What is Raan Mewa?
Raan Mewa as called in Marathi translates to “Bounty of the Forest” or “The Bount of the Land” , the local fruits ,namely Karondas, Jamun , Jackfruits, Mangoes, and many more found in adundance in Koynanagar and Western ghats.One can often see women and children selling these delicious fruits in the ghat sections of the Konkan during the summer months.
Karondas Jambuls Jackfruit
1.Karondas
Karvandas are found growing wild in konkan region especially in the hilly areas during the monthos of April to June. This sweet and sour juicy fruit is round shaped dark skinned with red or pInk juicy flesh inside. It tastes better with some sea salt sprinkled on it. Raw Karondas are used in pickles. When in a area full of karonda trees , one should sample a fruit of each tree, and you will be surprised to find that each has a unique flavour.
2.Jambuls
Popular for its sweet and slightly sour flavour, and that soft & fleshy consistency, jamuns or Balck Plums are a pure delight for everyone, especially considering the fact that they’re a rich source of proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and calcium.The fruit is purple in colour and has a distinct bitter-sweet taste.An excellent remedy for diabetes, jamun is also an effective solution for throat infections and helps in purifying blood.The leaves contain antioxidants and have anti-virus, anti-inflammatory properties,while helping lower blood sugar levels, treating constipation and eliminating allergies.They are not only nutritious and refreshing, but are also effective in combating sun’s heat and a number of health problems.
3.Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a nutrient-rich fruit grown primarily in the Konkan Belt.The jackfruit grows on a large tree and is part of the breadfruit family. The main characteristic of Jackfruit is its hard spiked exterior and soft mushy fruit inside. It can grow quite big and can produce fruit as much as 40 to 50 kg.
You can eat jackfruit either ripe or cook it as a vegetable.It can be used in sweet and savory dishes, including desserts and curries. When it’s ripe, the pulp inside the jackfruit turns yellow and contain large seeds inside it that are also edible.Vegans and vegetarians often use this fruit as a meat substitute due to its texture, which is comparable to shredded meat.
One single tree can produce more than 200 gigantic fruits annually. Often called the “starvation fruit”, it is believed that the jackfruit could help end starvation worldwide. A single jackfruit can be prepared into a meal for an entire family.
Jackruits are a part of our menu at Forest Escapes during the Summer Months
Torna Kokum Mango Alu/Aliv
4.Mango
King of the Fruits ,Needs no Introduction. Try the Local varieties at Forest Escapes
5.Torna
White and tiny in size, it tastes sweet like sugar and has a creamy texture.Torana are one of the first fruits to start ripening in summer. These tiny fruits are even relished by the birds.
6.Alu/Aliv
The Fruit is locally called Alu or Aliv and the scientific name of the tree is Meyma laxiflora . The Fruit is Green in colour and trurns brown when Ripe.Its has a sweet and sour Taste
7.Kokum
Kokam a bright red coloured fruit that has
culinary & pharmaceutical uses.Kokum is one of the most used ingredients in Konkani cooking. Known for its cooling properties, kokum has always been used in refreshing
summer beverages, while its dried rind is a souring agent in curries.
Our Restaurant named after this wonderful fruit KOKUM, invites to
explore the taste of Authentic Maharashtrian Cuisine and take your
taste buds real high.
So , Next time you Visiti Koynanagar and Forest Escapes , Relish on the Natures Bounty
