Summers is one of my most beloved season, regardless of all the heat, dust, tan and grime it brings. Mainly because of the airy clothes that provide freedom of movement unlike winters and the fruits and coolers that we get to enjoy throughout the season.
The fruits I am going to talk about in this post are the much elusive phalsa fruit and bael fruit. They're not as such lesser known but they are less popular. Who can blame you when you've got fruits like mangoes, melons and peaches in front of you?
Phalsa fruit's botanic name is Grewia Asiatica. Its purple in colour and tangy-sweet in taste. The fruit is native to the South Asian subcontinent and in the market for just a month.
Phalsa fruit juice contains magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, carbohydrates and vitamins A and C. The anthocyanin flavonoids it contains are thought to be protective against cancer.
The fruit is said to prevent respiratory problems like cough-cold, purify blood, regulates cholesterol levels and blood pressure and can even treat sunburn.
Coming to the bael fruit, it has lot of common English/Indian names like wood apple, holy apple, elephant apple, monkey fruit etc.
It is again, native to India and most common in the South Asian subcontinent. It is called wood apple for its hard shell with gooey pulp on the inside and has an exotic slightly sweet, nutty taste.
A good source of beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, fibers, iron, phosphorus, carbohydrates and proteins.
This fruit can cure respiratory infections like cough-cold and asthma; scurvy, peptic ulcer, piles, diarrhea, good for kidney patients and diabetics and a great energy booster.
There are different ways these fruits can be consumed but I am going to talk about juicing them because that is perfect for these long hot Indian summers and because that is what I do, and trust me, if I can do it, Anyone can do it. Basically because I am not much of a cook.
Phalsa juice:
Wash phalsa fruits in a metal sieve and add to the juicer/blender along with enough water to cover the top of the fruits. Mash them and sieve in a bowl till you get all the juice. You can add more or less water according to the consistency or thickness of the drink you like. Add black salt, sugar (to your taste) and done. Ta Da!
Bael juice:
Similar steps are to be followed for this juice. Because the shell is hard, pound it against the floor like you would, to break a coconut, take all the pulp out in a bowl. It is your choice to pick the seeds out or let it be. Add water and blend till it is thick and pulpy. Sieve with more water. Add sugar, black salt, rock salt as per your taste and Voila!
Easy enough, no? As with any other fruit/eatable, over-consumption should be prevented. Special mention for the bael fruit. It can cause abortion so expecting moms shouldn't drink it without consulting with their doctors.
For doubt, queries, questions, please Google further (:P) or leave a comment or tweet and I'll help. Also, if you know cooler ways or fruits/vegetables to be had this summer, ping me. You know how much I love em. Happy Summers!
The fruits I am going to talk about in this post are the much elusive phalsa fruit and bael fruit. They're not as such lesser known but they are less popular. Who can blame you when you've got fruits like mangoes, melons and peaches in front of you?
Phalsa fruit's botanic name is Grewia Asiatica. Its purple in colour and tangy-sweet in taste. The fruit is native to the South Asian subcontinent and in the market for just a month.
Phalsa fruit juice contains magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, carbohydrates and vitamins A and C. The anthocyanin flavonoids it contains are thought to be protective against cancer.
The fruit is said to prevent respiratory problems like cough-cold, purify blood, regulates cholesterol levels and blood pressure and can even treat sunburn.
Coming to the bael fruit, it has lot of common English/Indian names like wood apple, holy apple, elephant apple, monkey fruit etc.
It is again, native to India and most common in the South Asian subcontinent. It is called wood apple for its hard shell with gooey pulp on the inside and has an exotic slightly sweet, nutty taste.
A good source of beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, fibers, iron, phosphorus, carbohydrates and proteins.
This fruit can cure respiratory infections like cough-cold and asthma; scurvy, peptic ulcer, piles, diarrhea, good for kidney patients and diabetics and a great energy booster.
There are different ways these fruits can be consumed but I am going to talk about juicing them because that is perfect for these long hot Indian summers and because that is what I do, and trust me, if I can do it, Anyone can do it. Basically because I am not much of a cook.
Phalsa juice:
Wash phalsa fruits in a metal sieve and add to the juicer/blender along with enough water to cover the top of the fruits. Mash them and sieve in a bowl till you get all the juice. You can add more or less water according to the consistency or thickness of the drink you like. Add black salt, sugar (to your taste) and done. Ta Da!
Bael juice:
Similar steps are to be followed for this juice. Because the shell is hard, pound it against the floor like you would, to break a coconut, take all the pulp out in a bowl. It is your choice to pick the seeds out or let it be. Add water and blend till it is thick and pulpy. Sieve with more water. Add sugar, black salt, rock salt as per your taste and Voila!
Easy enough, no? As with any other fruit/eatable, over-consumption should be prevented. Special mention for the bael fruit. It can cause abortion so expecting moms shouldn't drink it without consulting with their doctors.
For doubt, queries, questions, please Google further (:P) or leave a comment or tweet and I'll help. Also, if you know cooler ways or fruits/vegetables to be had this summer, ping me. You know how much I love em. Happy Summers!
Woooow! I had not Known of These Fruits Till Now.... Thanks a Ton Sakshi... U r My Fav. And U Always Rock:)
ReplyDeleteHehehe Thanks So much! Do try these fruits and let me know how you find them. :)
ReplyDeletereally nyc wrk @sakshi
ReplyDelete