Pahari name: Kaaphal or Kafal

Common name: Bay-Berry

Common name: Bay-Berry, Box myrtle

Bot. name: Myricaceae Buch-Ham. ex D.Don. (M. nagii Thunb.)

Kaaphal is one of many extremely delicious wild fruits found throughout mid-Himalayan region. The fruit looks somewhat like deep-red colored raspberries.  They barely have any pulp, have a big round seed in the center.  Since they are very refreshing to eat, they are well liked by many Himalayan region peoples.  When I saw the above picture of Kaaphal in the internet i goes back to my childhood days.

The fresh fruits have a reputation for being a little acidic even when they are ripe, but more sour when unripe. They have a limited harvesting period and available for a short period of time only.  When they were in season, local villagers picked and gathered the berries carefully from the wild growing areas and transported to Himalayan region in a wicker baskets (doko-daalo). there are lots of pahari songs and phrase are famous about kaphal like bedoo pakoo baramasaa..naraina kaphalo pako chaita and kaphalo pakko..mil ne chakho.. We loved to eat the fruits with sprinkling of salt or rock salt and chili powder and it was a popular treat in the beginning of the summer months.  We were prevented eating under-ripe ones because they caused upset stomach, but we were hooked on these sweet, salty and spicy snack berries.  Now I wonder how simple things in life that made us so happy. Today I want to share with you the much loved wild berries that is growing throughout many parts of  Himalayan regions,  If you can get a hold of it, it is worth trying!