Kokum Sherbat

Indian summers are all about cool and refreshing homemade drinks made from different fruits mixed with spices. With a plethora of cooling drink options such as Shikanji or NimbuPani, Jaljeera, Mint Lemon Juice, Aam Panna, etc., Kokum Sharbat is a popular drink in the Goan and Konkan households. Found at stores and roadside vendors in Goa and the coastal regions of Maharashtra, delight in the flavor of Kokum Sharbat for all things refreshing and rejuvenating.

Kokum or Garcinia Indica belong to the mangosteen family that grows in the Western Ghats of India and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Also known as ‘Vrikshamla’ in Ayurveda, Kokum is believed to be one of the most cooling fruits rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and many other nutrients. Kokum plant grows fast and bears small red colored fruits, like that of plums or cherry tomatoes. Apart from being consumed in its fresh state, Kokum fruit is also used in dried form in many dishes in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, and Konkan region for its sour flavor, sweet aroma, and color.

Kokum sharbat can be made from dried as well as fresh kokum and both yield great results. The outer cover of the fruit is slightly sour with a sweet taste as well and the inner pulp is extremely sour which when added with some sugar or honey and mixed with water makes an extremely delicious and nutritious juice. Some spices such as black pepper powder or cardamom can also be added which enhances the flavor but it’s entirely a personal preferences and people in different regions prefer it in different ways. Whether it’s a scorching sunny day or after workout cravings, Kokum juice is a healthy and delicious way to curb away the hunger or thirst pangs and to consume the fruit.