Summer brings along a range of coolers to relish, the most common ones being lassi, chaas, aam panna and nimbu pani to name a few. Each of these drinks is refreshing and has cooling effects on the body, but let's agree, having the same thing throughout the season can be a bit monotonous. This is where the seasonal fruits come in handy. We find various types of juicy fruits during the summers, each of which can be transformed into unique coolers to beat the heat. One such amazing yet less explored summer fruit is tadgola (or ice apple). An almost translucent fruit, tadgola is soft and fleshy from the outside and juicy on the inside. You will find tadgola widely available in West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and southern regions of India.
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How To Consume Tadgola Or Ice Apple?
The fruit is super soft and juicy, which is why, people prefer having it as is. All you need to do is, refrigerate it for some time, peel the skin and indulge! But if you explore the streets of Southern India, you would find a unique nungu sherbet being sold at every nook and corner. For the unversed, ice apple is referred to as nungu in this region. We loved the drink and thought of replicating it at home. It is easy to make, refreshing and loads you with several health-benefiting properties.
Why Nungu Sherbet Is Popular During The Summers?
Nungu (or tadgola) is grown specifically during the summers, hence people like to make the most of it before the season ends. Besides, it is super healthy too. The fruit is high in fibre and loads you with vitamins, iron, zinc and various essential minerals.
Here Are 5 Benefits Of Nungu Sherbet:
1. Prevents dehydration:
Ice apple is known to have a high water content that not only helps you keep up the water balance in the body but also cleanses harmful toxins.
2. Promotes digestion:
The soft and fleshy outer layer of the fruit is loaded with fibre that helps promote metabolism and digestion. The watery texture of the fruit also helps cool down your gut instantly.
3. Good for skin:
The fruit is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that promote blood flow in the skin cells, nourish it from within and slow down the ageing process.
4. Promote weight loss:
The fruit is enriched with fibre and protein and has insignificant calorie content. These factors make it great to aid weight loss.
5. Boost immunity:
The essential nutrients in ice apples also help prevent several seasonal diseases, further promoting immune health.
Also Read: 5 Natural And Desi Summer Drinks To Energise You, Nutritionist Reveals
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How To Make South Indian Nungu Sherbet:
The drink finds different variations as per preferences. Here, we used iced apple, lemon juice and some black and sugar to make the drink. First, crush the iced apple and mix salt, sugar and lemon juice with it. Then mix it with water and serve. Add some ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves to add a summery vibe. Click here for the recipe.
Try this drink at home and let us know how you liked it. And if you have any such unique summer cooler recipes, share them with us in the comments below.
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.