A flood of childhood memories exploded as I walked past one of these laden bushes today. Of summer vacations... of setting off to pick berries, wicker basket in hand... of loading more berries in the tummy than the basket... of ignored thorn-bruises that magically stung in the shower... Memories I wouldn't trade for a million dollars!
This fruit of the jungle remains my favourite till date. Perhaps because it reminds me of how privileged I was, to lead an urban life while still enjoying the perks of rural life. One may find these berries in the market but I suspect they taste best picked and eaten right off the shrub, while earning a few bruises in the quest for the farthest fruit.
Say hello to this pea-sized Indian superberry - karonda in hindi, karvand in Marathi and kali myna for the locals!
Why Superberry?
Because it thrives, untended and wild, on the hill slopes of the Western Ghats among other places. And because it is a rich source of iron and Vitamin C. Also because it finds a place in Ayurveda for treating not just anemia, common cough and cold, and acidity, but a host of other ailments too.
Around here, the karvand ripen in hoards as the summer reaches its peak, in the last week of May. They are delicious beyond words, might I add. Alas, these tiny little blobs vanish too fast. Pick, eat, pick, eat, and so it goes :D
Interestingly, the raw karvand is no less delightful. Sour, acidic and perfect for chutneys and pickles.
In fact, if you happen to lay your hands on some raw karvand you've got to try this easy chutney recipe:
Grind deseeded karvanda, grated coconut, coriander leaves, all in equal quantities, together with a few mint leaves, ginger, garlic, green chillies and salt to taste, that's it!!
Do you have a karvand memory to share? Would be lovely to hear from you.
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