When one thinks of Northeastern India, one pictures lush, verdant landscapes blessed with relatively pleasant weather compared to the rest of India, which bakes in the sun most of the year. That perception is only partly correct. The northeast gets warm and humid in the summer, with temperatures averaging 30-33 degrees Celsius in the plains and a shade over 20 degrees in the hilly areas. No wonder then that the region has plenty of interesting local beverages that help people cool off in the summer heat and stay hydrated.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, the 'Land of the Rising Sun,' has a variety of refreshing drinks to offer during the summer season, including the traditional Apong, which is made from millets. In the summer, apong inevitably comes up. The Nyishi people of Arunachal Pradesh drink this refreshing organic wine with good probiotic properties that acts as an excellent digestive. Other ingredients, such as orange, lemon, and herbs, can also be added to elevate the taste of the already rich beverage. Lime juice is another popular beverage because it is refreshing and cool, making it ideal for relieving heat and sore throats. Kiwi juice, prepared from kiwis cultivated in the area, is a sweet and tart alternative for the adventurous.
Assam
Thekera juice is a popular summertime beverage in Assam. The dried Garcinia fruit, known locally as bor thekera, is steeped in plain water for at least an hour and up to 24 hours. After straining, you can season it with salt and drink it. Lemon water, sometimes known as lemonade, is known as Nemu Pani in Assam. The pulp of wood apples, jaggery, and water come together to create a sweet and sour beverage known as Bel Pana. It is well-known for its cooling qualities, making it the ideal beverage to enjoy throughout the hot summer months. Bananas of the Bhim Kol kind are native to Assam and are known for their ability to strengthen the immune system. Last but not least, a refreshing glass of Kordoi Tenga, or Star Fruit, can be just what you need to beat the heat this summer. It's a stress-busting tropical fruit that's also good for your health.
Manipur
Manipur is known for its natural beauty and is the home of the unique and culturally rich Meitei community. The region has refreshing summer drinks that are both tasty and healthy. In Manipur, the lime and lemonade drink is the most sought-after summer cooler. It's simple and quick to make, and it has a plethora of benefits. Lime and lemonade have an adequate amount of citric acid, which is known to reduce body heat and make one feel refreshed. Other ingredients, such as mint, honey, and jaggery, can be added to elevate the taste and add medicinal properties.
Meghalaya
The land of clouds, Meghalaya, is known for its lush green forests, rich biodiversity, and scenic hills. The drink that Meghalaya boasts as its summer savior is Kwai. Kwai is made from betel nuts, which have a cooling property and are known for their digestive qualities. Betel nuts are sliced and mixed with other ingredients like coconut, ginger, and jaggery. The mixture is then wrapped in a betel leaf, forming a small parcel. Kwai is considered an energy booster and an excellent thirst quencher. Another popular drink is the refreshing and tangy Khasi pineapple juice, made from locally grown pineapples.
Mizoram
Mizoram, the 'Land of the Blue Mountains,' has a variety of refreshing drinks to offer during the summer season, including the traditional Zawlaidi, made using purple-black cherries known as 'zu' and ginger, which is crushed to extract juices. These are then mixed with sugar to create a syrup, which is then mixed with water, ice cubes, and lemon juice. The tangy and sweet Zawlaidi does an excellent job of not only quenching thirst but also helping to beat the heat. Passion fruit juice, prepared from passion fruits cultivated in the area, is a sweet and sour alternative for the adventurous.
Nagaland
The people of Nagaland favor the traditional rice beer Zutho during summers. This drink is perfect for keeping the body cool and hydrated. When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks in summer, Naga tribespeople regularly consume fruit juices such as grape juice, bel juice, banana juice, Naga apple juice, gooseberry juice, pineapple juice, peach juice, and plum juice.
Tripura
Tripura, which is rich in natural resources, is famous for its rubber plantations and bamboo forests. The signature drink of Tripura is Tokomai, a mix of ingredients such as orange, lemon, sweet basil, mint, and ginger combined with other spices. This mixture is then crushed and strained, which extracts a refreshing juice. There is one organic drink that does it all: improves glucose control, eases bloating and constipation, eliminates coughing and flu symptoms, and more. Kokum sherbet, a cold and pleasant drink produced from the kokum fruit, is another popular option. Pineapple juice, prepared from pineapples cultivated in the area, has a unique flavor that may appeal to people seeking variety.
So, next time you're in the Northeastern region of India during the summer season, don't forget to try out these local beverages and beat the heat in style. And if you can't make it there anytime soon, you can always try making some of these drinks at home with easily available ingredients. With their unique tastes and refreshing properties, these drinks are sure to be a hit with anyone looking to cool down during the scorching summer months.