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 :) 

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 :) 

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 :)

Mangosteen Lemonade / Mangosteen Lemon Cooler

Mangosteen, a healthy and unique fruit which is called the queen or tropical fruits. It is known for the health benefits that it promotes due to the great amounts of Antioxidants and micronutrients. It is a rich source of natural fibre, energy and protein. The fruit is of tennis ball size with a green stalk and a purple coloured rind. Inside the tough and leathery purple rind lies the sweet white fleshy fruit which is edible and the seeds are highly bitter and not edible. The Fleshy white portion is what consumed as smoothies and juices or as such.

It has enormous medicinal properties, no wonder it is crowned as Queen of Tropical Fruits. To list a few, the Mangosteen Fruits are,

- Antibiotic (prevents bacterial infections)
- Anti Atherosclerotic (prevents blockage of arteries)
- Anti Fugal (prevents fungal infections)
- Anti Lipidemic (Lowers Lipid Levels)
- Anti Inflammatory
- Anti Ageing
- Anti Carcinogenic
-Anti Viral
- Improves Skin Health and Oral Hygiene
and the list goes on....

An interesting and refreshing cooler that I made this summer is a real delish and quite flavorful too. Mangosteen Lemonade :)

Welcome your feed backs :) 

  

Lemongrass Lemonade - A Miraculous Medicinal Cooler For Migraines

Migraine..The word itself will sound terrific to those who are suffering with that worst demon..Am one among the hundreds who are living with migraine..a living migraineur. Till now the medical field hasn't got anything as cure for this problem only because it has a big list of potential causes which differs from person to person. The medicines which are available now also has lot of side effects and I write this with my own experience over the past 10 years and I have tried every other treatment modes ranging from Allopathy to Ayurveda. Nothing has really helped me in avoiding migraines and once you get your attack there is no other go, you have to fight out the phase which might last for few hours to few days too. I have a bad experience of 6 days of suffering.

Basically every migraineur wish would be to combat and alleviate the pain once you get an attack. Migraines alters our normal body functioning by altering the levels of the neurotransmitter, the Serotonin (hence the mood swings)  which in turn affects the normal functioning of the platelets (causing the clumping of the platelets) and disrupts the body's electrolyte balance which is essential for the proper nerve functioning and muscle functioning (hence the nausea, dehydration and stiffness of muscles and nerves).

In this post, am sharing a miraculous medicinal cooler recipe which will help to alleviate the migraine pain. It has Lemon Grass as the main constituent, which is known and proved by research for its highest content of Eugenol, which actually inhibits the clumping of the platelets by balancing the serotonin levels.

The other important ingredient here is Himalayan Pink Salt, which has lot of trace minerals and electrolytes (It has almost 84 of those 118 known elements on Earth) and thus helps in restoring the body's electrolyte and alkaline balance.

The Lemon Juice again with the Himalayan Pink Salt act as a magic in relieving the pain. This is an excellent cooler not only for migraineurs but for everyone on any day to keep our body hydrated.

Here's the recipe...Hope this helps atleast few who suffer like me..

Please do post your feed backs..Would love to hear..:) 

Ice Apple Rose Milk / Nungu Rose Milk

Ice Apples get easily blended with Milk and imparts an excellent flavour and taste to it. Rose Milk is everyone's favourite..When Ice Apples can be blended in, it tastes truly heaven. This recipe can be served as a Party Coolers for their refreshing and cute pink colour. Kids would love this as a drink. A must try during the season of Ice Apples. I have used the famous Kalathi Kadai Rose Milk Essence which has an awesome taste and Flavour.

For more info about Ice Apple and other Ice Apple Recipes, Check here 

Now to the recipe...

Ice Apple Mango Dessert

A dessert with the seasonal fruits??? Doesn't that sounds great... Yes it is the dessert I tried with the fruits of the season, Mineral Rich Ice Apples and Vitamin Rich delicious Juicy Mangoes. The added happiness would be adding those sweet mangoes grown organically in your own home garden. When I saw those ripened mangoes at my home town when I visited a week back, I wanted to do something cool. The tender Ice Apples that my Father in Law brought for us to relish made me to try this unique combo of Mango and Ice Apples. It was a great hit at home with addition of golden raisins. Yet another easy peasy recipe to try this season.

Enjoy this deliciously cool dessert :) Check this post for Benefits of Ice Apple. 

Ice Apple Milk Dessert / Nungu Paal

Ice Apples are available in plenty this season and the summer is not complete without making this family favorite Nungu Paal / Ice Apple Milk Dessert. This one recipe I have always relished as a child and my mother never fail to make this every summer. This is considered to be one Royal Dessert those days and when guests visit us during summer, this will be a sure shot recipe. A recipe that can be made in a jiffy and the blend is yummilicious one with the goodness of milk.

Always ensure you mix in the Ice Apples along with the Juice inside as that has lot of minerals in it and gives a unique taste to the dessert. This recipe can be enhanced with honey instead sugar and this tastes heaven with honey blended in.

Try this out and you will sure love it..

Check out here for the benefits of Ice Apple and Ice Apple Sherbet Recipe :)