Kokum is a unique sour summer fruit which only grows tropical regions. In India, this fruit grows in the western regions, since the climate in this area is suitable for the growth of kokum. This round fruit is juicy and red when it's on the tree but once it ripens properly, it turns beautifully black and purple in colour. Kokum is harvested in peak summers especially from April to June. Since it is very sour in taste, a lot of people do not enjoy eating raw kokum but, in its dried form, this tangy fruit is used extensively in Konkan cuisine, Maharashtrian and Goan recipes and also to create cool summer beverages. We have a few delicious kokum beverage recipes for you but, before we get into those, let's find out more about kokum.
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What Are The Health Benefits Of Kokum?
Add kokum juice in foods to add sourness. Photo Credit: istock
Also known as Garcinia Indica, there are many health benefits of eating kokum. This tangy fruit is rich in fibres and antioxidants that help in keeping our stomach cool. Besides this, it is low in calories and improves our digestive health too. Since it is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium and manganese, it is beneficial for maintaining blood sugar levels.
Are Kokum And Tamarind Same?
Kokum grow on trees. Photo Credit: istock
Kokum and tamarind are not same. Both of them are acidic in nature and are used for a similar purpose, which is to add sourness in food. In fact, both are used primarily in their dried form. But each has its own distinct flavour and kokum is a little more subtle than tamarind. You can add kokum in dals, curries, and even make drinks with it.
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What Does Kokum Taste Like?
Kokum is sour with a floral undertone and a slightly sweet aroma. When added to food and drinks, it imparts a beautiful pink-to-purple colour and imparts a sweet-sour flavour.
Here Are 5 Kokum Drink Recipes For Summers:
1. Kokum Sharbat
Sharbat is a go-to drink for summers. It is cool and refreshing and takes very little time for preparation. To make kokum sharbat, soak 2 pieces of kokum in a glass of water. Place the soaked kokum pieces with water in a grinder and add lemon juice, sugar, salt, and roasted jeera. Blend it well and strain the juice.
2. Sol Kadi
Sol Kadi is a concoction of roasted garlic, kokum, and coconut milk, which gives it a vibrant pink colour. It is a healthy drink that aids in digestion. The cooling properties in it help in cooling the digestive system especially after eating zesty food. Make this tasty drink at home by grinding soaked kokum, water, fresh grated coconut garlic, chili, salt, and coriander leaves.
Relish delicious sol kadi. Photo Credit: istock
3. Kokum Lassi
Give a twist to your plain lassi by adding kokum in it. All you need is plain yogurt, soaked kokum pieces and black salt. You can also put chaach masala to enhance the flavour. Mix it well in a blender and voila your lassi is ready.
4. Kokum Lemon Mocktail
We all love having lemonade on a hot day. Here's how you can use kokum and make a unique lemon and kokum mocktail out of it. In a blender add lemon juice, soaked kokum pieces, mint leaves, salt, sugar, ginger, and some fresh juice. Blend it and sieve the juice. Now add sparkling water to create the fizz.
5. Kokum Juice
This is the easiest to make at home. Kokum juice is healthy and can be consumed anytime in summers. To prepare this at home, boil 6-7 pieces of kukum in water for 2 minutes. Once the colour of water changes to dark brown, add jaggery powder to it. Let it boil for 5 minutes and take it off the heat. Cool it and strain into a glass. To enhance the flavour, you can add a pinch of chaat masala and your kokum juice is ready.
Hope you liked our kokum drink recipes for summers. Do let us know about your feedback in the comment section below.