Karondas
Karvandas are found growing wild in the konkan region, especially in the hilly areas, during April to June. This sweet and sour juicy fruit is round-shaped dark dark-skinned, with red or pink juicy flesh inside. It tastes better with some sea salt sprinkled on it. Raw Karondas are used in pickles. When in an area full of karonda trees, one should sample a fruit of each tree, and you will be surprised to find that each has a unique flavour.
Jambuls
Popular for its sweet and slightly sour flavour, and that soft & fleshy consistency, jamuns or Balck Plums are a pure delight for everyone, especially because they’re a rich source of proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. The fruit is purple and has a distinct bittersweet taste. An excellent remedy for diabetes, jamun is also an effective solution for throat infections and helps in purifying blood.T he leaves contain antioxidants and have anti-virus, anti-inflammatory properties, while helping lower blood sugar levels, treating constipation and eliminating allergies . They are not only nutritious and refreshing, but are also effective in combating the sun’s heat and several health problems.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a nutrient-rich fruit grown primarily in the Konkan Belt. The jackfruit grows on a large tree and is part of the breadfruit family. The main characteristic of Jackfruit is its hard, spiked exterior and soft mushy fruit inside. It can grow quite big and can produce fruit as much as 40 to 50 kg.
You can eat jackfruit either ripe or cook it as a vegetable. It can be used in sweet and savory dishes, including desserts and curries. When it’s ripe, the pulp inside the jackfruit turns yellow and contains large seeds that are also edible. Vegans and vegetarians often use this fruit as a meat substitute due to its texture, which is comparable to shredded meat.
One single tree can produce more than 200 gigantic fruits annually. Often called the “starvation fruit”, it is believed that the jackfruit could help end starvation worldwide. A single jackfruit can be prepared into a meal for an entire family.
Jackfruit are a part of our menu at Forest Escapes during the Summer Months
Mango
King of the fruits needs no introduction. Try the local varieties at Forest Escapes.
Torna
White and tiny in size, it tastes sweet like sugar and has a creamy texture. Torana are one of the first fruits to start ripening in summer. These tiny fruits are even relished by the birds.Alu/Aliv
The fruit is locally called Alu or Aliv, and the scientific name of the tree is Meyma laxiflora. The Fruit is Green in colour and turns brown when Ripe. It has a sweet and sour taste.
Kokum
Kokam is a bright red coloured fruit that has culinary & pharmaceutical uses. Kokum is one of the most used ingredients in Konkani cooking. Known for its cooling properties, kokum has always been used in refreshing summer beverages, while its dried rind is a souring agent in curries.
