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 :) 

Gujarati Special Cooler - Komal

And the harsh, unrelenting Summer Season is here and we do yearn for some cool at the same time natural drinks to hydrate our body and quench thirst. We have lot of native drinks that are made during the season made out of familiar ingredients which are healthy. One such drink which is a signature recipe of Gujarat is Komal. Its a blend of Spiced Curds with healthy and naturally cooling coconut milk. The curd that is spiced with green chillies and the tempering adds up to the flavour and taste. It has a very cooling effect and naturally refreshing. Discard the green chillies while drinking and enjoy this summer delicacy.

For the benefits of coconut milk check out another coconut milk delight here 

Have a Cool Week Ahead :) 

Tropical Delight - Ice Apple Hibiscus Cooler / Nungu Chembaruthi Sherbet

And the summer is here, which brings in the delicious and naturally cooling Ice Apples for us to relish. I have already shared various Ice Apple Recipes last summer and adding few more to the list this year too. Got some fresh and tender Ice Apples directly harvested from trees on demand on the way back home after a short trip to Auroville this week. We got one full bunch of the fruits carefully scooped out without breaking the delicate skin, as the juice inside the Ice apples are the excellent hydrating agent and has lot of medicinal properties. The juice when applied on prickly heat,rashes or sun burns will reduce irritation and burning sensation, cures them fast. The peels can be used for this purpose as it will have some juice and flesh. Just by rubbing the inner portion of the peels on the affected areas will give soothing effect.

Sharing another interesting blend of Ice Apple with Hibiscus which is a delightful cooler to enjoy this summer to harness the benefits of both.

Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C and Flavanoids. It displays Anti Bacterial and anti Cancerous Properties. It is known to reduce Blood Pressure Level and Cholesterol levels in body. It is also proven to calm down the hot flashes that women faces during hormonal period of menopause. It is not recommended for Pregnant and Lactating women or those who are taking fertility treatments.It boosts up immunity and maintain body temperature.

Check out for an array of Ice Apple Recipes and its Benefits Here.

Happy and Healthy Week to all :) 

Lemon Mint Cooler

The Summer hasn't kicked off officially but we started feeling the aggression of Sun Rays already. Wont it be a cool idea to start making our own native coolers with natural home grown ingredients to beat the heat? Yes, starting this year's cooler series with this greeny green and refreshing Lemon Mint Cooler made with Home Grown Mint and Lemon.

Have enhanced this regular Lemon Mint Cooler with Himalayan Pink Salt which will recharge our system with essential minerals and this is an excellent re-hydrating drink.

The Benefits 

The Recipe

Have a Refreshing Week :) 

Holi Recipe - Thandai - A healthy and refreshing Indian Drink

Holi is one of the major and colorful festival of India celebrated in grand manner in many parts of the country. It is known as the Festival of Love, signifies the victory of Good over the Evil.It also denotes the arrival of spring, end of winter. Its a day to meet our near and dear ones, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships, and is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. It is celebrated on a Full Moon Day in the month of March. Its a colorful day with people pouring colour water and color powders on each other and have fun. Holi also brings in lot of goodies to be shared and cherished with our friends and relatives. Sharing here an delicious and traditional recipe to celebrate Holi.

Check out the other traditional recipe for Holi - Malpuas  and a healthy version of Millet Malpua 

Thandai 

A refreshing drink that is made during Holi and is very flavourful and rich. It is made with Nuts, Poppy Seeds, Fennel, Rose Petals and Milk.

The Thandai Masala can be made and stored in air tight container for a week in refrigerator. It can be mixed with boiled and cooled milk, with sugar when needed and serve chilled.

The Ingredients

The Recipe 

Happy Holi :) May the festival brings in lot of love and happiness :) 

Mango Tender Coconut Smoothie

A tasty and delicious smoothie that is made with Sweet Luscious Organically Grown Mangoes and Mineral rich natural Coolant Tender Coconut. This is one great way to relish the Mangoes during the season. This combo is loaded with Vitamins A, C and important minerals and a bountiful mount of dietary fiber. I tried various combinations of Mango and this one turned out really good one to indulge in.

Would love to hear feed backs :) A best drink for kids. 

Plum Lemonade - A Refreshing Summer Cooler

Plums belong to drupaceous fruits having sweet and tangy taste. They are loaded with Vitamins and essential minerals. They are very low in calories with no saturated fats. It is rich in antioxidants and helps to boost up our immune system. Intake of Plums helps in production and absorption of Iron in our body and aids in red blood cell formation.

Due to the great amount of Potassium presence in helps in regulating the function of heart. It keeps blood pressure under check and prevents the risk of heart stroke to a great levels. The Anthocyanin pigment that is present in Plums acts as an anticancerous agent.

Consumption of plums also helps in better digestion due to the presence of good amount of dietary fibres.

Here I am with a refreshing Lemonade made with Plums to relish. A perfect drink to harness the benefits of Plums. I have made this as a perfect electrolyte with Salt and Organic Cane Sugar. Hope you enjoy this :)

Mango Lemonade - Summer Cooler

I ensured that this season I use the Organically Grown Mangoes that we got from a known farm in every other possible way. One of the delicious recipe is the Mango Lemonade which is a real refresher with the sweetness of Mango and tanginess of Lemon. A very simple and easy to make recipe that is loved by kids and can be a refresher in home parties. No need to mention that it is loaded with Vitamin A and C and Organic Sugar I added here increases the health quotient. 

Hope you enjoy this simple delicacy :) 

Watermelon Agua Fresca / Watermelon Honey Cooler

Can we imagine a Summer without Watermelon? Obviously..No.
Watermelon is one incredible fruit that offers enormous health benefits apart from being a excellent hydrating agent. It has 92% water along with enormous amounts of vitamin and minerals that help in healing various ailments of body in summer.Not only the fruit, the rind and seeds are also edible.It promotes Cardio Vascular and bone health. The fruit is known to boost up the immune system, heals muscle soreness after a heavy workout.  
Make sure to pick the ripe fruits as it has the richest amount of Phenolic compounds which has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. The pretty pink colour of the flesh is due to the presence of lycopene (which is present in tomatoes as well) a  powerful carotenoid antioxidant.
Citrulline, an amino acid present in watermelon helps in reducing the accumulation of fat in our body cells. It is also a natural diuretic which helps in free flow of urine without straining the kidneys.
Watermelon is a rich source of Beta Carotene which is converted to Vitamin A that is crucial for Eye Health. It prevents Age Related Macular Degeneration of the Retinal Cells of the Eye and also promotes healthy skin. Vitamin C that is in abundance in this fruit helps in healing of wounds and healthy gums and teeth.

Watermelons are great to be consumed as a fruit as such and as fresh juices. Here I have given a simple recipe " Watermelon Agua Fresca" a real refresher during hot summer. Agua Fresca is a spanish word for the beverages made out of pureed fruits along with fresh water and some natural sweeteners. You need only three ingredients to prepare this refreshing summer cooler.

This will be a great welcome drink in parties :)