Mango Sherbet / Mango Nannari Sherbet

Every year I used to wait for the batch of Organically grown Mangoes ripened in natural way which makes it naturally sweet. They offer bountiful benefits hence its crowned as King of Fruits. It is rich in Vitamin A and good amounts of Vitamin C, E, K and B6. Hence it promotes Eye Health and clears the Skin. Mango fruit has carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenoids, and polyphenols which are responsible for the anti cancer properties. It also maintains the Alkalinity level of the body. It improves digestion due to the fibre content and boost up immune system. It also prevents heat strokes. It is also known to reduce cholesterol levels. 

Used home grown, well ripened mangoes to make this delicious Mango Nannari Sherbet (Mango Sarsaparilla Sherbet) with goodness of Almond Gum which has natural cooling effects. 

Have a Cool Week Ahead :) 

Kala Khatta Syrup / Jamun Syrup

Yet another special and healthy Indian Summer Cooler for this week using our Indian Black Plum / Jamun ( Jambul, Jambolan, Jambas, Malabar plum, Rajaman, Neredu, Kala Jamun, Naaval, Jamali, Java Plum are other names). It is very popular drink in Mumbai and it offers excellent health benefits. This is available during the Summer Seasons and June July being the peak. It is rich in glucose and fructose and a great source of minerals and phyto nutrients. It has good amounts of Potassium and thus helps in maintaining the heart health. It is proven to control the blood sugar levels and thus cures the complications related to Diabetics. It keeps teeth and gums healthy owing to its Vitamin C content. This is one flavourful juice be it a Sherbet, Fruit Soda or Ice Gola. It has good amounts of Vitamin A and thus good for Eye health. Jamun has natural cooling properties and aids in digestion, keeps skin fresh. Jamun fruit is also known to cure infections due to its anti bacterial properties. This recipe is a must to do during this season. 

Have a Happy Week Ahead :) 

Variyali Sherbet / Fennel Sherbet

Days are getting hotter and we are literally being roasted by the rays of sun. We have lot of native Indian Coolers that are made with the common ingredients that are available in kitchen to cool our system naturally. Most of the recipes are almost forgotten and rarely made these days due to modernization and because of the domination of the Fizzy carbonated drinks. The main aim of my cooler series is to dig out those treasured recipes of us and share their enormous benefits. This is one such traditional cooler native of Gujarat made of Fennel Seeds and Dried Black Raisins - Variyali Sherbet 

Fennel Seeds - English
Perunjeerakam / Sombu - Tamizh 
Saunf - Hindi 

• Fennel is a symbol of strength and longevity. It was also believed by ancient Greeks to increase one’s courage.
• It is rich in anti oxidants which is proven to be effective against degenerative diseases like Macular Degeneration of the eyes (Age Related Degeneration of Macular Tissues of Eyes)
• It has good amount of dietary fibre and thus aids in better digestion and Fiber present in fennel seeds decreases re absorption of cholesterol, thereby preventing any heart-related diseases.
• It has been proven to be effective against Cancer and neurological diseases.
• Fennel Juice is a highly nutritional beverage. It is rich in vitamin A, B, C, E, and beta-carotene. It is loaded with minerals like magnesium, iron, cobalt, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, silicon, and zinc. It also has high levels of antioxidants, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The high levels of antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage.
• Copper which helps in production of Red Blood Cells.
• The presence of zinc helps in proper growth and development. 
• It eases Menstrual cramps and also effective against Pre Menstrual and Post MenoPause problems 
• It increases milk production in lactating mothers. 
• It has lot of antiseptic properties and is proven to be effective against Tetanus and treating post surgical infections.
• Iron and Histamine presence acts as a natural remedy for anemia.
• It reduces acidity and boosts immunity. Very effective in treating Respiratory Disorders like Bronchitis. 
• Fennel has certain antispasmodic qualities which also help it relax smooth muscles and reduce the discomfort associated with Renal Colic.

Black Raisins is also loaded with enormous health benefits and to list a few., 

• Dry grapes contain insoluble fiber that reduces constipation, helps to stop loose stools and reduces diarrhea.
• Dried Black grapes have glycemic index values that range from around 43 to 53 and so they are listed as low GI foods.
• The consumption of grapes also reduces and regulates cholesterol levels.
• Dry grapes are a rich source of iron that helps to treat anaemia. It also has Vitamin-B complex which is required for new blood formation. This also has good copper content that is essential for red blood cells formation.
• Higher the flavonoid content, the darker and juicier the quality of the grapes. Correspondingly, black grapes are believed to be the healthiest.(hence used Black Grapes in this recipe)
• Grape skins, grape seeds and grape flesh, all have high concentrations of this phytonutrient. Resveratrol –  is one of several grape phytonutrients that is believed to affect longevity, because of its effect in slowing oxidization of cells and molecules, a property that also offers protection against degenerative conditions like cancer. 
• Quercitin is another phytonutrient present in grapes that is proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research shows that this property could lower the risks of developing a blood clot.

Here you go for the naturally cooling and refreshing Variyali Sherbet recipe. 

Have a Cool Week Ahead :) 

Shikanji / Shikanjvi - A Spiced Indian Summer Cooler

Its an extremely hot week for sure and Tamil Nadu started experiencing heat waves. We obviously feel dehydrated and drained with this extreme weather. Even though we have lot of Summer Cooler recipes available, this one recipe is very effective and beneficial. Its a makeover of lemonade with some spices like roasted cumin powder and the addition of Black Salt gives this an unique taste. As per Ayurveda, Black Salt is the highly beneficial variety of salt and it has the powder to cool the body. It is also proven to cure intestinal disorders and a best known laxative. Shikanji / Shikanjvi is the spiced lemonade that is popular in North India and Pakistan. I have enhanced it with Palm Jaggery instead Sugar and added Mint Leaves for that zing effect. This is a best electrolyte as well and re hydrates the body.

Have a Healthy, Cool Week Ahead :) Lets wish for some Summer Showers :)