Goraka (Garcinia gummi-gutta)

Product description

The fruits of this tropical species are a well-known ingredient in Asia for many different curry recipes. The taste is slightly sour and comparable to tamarind (Tamarindus indica). Because of the grooves in the fruit they look a bit like tiny pumpkins and turn yellow or sometimes orange while ripening. In Asia they are usually dried for use and get a black colour in that case. The fruit pulp contains HCA (hydroxy citric acid) which might decrease the feeling of hunger. In Europe the goraka has therefore become known as a diet product, for which its old scientific name Garcinia cambogia is used. Despite no scientific evidence for this effect of HCA, there are many extracts available on the market that people can use to lose weight. In the wild the fruits are eaten by two species of civet cats that spread the seeds. It is a tropical tree that can be kept as a houseplant in Europe. The leaves are quite large and have a nice glean which makes it an elegant plant to have. It will likely not produce fruits in a pot, so you should mainly keep this species for its pretty leaves, rareness and origin story.

Sowing description: Sandpaper the seeds first on one place until you see a colour difference. Then, soak the seeds for 24 hours in water and sow in sowing mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and germinate at 25-30 degrees Celsius.