This pickle is an old traditional favourite of Gujarat and is of enormous popularity amongst all Gujaratis. Gunda is a kind of a berry and since it is available only from March to June, it is bought in bulk quantities to be made into a pickle. Gundas have to be destalked and cleaned well from the insides because their seeds are surrounded by a sticky substance which has to be removed before stuffing. Gundas are stuffed with spiced mixture of pickling spices, grated mangoes and mustard oil. It is very essential that the gundas are completely immersed in pickle oil to preserve them for a long time.

‘Gunda’ is a small, berry-like fruit harvested from cordia shrubs. It is seasonal, and when it becomes available in the summer months, the Gujaratis really go gaga over it! An all-time favourite ingredient, gunda makes very tasty pickles and yummy subzis too. Gunda nu Shaak is a classic Gujarati recipe that is made in every Gujarati household in the summer months when gunda is available. It is a very aromatic dish with a nice mouth-feel too. Resplendent with the magic of spices, the Gunda nu Shaak is best enjoyed with a bowl of aamras and puri. De-seeding the gundas can be a messy job because it’s quite sticky inside – you can workaround the stickiness easily by coating your hands and knife with salt. Also have a go at other shaak recipes like Sambhariyu Shaak or Sev Tameta.