Monsoon Mania: Exploring the delightful fruits of India’s rainy season

The season of happiness

As the rainy season sweeps across the vast landscape of India, it brings with it a vibrant burst of colours and flavours. Monsoon is a time of rejuvenation, and nature responds by offering a delectable array of seasonal fruits that delight the taste buds and nourish the body.

Ms Deepika Dua Arora, Dietician at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park says students must eat every seasonal fruit. She says, “Every seasonal fruit has its own unique nutritional properties. Jamun is excellent for the diabetes, Lychee and mango kokum are excellent natural laxative. So is the bel fruit and its juice. Watermelon as most people know is a great source to keep oneself effectively hydrated for long.”

So, join us on a tantalising journey through the monsoon’s bounty, as we explore the unique and refreshing fruits that grace the markets during this enchanting time of year. Get ready to indulge your senses and savour the flavours of India’s monsoon fruits.

Luscious Lychee: When the first drops of rain hit the ground, the season of lychees begins. These small, round fruits with their rough, reddish-brown skin hide a sweet, juicy flesh that tantalises the taste buds. Bursting with flavour and packed with vitamins, lychees are a monsoon treat that bring a refreshing respite from the humidity. This aromatic fruit offers a perfect balance of sweetness with tanginess. So grab a bowlful and enjoy!

Tangy Tamarind: Known as the “imli” in Hindi, tamarind is a monsoon staple that adds a delightful tang to both savory and sweet dishes. This unique fruit, encased in a brown, brittle shell, holds a sticky, fibrous pulp with a sour taste that awakens the senses. Tamarind is widely used in chutneys, sauces, and beverages, adding a burst of tangy flavour that complements the monsoon mood perfectly. For pickle lovers, this is the go to fruit!

Juicy Jamun: Jamun, also known as the Indian blackberry, is a monsoon fruit that brings back childhood memories and leaves a delightful stain on the lips. These small, oval-shaped fruits have a deep purple hue and a unique sweet-tart flavor. With their juicy pulp and distinctive aroma, jamuns are not only a treat for the taste buds but also offer numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity. This is the perfect food for diabetics as it helps in keeping the blood-sugar levels in control.

Exotic Mangosteen: The monsoon season also introduces us to the exotic and enchanting mangosteen, often referred to as the “queen of fruits”. Popularly known in Marathi as ‘Kokum’, this small, round fruit boasts a thick, purple rind that conceals soft, succulent segments of creamy white flesh. Mangosteen’s sweet, tangy taste with hints of citrus and peach makes it a coveted indulgence during the rainy season. Rich in antioxidants, this tropical fruit is not only a delight for the palate but also contributes to overall well-being.

Refreshing Watermelon: It is said that Mughal emperor Babar pined for this fruit in the heat of the Indian mainland and had it brought to this ancient nation. Truly, nothing beats the sweltering heat of the monsoon like a juicy slice of watermelon. This iconic fruit, with its vibrant red flesh and green rind, offers a cool, hydrating respite on hot, humid days. Its crisp texture and refreshing sweetness make it a favorite among all age groups. Whether enjoyed as a juicy snack or blended into refreshing smoothies, watermelon is a monsoon must-have that brings joy and instant relief.

Take in the seasonal delights

The monsoon season in India is not just about rain showers and lush green landscapes; it’s also a time when nature gifts us with an abundance of delicious and refreshing fruits. From the sweet and tangy lychee to the unique tamarind, the juicy jamun, the exotic mangosteen, and the thirst-quenching watermelon, these monsoon fruits offer a burst of flavors and a touch of magic. As the rain pours down, take a bite of these seasonal delights, indulge your senses, and celebrate the monsoon’s bounty. Let the flavors transport you to a world of freshness and vitality, as you savour the essence of this lovely season.