As the summer heat scorches the state, we can only dream about the winters. However, Assam is rich in fruits that can be turned into delectable juices without much hassle.
Without much ado, let’s dive into the list.
- Bhim Kol Sherbet:- It’s English name is Bhim Banana (musa balbisiana colla). To prepare, at first remove the peel and slice or grate the pulp (if you want to remove the seeds). After that soak the pulp in a glass of water as per requirement for 3-4 hours. To consume the sherbet, remove the pulp from water or strain the water and enjoy the drink. It acts as an immunity booster and is rich in potassium and iron. This sherbet is also popularly known as Juroni Pani in Assamese language.
- Bael sherbet– Bael (Aegle marmelos) is also known as wood apple or stone apple. Its shell is very hard to break but the pulp is soft and mushy which has a sweet taste. The pulp is removed with a spoon and the seeds are separated. Then put the pulp in water for about an hour. Strain the water and consume it. The pulp is naturally sweet, so the juice can be prepared without using sugar. It is really good for problems related to digestion.
- Kola Jamu Sherbet– Kola Jamu is known as Malabar plum, Java plum, or Black plum in English. Bring the plums and water to boil until it gets soft. Then mash the berries and remove the pulp and seeds. Strain the water into a glass and enjoy the drink. It is also good for weight loss, boosts heart health and also manages diabetes.
- Thekera Sherbet– It is an Indigenous citrus fruit from Assam. In English it is known as Gamboge (Garcinia pedunculata). It generally grows in the month of April. The ripe one is cut into pieces and seeds are removed. After removing the seeds, the remaining pieces are added with salt and kept for drying. Every local household keeps the dried pieces for many years for further use. The dried pieces turn into black color. Take two to three dried pieces and soak it in water for 1-2 hours. Add salt and sugar as per taste in water and it’s ready for consumption. It is used as a health drink in summer irrespective of age and as a medicine for stomach problems.
- Anaros Sherbet– Anaros or Pineapple (Ananas comosus), is very beneficial for weight loss, promotes tissue healing, arthritis pain relief and a weight loss booster. To prepare the juice, first select a fresh ripe pineapple. Then remove the skin and chop them into pieces as per requirement. Put it into a blender, take out the juice, mix with water and drink it.
- Outenga Sherbet– Also known as Elephant apple (Dillenia indica), outenga grows in the months of March and April. It has tremendous medicinal properties for problems related to digestion. To prepare, select a ripe one and cut it into small pieces, grind it and then allow it to dry. The dried powder can be stored for about a year. Whenever you feel like drinking the juice, take 2/3 spoons of powder, mix it with water, add salt and sugar as per taste and gulp it down.
- Lesu Sherbet– It is called lychee in English. Its scientific name is Litchi chinensis. It is good for treatment of cough, testicular swelling, diabetes and obesity. To make the juice first remove the peel and then separate the pulp and seed. Grind the pulp, take out the juice, mix it with water and enjoy the taste.
- Aam sherbet– Mango (Mangifera indica) or Aam needs no introduction. Mango contains nutrients such as magnesium and potassium, which helps in maintaining a healthy blood flow. First remove the peel and cut the mango into pieces and remove the seed. Then put it in a blender, along with some water, blend it and the juice is ready.
- Nemu Sherbet – Nemu is also known as lemon (Citrus limon) and the drink is popularly known all over the world as lemonade. It is high in Vitamin C, helps in weight loss, prevents kidney stones and also reduces risk against cancer. To prepare this sherbet is very easy. Cut the lemon into pieces, squeeze it’s juice in a glass of water, add sugar or salt as per taste, mix it well and drink it.
- Kordoi Sherbet– Also popularly known as Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) as it resembles a star when it’s cut. It is rich in Vitamin C, helps regulate blood sugar level and also supports the immune system. To prepare the juice, cut the fruit into pieces and put it into a blender, strain the juice in a glass of water, mix it with salt or sugar as per taste and enjoy the drink. But, a word of caution- Star fruit should be avoided by people having problems related to kidneys.
So, there’s a list of sherbets to keep your cool in this beating heat.
