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
Retail packs typically run from 100g to 5kg. Bulk starts at 10kg. Selling prices are checkout prices. Indian market figures, when present, are indicative only.
