If you visit any Indian fruit market during the summer months then you will encounter the delectable brown fruit of Chikoo or Sapodilla. This delicious fruit might look muddy on the outside but encloses a heavenly sweet pulp that possesses the richness of custard. However, what you will find in the urban markets is a shrivelled and hardened version of the fresh fruit that can be consumed in all its juiciness at a Chikoo farm in the Konkan region.  The coastal climate of the Konkan belt is ideal for this crop to flourish and this area is abundant in extensive Chikoo farms, brimming with natural beauty. Here are some reasons why you must plan a weekend getaway to a Chikoo farm this summer to partake of this sugary delight.

Bite into the Goodness of Freshly Plucked Chikoos

The Konkan region tops the list of the places famous for Chikoos in India, and with good reason. As soon as you step inside a Chikoo farm, you will be welcomed by the heady aroma of naturally ripened Chikoos. Endless rows of trees laden with dozens of fruits will entice you to fill an entire crate with this sweet treat and take it back home. Plucking these succulent orbs straight from the trees and feasting on their soft pulp, which is also extremely nutritious, is an amazing offbeat weekend experience.

Leave the Sultry Weather of the City Behind

The unbearably hot and humid weather of the summer months is not just uncomfortable but also has a terrible impact on the body. A weekend getaway in Konkan offers a cool, temperate climate and the healing shade of Chikoo trees. The nectar of the Chikoo fruit is rich in minerals and sugar, making it an organic energy booster. An afternoon of feasting on Chikoos in the invigorating environment of the farm will leave you energized and rejuvenated. The temperature dip will work wonders for your health while the Chikoos will satisfy your palette.

Hone Your Gardening Skills

A visit to a Chikoo farm not just allows you to gorge on the scrumptious fruits but also offers an opportunity to sharpen your gardening skills. With the advice and expertise of the farmers, you can easily grow your very own Chikoo tree in your backyard. Learn the secrets of nurturing a healthy Chikoo tree from the masters of this trade and take home a sapling so that you can enjoy an unlimited supply of the fruit.  These agrotourism destinations provide an educational experience and will make you appreciate the efforts of the farmers even more.

Support the Local Farmers

Now that you’re aware of the painstaking labour that goes into cultivating this wonderful crop, why not make a small gesture to support the farming community? Purchasing the fruit directly from the farm not just ensures high quality but also allows the entire profit to reach the farmers. Devoid of preservatives and chemicals, these Chikoos are available at astonishingly low prices due to the exclusion of transportation costs.  You can even buy the fruit in bulk, to distribute among your friends and family. It is a good deed that will leave you with sweet rewards.

A Fantastic Family Outing

The refreshing atmosphere of a Chikoo farm and the alluring scent of the fruit attracts people of all ages. Therefore, a Chikoo farm is an excellent location for a family picnic. Agrotourism helps the children of this millennium to connect with nature, something that is hard to do in an urban environment. Fun and games at a Chikoo farm prove to be a great bonding exercise for the family while you re-establish your links with planet Earth. This weekend getaway will allow you to unwind and forget about the woes and worries of daily life.

This unique experience offered by the Chikoo farms in Konkan region is impossible to replicate in a city. Chikoo farms are one of the rare gems of rural Maharashtra that make for a magical summer retreat. Make sure to indulge in the splendour of these glorious farms this summer.