Move beyond mangoes! From phalsa to kokum and tadgola, discover India’s refreshing summer fruits and their incredible health benefits.

When we think of summer fruits, mangoes usually steal the spotlight. But India’s diverse climate gives us a treasure trove of lesser-known seasonal fruits, each packed with unique flavours and incredible health benefits. From the tangy phalsa to the cooling tadgola, here are some delicious summer fruits you may not have heard of but should definitely try!

1. Phalsa:

Phalsa (Grewia asiatica) is a small, round fruit with a deep purple hue when ripe. It has a sweet and tangy taste, making it a favourite for cooling summer drinks.

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, phalsa aids in combating heat strokes and digestive issues. Traditionally, it’s consumed with a sprinkle of salt or turned into refreshing sherbets.

2. Kokum

Native to the Western Ghats, kokum (Garcinia indica) is a tropical fruit renowned for its vibrant red colour and sour flavour. It’s commonly used in Goan and Maharashtrian cuisine to add a tangy twist to dishes.

Beyond its culinary uses, kokum is celebrated for its cooling properties and is often transformed into a summer beverage known as kokum sherbet. 

3. Tadgola (ice apple)

Also known as nungu in Tamil Nadu, the ice apple is the translucent, jelly-like fruit of the sugar palm tree. With a mildly sweet flavour and a texture reminiscent of lychee, it’s a natural coolant, making it perfect for hot summer days. 

Packed with minerals like potassium and sodium, tadgola helps maintain electrolyte balance.

4. Jujube

Commonly referred to as ber (Ziziphus jujuba) in India, jujube is a small, round fruit that transitions from green to reddish-brown as it ripens. It boasts a crisp texture and a sweet-tart flavour. 

Jujubes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, contributing to immune support and skin health. They can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or even candied.

5. Bael 

Also known as wood apple, bael (Aegle marmelos) is a hard-shelled fruit with a sweet, aromatic pulp. It’s traditionally consumed as a juice, which is known to aid digestion and act as a natural coolant.

Bael is also rich in fibre, making it beneficial for gut health. In many Indian households, bael sherbet is a staple during the scorching summer months.

6. Jamun

This oblong, deep purple fruit is both sweet and astringent. Jamun (Syzygium cumini) is celebrated not just for its unique taste but also for its health benefits, particularly in regulating blood sugar levels.

vitamin C, and antioxidants. Often eaten with a sprinkle of salt, jamun is a summer favourite in many parts of India.

Source;TheBetterIndia.com 

@iQOO Connect

Please like and follow your gaming and knowledge Questers @Kvkartikji04