11 Gourmet Indian Ingredients Worth the Price

3. Kokum Butter — A fruit-derived fat with culinary uses

Kokum butter is extracted from the seeds of the kokum fruit and offers a firm, non-greasy fat that behaves differently from many vegetable oils. It’s prized for its neutral but subtly fruity note and a mouthfeel that supports both savory sauces and baked goods. Chefs like kokum butter because it can be used where a stable fat is needed without overwhelming flavor, and it has a higher melting point that helps in certain emulsions and tempering techniques.