Kokum Juice: Overview, Kokum Juice recipe, health benefits

What about Kokum Juice?

Kokum (Garcinia indica) is a tropical fruit native to the western coastal regions of India, especially in states like Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It is well known for its distinct sour taste and deep purple colour when dried. Traditionally, the rind and pulp of the fruit are sun-dried after harvest, often with the addition of salt to aid in the preservation process. It is a part of traditional culinary practices in the Konkan region.  The dried peel is frequently used as a souring agent in curries, particularly in Konkani and Maharashtrian cuisines. In several parts of western India, kokum juice is a popular summer beverage, traditionally consumed for its refreshing taste and cooling properties. It is widely available in dried rind and juice form across local markets.

Apart from this, Kokum referred to as the “Indian Butter Tree” is widely used in skin care formulations owing to its antioxidant properties. Its seed extract is used in moisturising skincare formulations.

Nutritional Profile of Kokum Fruit

Here is the nutritional profile of Kokum in detail:

Nutrients	Amount (%)
Moisture	80 %
Carbohydrates	35 %
Protein	1.92 %
Crude Fat	10 %
Crude Fibre	14.28 %
Pectin	5.71 %
Total Ash	2.57 %
Tannin	2.85 %
Pigments	2.40 %
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)	22.80 %
Starch	1 %

What other words for Kokum might you use?

Mangosteen oil tree, Garcinia indica, Birondd, Birondi, Kokan, Dhupadamara, Kokummara, and Ratamba are a few of the most unusual garcinia indica species.

Health Benefits of Kokum (Garcinia indica)

Kokum, commonly known as Goa butter tree, has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine for its various supportive properties:

• Antioxidant Support: Kokum contains garcinol (a yellow pigment making up ~2–3% of the rind) and anthocyanins that help neutralise free radicals—these plant compounds contribute to overall cellular support.
• Digestive and Liver Wellness: Traditionally used to support digestion, kokum rind is also consumed to help maintain liver health during seasonal or dietary stress.
• Weight Management Properties: Rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA) (~20–30% in the rind by dry weight), kokum is associated with supporting calorie regulation by influencing fat synthesis and appetite cues. It may help manage weight by reducing fat storage and controlling appetite.
• Ulcer Support: Various research suggests kokum’s garcinol may help protect the stomach lining and support comfort for those with minor gastric irritation.
• Skin & Beauty Effects: Kokum’s rind contains phenolic antioxidants like garcinol and cambogiol, which may support anti-aging by helping maintain skin elasticity and protecting structural skin proteins.
• Helps Soothe Inflammation: Kokum may help manage body discomfort caused by inflammation, such as in joints or muscles. It is being studied for possible use in reducing symptoms of arthritis.
• Supports Heart Health: Animal studies show that kokum extracts may help protect the heart from damage, especially from toxins or harmful fats.
• May Help Improve Mood: Some animal studies suggest kokum may have mood-lifting effects and help control stress-related symptoms.
• Traditional Therapeutic Uses: In folk medicine, kokum has been used to support health for conditions like mild skin inflammation, sore throats, diarrhoea, and minor wounds (uses for anti-dysentery, anti-inflammatory, gut comfort, analgesic, antacid, anti-dermatitis, etc.).
• Antimicrobial Potential: Various research shows kokum rind extracts may exhibit antifungal and antibacterial effects against microorganisms such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus, suggesting its potential role in natural preservation.

Properties of Kokum:

• Antioxidant: Kokum contains antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Anti-neoplastic: It exhibits anti-neoplastic properties, meaning it may help inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, potentially reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
• Antibacterial: It also has antibacterial properties, which means it can help kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, making it useful in fightingbacterial infections.
• Anti-Fungal: It also possesses anti-fungal properties, making it effective against fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of fungi and promoting healing.
• Anti-Aging: The antioxidant-rich content of Kokum helps combat oxidative stress, reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, and promoting youthful skin.
• Neuroprotective: Kokum has neuroprotective effects, which means it helps protect nerve cells from damage and degeneration, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Anti-Ulcer: Kokum exhibits anti-ulcer properties, soothing inflammation in the stomach lining and promoting healing of ulcers, thereby supporting digestive health.
• Anti-inflammatory: Kokum possesses anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, which can alleviate pain and promote overall well-being.

Potential Uses of Kokum:

The potential uses of kokum includes the followings:

• Kokum in Butter: Kokum butter, extracted from Kokum seeds, is a rich and creamy butter widely used in skincare products such as moisturizers, lotions, and creams. It is known for its excellent moisturizing properties and ability to nourish and hydrate the skin. Kokum butter is especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, helping to improve skin elasticity and soothe irritation.
• Kokum in Beverages: Kokum is a popular ingredient in beverages, especially in the coastal regions of Western India. Kokum sherbet or kokum-infused water is a refreshing summer drink that helps cool down the body and quench thirst. It has a tangy and sour flavor, making it a delicious and refreshing beverage option. Kokum beverages are also believed to aid digestion and promote overall well-being.
• Kokum as Amsul: Amsul, also known as Kokum or Kokum extract, is a traditional souring agent used in Indian cuisine. It is made by drying and preserving Kokum fruit rinds, which are then used to add a tangy and sour flavor to dishes. Amsul is commonly used in curries, soups, chutneys, pickles, and beverages. It imparts a unique taste to dishes and is a popular alternative to tamarind or lemon juice as a souring agent. Additionally, Amsul is believed to aid digestion and provide various health benefits.
• Culinary Purposes: Kokum is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, especially in the coastal regions of Western India. Its tangy and sour flavor adds a unique taste to dishes. Kokum is often used in curries, soups, chutneys, pickles, and beverages like sol kadhi. It is also used as a natural souring agent in place of tamarind or lemon juice.
• Digestive Aid: Kokum is known for its digestive properties. Consuming Kokum-based beverages like sol kadhi after meals is believed to aid digestion and relieve digestive discomfort. It helps stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and promotes better absorption of nutrients.
• Cooling Agent: In tropical regions, Kokum is used as a natural coolant to beat the heat. Kokum sherbet or kokum-infused water is a refreshing summer drink that helps cool down the body and quench thirst. It is also believed to reduce body heat and prevent heat-related ailments.
• Weight Management: Kokum is low in calories and contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may help suppress appetite and inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. Including Kokum in the diet may aid in weight management by promoting satiety and reducing calorie intake.
• Skin Care: Kokum butter, extracted from Kokum seeds, is a rich emollient used in skincare products like moisturizers, lotions, and creams. It has excellent moisturizing properties and is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. Kokum butter helps hydrate the skin, improve skin elasticity, and soothe irritation.
• Hair Care: Kokum butter is also used in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. It helps nourish the scalp, moisturize the hair, and prevent dryness and breakage. Kokum butter is particularly beneficial for maintaining soft and healthy hair.

How to Use Kokum?

Kokum can be used in the following ways:

• Food: Add Kokum to curries, soups, chutneys, and beverages for its tangy flavor.
• Skincare: Use Kokum butter in moisturisers, lotions, and creams to hydrate and nourish the skin.
• Beverages: You can make Kokum sherbet by mixing Kokum syrup with water for a refreshing drink.

Kokum Juice recipe

Ingredients:

• 200g Kokum
• 200 g Sugar 4 c Water
• 1 tsp. Roasted Cumin
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 12 tsp Black salt
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions–

1. For 1-2 hours, soak the dry kokum in 4 cups of water.
2. Drain the water and mash it well.
3. Salt, sugar, roasted cumin powder, cardamom powder, and plain salt are all added to the kokum in a skillet.
4. Cook for 6-8 minutes at a low temperature until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil by adding the kokum water to the pan and stirring often.
6. Cook for an additional five minutes.
7. Remove the pan from the stovetop and let the sauce cool down before serving.
8. Store the mixture in a glass bottle in the refrigerator after straining it out.
9. Pour 3 tablespoons of kokum concentrate into a chilled glass and top with water to produce sherbet.
10. It’s time to chill the drink down.
11. Serve cold.

Kokum sharbat recipe

• A pound of Kokum
• Asafoetida is all you need.
• Salt to the palate
• 6 tablespoons of brown sugar or jaggery
• Slices of green chilli peppers
• 3 cups of water, chopped parsley, and 3 tablespoons
• Fill a pitcher halfway with water, then add everything else, excluding the parsley, and stir to combine. In the fridge, put it in for about 6-8 hours before serving. Also, if you’d prefer, you can soak it in warm water.

Suggestions for storing Kokum sharbat

For up to six months in the refrigerator, you can keep this concentration.

A year of storage is possible in the freezer. Thaw and use when needed.

Ice cube trays work well for freezing it. One cube is all you need.

Kokum juice side effects

Kokum is a wonderful natural gift from nature to humans. It has some adverse effects if used incorrectly.

• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Excess consumption of kokum juice or concentrate may cause acidity, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea in sensitive individuals.
• Low Blood Sugar Risk: Since kokum may help support blood sugar management, people with diabetes should consume it cautiously and monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience skin rashes, itching, or respiratory discomfort after consuming kokum or kokum-based products.
• Drug Interactions: Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a major component in kokum, may interact with certain medications used for cholesterol or blood sugar. Always consult a healthcare provider before using kokum supplements.
• Pregnancy & Lactation: There is limited safety data on kokum use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable to avoid concentrated extracts unless prescribed by a qualified physician.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Kokum’s mild diuretic nature may increase urination and result in loss of essential minerals if consumed in excess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Chate, M. R., Kakade, S. B., & Neeha, V. S. (2019). Kokum (Garcinia indica) Fruit: A Review. Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research, 38(04). https://doi.org/10.18805/ajdfr.dr-1493
• Iwona Radziejewska, Katarzyna Supruniuk, Czarnomysy, R., Kamila Buzun, & Bielawska, A. (2021). Anti-Cancer Potential of Afzelin towards AGS Gastric Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals, 14(10), 973–973. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14100973
• Lim, S. H., Lee, H. S., Lee, C. H., & Choi, C.-I. (2021). Pharmacological Activity of Garcinia indica (Kokum): An Updated Review. Pharmaceuticals, 14(12), 1338. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14121338