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 :)