This exotic fruit is sold for ₹1500 per kg, how gac is winning over Kerala's terraces

Years ago, gac fruit arrived in Kerala as a new guest from Vietnam, joining the league of other exotic fruits like Rambutan, Durian, and Dragon Fruit. The scientific name is momordica cochinchinensis, a species of plant in the melon and cucumber family Cucurbitaceae. The fruits of this vine-growing plant are similar to passion fruit. Gac fruit is now being successfully cultivated in most districts of Kerala. Many who started cultivation on an experimental basis are now happy.

Suitable for Kerala's climate
The absence of pests and diseases, and easy maintenance, make this cultivation attractive. It is also suitable for Kerala's climate. Its leaves can also be used as a vegetable. Though it has a slightly bitter taste, gac fruit is rich in Vitamin C, various elements, and antioxidants. Gac is a powerhouse of Omega-3, Omega-6, Beta-carotene, and Vitamin C. One fruit weighs approximately 900 grams to one kilogram. Being excellent for making value-added products like juice, pickles, and sauces, it is a fruit with good market potential. Juice for more than ten people can be made from one fruit. One fruit also contains more than ten seeds.

Growing plants by sprouting seeds
In short, this fruit, seen in green, orange, and red colours, is not an ordinary one. It is a foreign species not very common in Kerala. This fruit, which appears green when unripe and changes colour to ripen, possesses significant medicinal properties and is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products. Gac fruit plants are grown by sprouting their seeds. There are both female and male plants. A single plant can yield harvests for 12 to 20 years.

It is grown organically using only things like dry leaves, banana stems, and cow dung. Although it costs around Rs 1500 per kg, most farmers in Kerala prefer to extract and sell the seeds due to the lack of a market for the fruit. It is also convenient that it can be grown in the yards, and on terraces for those without a big plot or piece of land.

Known as the 'heavenly fruit' of Southeast Asia, gac fruit can be eaten both green and ripe when fully grown. It is primarily used for making juice. This fruit, belonging to the bitter gourd family, turns dark red when ripe. It is commonly found in Vietnam. The medicinal fruit costs over Rs 1500 per kg. It is known that the oil extracted from its seeds fetches around Rs 20000 in the international market.

Making the juice
Since it has a slight bitterness, this fruit cannot be directly juiced. Therefore, it should be cut, the pulp extracted, and then boiled before use. The pulp, which can be scooped out with a spoon, can be turned into a finer extract using a sieve. It can be blended in a mixer. The thick pulp should be diluted with a little water and then boiled. For taste, sugar can be added as needed, and it can be consumed after cooling.

Method of cultivation
For gac plants to bear fruit, pollination must be effective. Since there are male and female plants, both must be grown for pollination to occur. However, male and female plants can only be distinguished after flowering. The ovary at the base of the female flower is the distinguishing mark. To increase the chances of having both male and female plants, at least 3 saplings should be planted. Although natural pollination occurs, commercial cultivation will only be profitable if fruit set is increased through artificial pollination. Gac seeds have low germination capacity. They should be sown after soaking in water for at least 12 hours.

After planting in baskets or grow bags, one has to wait for at least 1.5-2 months for them to sprout. Seeds planted together may not sprout simultaneously. After two weeks of sprouting, do not hesitate to transplant them to the ground.

Since it is a plant that thrives with abundant foliage, growing it in grow bags may lead to nutrient deficiency. Ensuring the presence of male and female plants, planting in soil that receives ample sunlight, and joining it onto a trellis are essential for the success of gac cultivation. Organic fertilizer can be applied twice a year.