Kokum Sarbat (कोकम सरबत)

Kokum is also called as 'Garcinia Indica'. Kokum is popular mostly in Goa, Maharashtra and in some parts of Karnataka. In Konkani Kokum is called as 'Bhinda'. Kokum fruit is a seasonal summer fruit. Kokum is a sweet tangy flavor fruit. 

Kokum Tree

When I see kokum fruits I go back to my childhood. I used to eat Kokum by addling little salt. I love summer season because of seasonal fruits such as Kokum fruits, Mango, Jackfruit, Java plum, Cashew, Gooseberries etc. 

I really enjoy making summer dishes Mango amras, Jackfruit Cake, Kokum sharbat, Cahew bhaji,  Cashew nuts, Raw jackfruit Bhaji etc. These are some of the summer seasons Goan dishes.

Kokum and its health benefits:

1. Kokum contains Vitamin C which helps to improve immunity. 

2. It also helps in digestion and reduces acidity. 

3. It is helpful for weight loss. 

4. Drinking kokum Sharbat keeps your body hydrated. 

5. It is good for diabetics patients. 

6. It can be used to the cracked heels. Kokum makes your skin beautiful. 

Kokum and its uses:

Kokum is very useful. Kokum is used to make Kokum sharbat, Kokum kadi and Kokum Oil. Kokum kadi is called as 'Sol Kadi' in konkani which is prepared using coconut. Another Goan kokum kadi is prepared without coconut is called as 'Futi Kadi' in goan local language. You will find this Futi kadi in Goan weddings or any other function. 

Kokum petals are also used to make this kokum sharbat and kadi. Kokum petals are made using outer part of kokum. The outer cover of kokum is sun dried. 

Kokum seeds are used to make kokum oil. Kokum oil is known as 'Kokum Butter'. It is used in cooking instead of other oil. It is good for health. Sometimes I use it to fry.

Ingredients to make kokum Sharbat: 

- 2-3 Kokum Fruits

- Salt (as per taste)

- Sugar (as per taste)

- Pinch of Cardamon (Elaichi) Powder 

- 2 glass of chilled water

Kokum Sarbat

Instructions: 

Cut the Kokum into small pieces. Put them in bowl with Kokum seeds. Add salt (as per taste) and sugar (as per taste). Add a pinch of cardamon (Elaichi) powder. 

Now add chilled water in the mixture. Stir it for some time till the color of the water becomes red. Please keep kokum fruit pieces in water till it becomes red. Then remove the pieces of Kokum fruit and seeds.

Kokum sharbat is ready. Enjoy your Kokum Sharbat. 

Kokum kadi (Futi kadi) which is prepared without coconut is similar to this drink. You can just add a asafoetida (Hing) instead of elaichi powder, pieces of green chilies, chopped coriander leaves and Jaggery instead of sugar. Some people also add garlic cloves to this kadi. 

Check out other summer drink recipe 

• Nimbu Shikanji
• Mint Lemonade

Tip: 1. You can add Ice-cubes to chilled water or use chilled soda instead of water. 

       2. You can also use dry Kokum petals instead of Kokum fruit.