As Goa has favourable climatic conditions, good soil and rich ecological factors, a number of wild fruits and berries can be seen growing in various places. These seasonal fruits are very popular among the locals and are usually found in Goa during the summer season.
A number of these wild fruits are available from hillside trees only during the months of March, April and May. Some of these can also be seen during a fruit festival known as the 'Konkan Fruit Festival'. They are also sold at various places in the local markets.
Some of the main wild fruits and berries that can be found include Syzygium cuminis or 'Jambhalam' as the fruit is known in Konkani, Carissa carandas or 'Kantam', Zizyphus Rugosa or 'chunnam', Physalis or 'Chirputtam', Garcinia indica or 'Kokam' and many more.
'Jambhalam' or 'Zambllam' as it is known in Goa is known to be a Goan fruit delicacy that is abundantly available in every village. It is dark purple or nearly black in colour when ripened and has a sweet, mildly sour and astringent flavour.
'Kanntam' is another popular berry sized fruit that is very famous in Goa. It is usually found on shrubs on the hills and is also sold in many places by local vendors. These can be purchased by roadsides in towns and in market places or one can enjoy a trip to a hill, pluck the fruits and eat them fresh.
'Chunnam' is known to be one of the most prized berries of Goa after 'Kantam'. They are found on the hills in bunches on thorny branches of the Zizyphus rugosa trees and are also sold in local markets. They appear to be pulpy white or pinkish in colour and have a mildly sweet taste.
'Chirputtam' are found mostly in September-October and are similar to a firm tomato. They have a mild, refreshing acidity flavour and are similar to fruits with a refreshing taste. They can be eaten fresh or also be used in jams.
'Kokum' or 'Binnddam' as it is known is a fruit of culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses. It is known by various names across India and is used for various purposes. The fruit can be used to prepare a refreshing drink. The outer cover of the fruit can also be dried in the sun and used as a slightly sour spice, as a substitute for tamarind in curries and other dishes.
Besides these wild fruits and berries one can also see some other red button-like wild fruits known as 'Poddkovam' in many places in Goa. These are available on hills in small bunches on bushy trees. They are usually sweet in taste but not very juicy. A number of Cashew trees and fruits can also be seen at various places in Goa.