Dadim, commonly known as Pomegranate is a cherished fruit in Uttarakhand. Esteemed for its rich flavour and nutritional benefits, Dadim is an integral part of the local diet and holds a special place in traditional food practices. Dadim is almost identical to Pomegranate ecxept for its taste and size. It is approximately 40% the size of a pomegranate and presents a vibrant red colour when fully ripe. Unlike pomegranates, which are often sweeter with a hint of sourness, Dadim has a more balanced flavour, with sour and sweet tastes in equal ratio.
Juice is extracted from the fruits and cooked in iron utensils in wood / charcoal fire for several hours till it becomes thick and black in colour to obtain what is called CHUKH locally. Stored in glass bottles it can be used for ages. It has a very sour taste and often used in chutneys, soups etc. The chukh has several medicinal qualities as well and is considered very good for stomach ailments, haemoptysis, indigestion and vomiting.