• Department of Export Agriculture
    Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

Introduction & Importance

Garcinia, locally known as Goraka, is native to Sri Lanka and southern India. It is valued both as a culinary souring agent and as a nutraceutical crop.

Uses

  • Culinary: Dried rind used as a souring and flavoring agent.
  • Medicinal: Contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), linked with weight management.
  • Industrial: Extracts used in nutraceuticals worldwide.

Growing Areas

Wet zone districts including Galle, Matara, and Ratnapura.


Climate & Soil Requirements

  • Altitude: Sea level to 600 m.
  • Rainfall: 2,000–3,500 mm.
  • Soils: Lateritic loams and fertile clays.

Crop Management

  • Grown in home gardens and mixed cropping systems.
  • Requires minimal inputs and thrives under shade.


Harvesting & Post-Harvest

  • Fruits harvested when ripe and sliced before drying.
  • Processed rind is stored for culinary and industrial uses.

DEA Support

Supports expansion through planting material distribution and training.