used in moisturizing hair and skin feels silky flexible. Its substance is made up of stearic acid and has a higher melting point
It also has a natural approach to cure various physical conditions. It assists in resolving issues such as burns, scalds and chaffed skin. The fruits are deepened well in sugar syrup to make amrut kokum, which is undertaken to relieve sunstroke.
Consumption of Kokum replenishes lost body fluids leading to vigorous and active even in peak summer temperatures.
