Kudampuli or Kodampuli Garcinia cambogia – Malabar Tamarind (Kadumpuli, Kodapuli) an overview

Kudampuli – Garcinia cambogia is commonly known as “Malabar Tamarind”. Garcinia cambogia trees are found in the tropical countries. They belong to the family Guttiferae.Kudampuli –Garcinia cambogia is a small or medium sized tree with rounded crown and horizontal or drooping branches. Leaves are dark green and shining, elliptic obovate, 2-5 inch long and 1 – 3 inch broad. The fruit, which is 4 – 5cm in diameter is green in colour changes to yellow or red when ripe and resembles a small pumpkin. It has deep longitudinal grooves (6-8) and 6 to 8 seeds.Surrounded by a succulent aril . With exceeding sharp but pleasant acidity the fruit though edible, is eaten raw perhaps at meals (Other names: Marathy – Dharambe; Telengue – Simachinta; Tamil – Kodakkapuli; Kannada. – Upagi mara, simai hunase; Malayalam -Kadumpuli, Kodapuli ,കുടംപുളി)

Traditional processing of the fruit Kudampuli or Kodampuli  – Garcinia cambodge

Natureloc kudampuli kodampuli home drying garcinia cambogia

Usually the ripe fruit is halved or sectioned and spread in thin layers, dried in the sun for three to seven days to moisture level of about 15 to 20 percent and smoked. Commercially available rind is loaded with considerable amounts of common salt, which is added during drying.The fruits are acidic and are eaten raw or pickled. The fleshy rind, fresh or after drying and smoking, is used as a condiment for flavoring curries and as a substitute for tamarind, mango and lime in various preparations

Traditional application of Kudampuli or Kodampuli – Culinary uses of Garcinia cambogia

The fruit rind and extracts of Garcinia species are used in many traditional recipes especially for fish curries. In the Indian Ayurvedic system these types of fruits having sour taste are said to promote digestion. Apart from these uses in food preparations and preservation, the fruit juice possesses anti-scorbutic, anthelmintic and cardiotonic properties. Hence it finds application in the treatment of piles,dysentery, tumors, pains and heart complaints . The decoction of the fruit rind is given in rheumatism and bowel complaints. It is also employed in veterinary medicine as a rinse for diseases of the mouth in cattle

Read more  – Souring Agents – Sour Truth in Kerala Cuisine. 

Garcinia cambogia/ Kudampuli polishing ornaments ,vessels…

Kudampuli is also used for polishing gold and silver ornaments and as a substitute for formic acid and acetic acid for coagulation of rubber latex. The bark yield Gummi-gutt or Camboge, which is mainly used as a pigment in miniature paintings and watercolors, besides its medicinal value as a purgative, hydragogue and emetic. The bark-gum also makes a good varnish. The seed is a good source of edible fat. 

Kudampuli (Cambodgia)-A Natural Anti-oxidant and an effective catalyst for weight loss?

Garcinia cambogia is a revolutionary component in nutraceutical 1 dietary supplement areas as a source of Hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which is known as a weight reducing agent. Kudampuli /Garcinia cambogia extract inhibit body’s conversion of glucose into fat and cholesterol by inhibiting certain enzyme process . The increase in glycogen stores, help significantly reduce cravings for food, reduce appetite and induce weight loss

Read more  : Kudampuli – Garcinia Cambogia – Miracle weight loss supplement

How to recognize adulterated Kudampuli? Where to find good quality Kudampuli? 

• Kodampuli (കുടംപുളി) (Cambodge/Malabar tamarind) Kerala’s secret spice – How to recognize adultered kodampuli
• Kerala’s secret recipes Kodampuli fish curry recipes
• For cooking tips : Before preparing dishes-curries -sauces -Soak kodampuli in  medium hot water along with little salt for few minutes
• How to use kodampuli in cooking ? How to prepare kodampuli fish curry ?  Kodampuli Fish curry -sea food cooking recipes 

• Buy Natureloc Kodampuli/kudampuli/Garcinia cambogia