Cooch Behar, West Bengal

Torsa-Mansai River Char Watermelon (Taromuj)

Juicy taromuj (watermelon) grown on the fertile river chars of the Torsa and Mansai rivers is a celebrated local produce of Cooch Behar, prized for needing little irrigation because the chars hold moisture. The fruit has long-standing cultural significance among local farmers and traders, and Cooch Behar's char watermelons are even exported to other states. Farmers also make profit from unseasonal, mulch-based cultivation in winter. Buyers get sweet, refreshing seasonal fruit in local markets, best from the off-season winter through summer.

Typical price: ₹50-150

Buying tip: Buy from the river-side markets around Torsha and Mansai where char growers sell directly, and favour the winter (unseasonal) harvest when supply is tight and fruit is at its sweetest. Prices are an estimate and vary with season and size.