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Scientific Name: Areca catechu
Botanical name: Arecaceae
Arecanut is cultivated in India in an area of 2.64 lakh hectares with an average annual production of 3.13 tonnes. It is grown primarily in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam. The major arecanut growing countries in the world are India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. India leads the world in production followed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Climate and soil:
Arecanut requires abundant and well-distributed rainfall. It grows well within the temperature range of 14 - 36C. Arecanut grows well in deep and well-drained soils with low water table. Laterite, red loam and alluvial soils are most suitable.
Applications:
- Arecanuts are used medicinally in the treatment of intestinal worms (tapeworms & others).
- Arecanut is used as an aromatic and astringent.
- The leaves of the areca plant are used to make disposable plates
- Arecanut increases the flow of saliva, lessens perspiration and sweetens the breath. It is also used to strengthen gums.
- Arecanut is widely used for chewing. The chewing of areca nuts causes mild stimulation and a feeling of well-being.
Botanical name: Cocos nucifera
Climate and soil:
Coconut is a majestic perennial palm which adopts itself remarkably well and thrives almost in all types of well drained tropical soils such as coastal send, red loam, laterite, alluvial & reclaimed soils of the marshy low land.
It requires an equable climate, neither very hot nor very cold. Frost and low humidity adversely affect the growth and yield of the palm. Rainfall appears to be the most important factor. The rainfall of 100 to 225 cm. per annum or even more is useful for the growth. The palm requires bright sunshine of about 2000 hrs a year.
Uses:
The Coconut palm, rightly known as “Kalpavriksh” or “Tree of heaven” provides many necessities of life including shelter. It is mainly cultivated for the nuts from which copra and fiber are obtained. Copra yields oil and oil cake. Water from tender coconut is a refreshing & delicious drink.
Goan Coconut is a special in itself. Mostly “Banaulim” or “West Coastal” variety is grown here which gives good quality nuts with good oil content. Goans prefer the same varietal product in their day to day use.
Botanical name: Anacardium occidentale
Climate and soil:
The crop is chiefly grown in Peninsular India, particularly along the coast. It cannot tolerate severe summers or winters. It requires well drained soils. It grows well in coastal lateratic soils. It grows in areas having rainfall varying from 50 to 400 cms, continued adequate soil moisture, however is necessary for the success of a cashew plantation.
Uses:
The crop is grown both for its fruit (Cashew apple) as well as for its nuts Cashew nut is a versatile health food containing 20.5% proteins, 50.9% fats and 18.8% carbohydrates. It contains 10 different minerals, wide range of amino acids lipids and vitamins. Goan cashew is collected at fully ripe stage and hence gives good quality produce. Also, Goan Cashew is largely organic and hence has good demand in foreign market.
Cashew apple is used to produce alcoholic product widely known as “Fenny”. Some unfermented fresh apple products like juice, syrup, squash, jam, candy, tutty-fruity, pickle, chutney can also be prepared.
Botanical name: Piper nigrum
Climate and soil:
Pepper is a plant of the humid tropics. It grows best in well drained clay-loam soils, rich in humus & flourishes in warm, moist climate. An annual rainfall of 250 cm is ideal for its cultivation. It can also be cultivated in areas receiving a slightly lower rate of rainfall provided it is well distributed through out the year.
Uses:
Pepper is one of the most important & earliest known spice crop of India. The black pepper & white pepper of commercial use are the dried & processed berries and have a very prominent place in the world market. Pepper is used as a carminative Goan pepper, though not certified officially, is grown & processed organic and thus is of good quality, health wise & otherwise also.
Botanical name: Garcinia indica
Climate and soil:
Kokum grows well in well drained soils of coastal region. It requires heavy rainy region with humid climate.
Salient Features:
Kokum is found in the small confined region i.e. Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra & Goa State. Kokum Sol is a commercial product available in the market used for culinary purpose. Kokum sol (dried fruit rind), fruit juice (Agal) is useful to keep acidity under control, human health wise. Kokum butter is an oil extracted from its seeds and has medicinal qualities. It is used in food stuffs and creams to be applied on skin.
Goan Kokum is purely organic. It is being promoted by Govt. also.
Climate and soil:
It is a forest tree & grows on hill slopes of coastal region. It requires humid climate with high rainfall.
Uses:
Otum fruit is harvested and cut into pieces and dried. This dried otum (otum Sol) is used for culinary purpose. It gives good sour taste to the food items.
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