Don't miss the rain of monsoon fruits in Goa

The celebration of the Konkan coast’s rich biodiversity of fruits and flowers began with the Konkan Fruit Fest at Navelim, South Goa, in the first week of May. It then spread across coastal Goa, making its presence felt at the vibrant Sao Joao festival on June 24 through boat parades and kopel-making competitions. 

Today, the festivities continue at the Sangodd during the feast of Sts Peter and Paul in Orda, Candolim.

Goa's Ribandar is calling, but make sure to bring your camera

And, there’s more to come, with Sangodd celebrations continuing in Ribandar, then moving on to Cumbarjua and into Ponda taluka.

Goa’s fruits, flowersand vegetables are joyfully celebrated throughout the summer — and not even the rains can dampen the festive spirit!

The ambaddo is a tropical fruit-bearing tree from the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Some species are native to South America and were later introduced to South Asia.

ALL ABOUT HOG PLUMS

The hero of the monsoonseason is the ambaddo or hog plum, botanically known as Spondias (S. pinnata, S. mombin, S. dulcis, etc) and it is best eaten in a curry with mustard seeds, prepared in Goa, and known as Sasav or Sansvel. 

The ambaddo is a tropical fruit-bearing tree from the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Some species are native to South America and were later introduced to South Asia.

Other species originate in the Philippines, Indonesia or Polynesia and were carried to America by the Portuguese, who extensively colonised the regions for nearly half a millennium, ending with their last territory, Macau, in the year 1999.

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The tree, which is brimming with green leaves in this season, will play host to hairy caterpillars, that come rappelling down on silken threads like commandos, during August. And, by Christmas, the tree will be leafless. 

Being deciduous, the tree drops its leaves, and rests after fruiting, entering a naturalphase of dormancy. The fruits are oval or round, with green skin that turns yellowish-brown when ripe. 

The local varieties have a distinct fibrous core like that of a mango seed, while the recently introduced varieties have soft fibers, or no fiber, till the ripening stage. 

Being deciduous, the tree drops its leaves, and rests after fruiting, entering a natural phase of dormancy. The fruits are oval or round, with green skin that turns yellowish-brown when ripe.

Hog plums are known for their tangy flavour which can be quite addictive. They can be pickled in salt or brine just like raw mangoes. Ripe fruits are sweet and tangy, making them a favourite of children and hogs, alike. Hence the name, hog plum.

VEGAN EGGS OF GOA

Canistel is often thought to be a recent introduction to India, but it has actually been around in Goa for centuries — locally known as ‘eggfruit’ because its pulp resembles the yolk of a boiled egg.

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Botanically known as Pouteria campechiana, canistel is simply the modern name for an exotic fruit that Goans have been enjoying for generations. It is, however, a vegan’s delight as a truly plant-source egg yolk, and is available during this season till around August.

This is also the season when pineapples, custard apples and carambolas, can be found in Goa.

GET GROWING

The monsoon season is ideal for planting fruit trees, especially now, when the soil is both moist and warm. Fruiting plants are available at local nurseries belonging to the government as well as the private sector, with most government farms having sold their stock in June. 

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And, if you do not have ground space to grow these trees, fear not! You can always grow fruiting plants in blue or black HDPE drums after washing them well with detergent. Alternatively, you can invest in large potsof about half a metre (two feet) in diameter.

(The author is the former Chairman of the GCCI Agriculture Committee, CEO of Planter's Choice Pvt Ltd, Additional Director of OFAI and Garden Superintendent of Goa University, and has edited 18 books for Goa & Konkan)