Kudampuli or Malabar Tamarind scientifically known as Garcinia Cambogia, is a traditional spice available particularly in Western Ghats and on the coastal areas of Kerala. It’s specifically used to add sour taste in the authentic Kerala cuisines. Unlike it’s name Malabar tamarind, it’s a small round-shaped fruit which resembles miniature of pumpkin.

The green fruit is a young version, it will turn yellow when ripe. Once fully ripe, fruits are collected, cut in half, de-seeded and are sun-dried for a day. The sun-dried fruit halves are smoked till black and keep tightly sealed. These will stay fresh for years. Before use, wash the pieces, soak these for 10 minutes in water. Kudampuli pieces are added along with the water in which it was soaked in to curries and it gives a delicious sour taste that is so unique

It’s specifically used to add sour taste in the authentic Kerala cuisines.