Garcinia indica or Kokum is a fruit tree, of culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses. The tree is also ornamental, with a dense canopy of green leaves and red-tinged tender emerging leaves. Kokam is an Indian spice specialty, with an agreeable flavor and sweet, acidic taste. The kokam tree is found in Southern India and in the evergreen forests of Assam, Khasi, Jantia hills, West Bengal and Gujarat Garcinia indica seed contains 23-26% oil, which remains solid at room temperature and is used in the preparations of confectionery, medicines and cosmetics. Kokum is the fruit of slender, evergreen tree with drooping branches and it is dark purple to black, sticky and with curled edges. The fruit is often halved and dried, so that the dried seeds are visible in their chambers like a citrus fruit. It is usually available as a dried rind, resembling a thick plum skin. When added to food it imparts a pink to purple color and sweet/sour taste. Flavour is refreshing sour taste, slightly astringent. The spice also assumes dark color on drying but is less pulpy. The use is also similar, with hydroxyl citric acid. South India is the main growing area.
