'Ranmeva', the irresistible, juicy, little gifts from Goa

SUMMER TREASURES

Summer is a season of bounty and bloom in Goa. It’s when nature unfurls its secrets through the colourful jewels of wild berries.

TANGY TRAILS

Locals roam the scrubby plateaus to collect all kinds of wild berries. One of them, kanariya, is a tiny treat with a tinge of tanginess.

KANTAM CRAZE

Carissa carandas, locally called kantam, fill the markets with their grape-like blackish berries, bursting with a sweet and tangy flavour. In Goa, even the unripe ones are used to make pickles.

BLUSH OF THE WILD

The chafra tree stands out with its clusters of bright red fruits, tempting anyone who passes by. Their juicy flesh offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess, making them a delight to savour.

FRUIT AND NUT

Chara offers a sweet-sour fruit with a hidden bonus — a tasty nut hidden inside its seed is revealed when cracked open.

NATURE’S PEARLS

The plants of chunna (Ziziphus rugosa) are adorned with tiny, pearl-like white fruits. These slightly sweet, mushy fruits are relished by both birds and humans.

PURPLE FEAST

This is the wild variety of jamun (Syzygium cumini), smaller in size compared to the cultivated one. Mostly found on untamed plateaus, it is packed with numerous health benefits.

TANGY PUNCH OF THE FOREST

A rare fruit from deep forests, meddha is rubbed on the palm before eating to avoid getting a sore throat. People living close to nature make a tangy dish called Saatha using it.

BEAR’S BERRY DELIGHT

Syzygium caryophyllatum, locally known as bhedsa, belongs to the jamun family. These tiny, round, purple fruits are a favourite treat for bears.

FATARFAL – A MEDICINAL WONDER

Fatarfal is a tiny fruit with an astringent taste. While it may not appeal to everyone’s palate, it is rich in medicinal value.

AMLA – THE SUPERFRUIT

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), known for its high vitamin C content, is one of the most powerful immunity boosters found in the wild.

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