Kokum is a fruit that is native to Southern India. It never really went very far from that area, so there is no English name for the fruit, and it is not widespread in other parts of the world, either.
The dried kokum that’s used to flavour food usually has a purple-to-black colour, and people say that the darker the fruit is, the better the flavour will be.
After picking them from trees, you remove their rind, soak them in juice from their pulp, and then sun-dry them sometimes with salt sprinkled on top.
Sometimes people confuse kokum with mangosteen fruits (since they both belong to the same plant family). However, scientific names distinguish one from another: Garcinia Indica for kokum versus Garcinia Mangostana for mangosteen!
What Does Kokum Taste Like?
Kokum is inherently sour and acidic but also has sweet notes.
Kokum’s dried peels are incredibly sour with a metallic taste to them as well as an odd kind of sweetness about it.
The overall taste of kokum is slightly fragrant with an enormous sour and sharp punch; the acidity is something that comes right to the front with kokum.
How to Use Kokum
While kokum is most commonly used in Indian and Nepalese recipes, it’s also used in different cuisines around the world.
Its versatility, mild flavour, and high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties make it a fantastic choice for adding a unique zing to a variety of dishes.
Pickles
Bokhara pickles are one of the most common pickled foods in the world, and kokum is the crucial ingredient that gives it that distinct flavour and colour.
Vegetable Cooking and Seasoning
Add kokum to vegetables while roasting or grilling to add an intense sour, and zingy flavour to the dish. You can use both dried, powdered or even fresh kokum here.
Yoghurt
Add kokum to yoghurt for an easy source of sour flavouring that can be consumed as a side dish, a snack, or as part of a healthy meal.
Aloo Raita (and Chutneys)
Aloo raita is a traditional Indian side dish that is typically made from potatoes, peas, and carrots. Dried kokum can be added when cooking the vegetables to impart a subtle sour zing to the final dish.
Chutneys are a type of relish that is typically made with freshly grated vegetables. One of the most common chutneys in Indian cuisine is aloo raita, but other chutneys can also include kokum.
Coffee
Add a scoop of kokum powder to your morning cup of coffee to add a pungent and earthy flavour. It might seem bold and it will completely change the taste of your coffee but it’s certainly worth experimenting with.
Mix with Other Indian Spices
Mix kokum powder with other spices for an easy way to add a zingy and earthy flavour to your cooking. The powder can be combined with ground cumin, fenugreek, coriander, garam marsala and turmeric for the ultimate Indian spice blend.
How to Store Kokum
Kokum can be found in a range of forms and the way those forms should be frozen will differ hugely. We’ve covered the four forms you’re likely to buy kokum in:
Fresh Kokum
Kokum can be stored at room temperature and will taste delicious within a few days of being ripe. If it is placed in the refrigerator this way, it can last up to one week.
Soaked Kokum
The best place to store soaked kokum is in an airtight container with a lid. If kept under these conditions, it will last for at least 4-6 months.
Dried Kokum Rind
Dried kokum rinds will last anything up to 12 months if stored away from extremes of temperatures in a dark and cool place.
Ground, Powdered Kokum
This is where the dried elements of the kokum have been ground into a powder for use as a spice, and if kept away from moisture and other intense flavours can last for many years in a lidded container.
Substitutes for Kokum
Kokum is not the easiest ingredient to find. Even Asian and Indian stores will struggle to get hold of it. So, what can you use instead?
- Tamarind – Tamarind is a legume that comes from the tropical tamarind tree. It usually has its seed removed and dried before use, though it can come in different forms like juice or paste as well! The powder form might be best if you’re replacing kokum.
- Amchur Powder – You can substitute amchur powder for kokum because it provides the same intense sourness that you would get from kokum. Although not as sweet, it is still a great replacement. Mango powder is traditionally used in chutneys and chaat masala
- Citrus Juice – Not quite the same as kokum, but it will give a sharp and sour edge to the dish in place of kokum. Stick to lemon and lime as these have the sourest notes to add to the dish, and only use a small amount to create the balance that you need.
Where to Buy Kokum
Although it’s tough to find, there are a few places you can try if you’re determined to use kokum in your cooking:
Your Local Indian Quarter
Most communities have sections of the community set up for the religious and dietary requirements of groups of people from different backgrounds.
Head into your local Indian community and approach their local shops. You may find kokum easier to come by than scouring the mainstream supermarkets for something that may not even be there!
Spice Markets and Shops
Kokum may be available at specialty Indian markets and Indian spice shops. You would find lots of Indian-inspired ingredients to buy at a specialist level.
Kokum is a rare spice in those parts of the world where it is not widely used as an ingredient or for health benefits, so it can be challenging to find in places where it is not widespread or commonplace.
Online Retailers
Buying Indian spices online is a really good idea since finding them in our mainstream stores can be challenging and even non-existent.
You’ll have a better opportunity to choose from a variety of different merchants selling kokum in all different varieties when you find an excellent online seller.
Health Food Stores
You may find kokum in a health or specialty aisle of the supermarket, but it is most likely to be found at your local health food store, given its remarkable health properties.
Kokum FAQs
If you’ve got other specific questions about kokum and how to use it, then these might help:
Although when ground into a powder it looks like a spice, kokum is actually a fruit that grows on a tree in Southern India.
No, they are not the exact same fruits. They are, however, part of the same plant family and have a near-identical appearance.
Got more questions about Kokum? Then ask away in the comments section at the bottom of this page and we’ll help out as much as possible!
Stacy is a UK Based lifestyle writer who writes in the food and nutrition niches, as well as within the health and wellness sectors. She is a mum of 4 and married to a musician, so sustainability and a pinch of humour are absolutely essential to get over every one of life’s obstacles!
