Spice guide / Kokum
What is Kokum?
Dried kokum rind, souring agent of the Konkan coast.
Short answer: Kokum (Hindi: कोकम) is Garcinia indica. Sour, fruity, slightly smoky. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Kokum |
|---|---|
| Hindi | कोकम |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Garcinia indica |
| Family | — |
| Origin | India — Western Ghats / Konkan |
| Main producing regions | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala |
| Flavour | Sour, fruity, slightly smoky |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | whole |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Kokum?
Kokum (Garcinia indica) is used in sol kadhi and fish curries. Not interchangeable with tamarind in flavour.
History of Kokum
Origin
India — Western Ghats / Konkan
Growing regions
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Sour, fruity, slightly smoky. . Colour: . Heat: none.
Whole vs ground
Kokum is usually used whole. Toast briefly in dry pan or hot fat, then leave whole in the dish or grind. Do not confuse toasting with burning — bitter notes mean it went too far.
Culinary uses
- Fish curry
- Sol kadhi
- Maharashtrian cooking
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
Kokum is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Tell us the quantity you need, from 100 gm to 1 metric ton. Prices are not published on this website. Availability is confirmed on the enquiry.
