Lately, a magical fruit called Kudampuli in Tamil (Garcinia Cambogia and Malabar Tamarind in English) is getting very popular as a weight loss remedy after it was mentioned in a popular T. V show that it aids in quick weight loss. The principal constituent of kudampuli is HCA (Hydroxycitric Acid), HCA is now popularly believed to prevent fat accumulation, suppress appetite, increase muscle mass, reduce LDL cholesterol and also improve the overall health!
What was once sold as a black, unattractive looking dired fruit for adding in certain curries (especially fish curries) is now sold as a supplement in attractive bottles all over the world. I was first introduced to kudampuli by a friend from Kerala, in Kerala they use kudampuli instead of regular tamarind in some recipes especially fish curries.
What is Kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia)?
Garcinia Cambogia is fruit of a tree. Usually the fruits are dried and then used in cooking, when dried they look almost black like in the picture above. The fresh fruit looks like a small beautiful pumpkin and the color of the fruits vary considerably from light green to yellow or red depending on the ripeness.The fresh fruits are rich in Vitamin C but it is almost unpalatable due to it’s sharp sour taste. Many confuse kokum (Garcinia Indica) with Kudampuli though they belong to the same genus, they are different. The fruits fall off the tree once ripe and the fruit once opened has seeds covered with flesh, though the flesh can be eaten, it is usually not as it is too sour.
The thick outer rind is sun dried to bring the moisture level down and then smoked till it turns black spread under coconut husk. Then the fruits are rubbed with salt and oil and then stored in earthen pots. Like our regular tamarind, kudumpuli also lasts longer but since it is smoked, always make sure to wash it well to remove any dirt before using.