I’m an avid fan of Shraddha Kapoor and love the healthy meal ideas and workout tips that she follows to stay in such good shape. I was curious to know more about her post-workout drink, Kokum Sherbet. After doing some research, I discovered that Kokum Sherbet is not only a refreshing summer drink but also has numerous health benefits.
Kokum Sherbet and Shraddha Kapoor's post-workout drink
Shraddha Kapoor is known for her fit and healthy lifestyle and keeps sharing tips to stay healthy with her social media followers. Recently, she shared that she likes to drink Kokum Sherbet after her workout sessions. The drink helps cool down the body and replenish the body's lost electrolytes after a workout. It also aids in digestion and helps reduce muscle soreness.
What is Kokum?
Garcinia Indica, commonly known as Kokum, is a member of the mangosteen family and is found mainly in the Western Ghats of India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The kokum tree is a rapidly growing plant that produces small, red fruits that are about the same size as cherry tomatoes or plums. These fruits can be eaten fresh without the seeds or dried and added to Indian dishes as a flavoring agent and natural pink food coloring.
Ayurveda refers to it as "Vrikshamla". It is known for its cooling properties and is a rich source of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other essential nutrients. To obtain dried kokum or amsol, the sun-drying process is used on the outer layer of the fruit. Once dried, the yield has a sour flavor and a slightly sweet fragrance with a blackish-purple color.
Kokum Sherbet: a traditional drink
Kokum sherbet is a traditional Indian drink made from the fruit of the Kokum tree, which is known for its sour taste. This drink is popular, especially in the coastal regions, as it helps to cool the body and aids in digestion. To make Kokum sherbet from the Kokum fruit, it is dried and then soaked in water to extract the juice. The juice is then sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavored with spices like cumin, ginger, and black pepper. The drink is commonly served chilled and is widely available in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.
Benefits of Kokum Sherbet
Prevents weight gain
Kokum juice can aid in controlling appetite by reducing it, making it beneficial for those who are conscious of their calorie intake. This is because of hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which is present in the juice and has been proven to prevent weight gain.
Immunity booster
The sour kokum fruit is abundant in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, acting as a natural immunity booster.
Reduces inflammation
The presence of garcinol, an antioxidant, in kokum fruits can help combat inflammation in the body.
The recipe for Kokum Sherbet
Here is a simple recipe for Kokum Sherbet:
Ingredients:
10-12 dried Kokum fruits
4 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp black pepper powder
Method:
Soak the dried Kokum fruits in water for 2–3 hours.
Mash the Kokum fruits in the water and strain the juice.
Add sugar, cumin powder, ginger powder, and black pepper powder to the juice and mix well.
Chill the Kokum Sherbet in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Variations of Kokum Sherbet
Kokum sherbet can be made in different variations by adding different ingredients like mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt. Adding mint leaves to the sherbet gives it a refreshing flavor, while adding lemon juice and salt makes it a perfect drink for hot summer days. You can also add a pinch of roasted cumin powder to enhance the flavor of the sherbet.
Other uses of Kokum in cooking
In Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Konkani, Kerala, and Goan cooking, this souring agent is commonly used in curries, dals, and vegetable dishes. Additionally, it is a crucial component of sour fish and prawn curries in Malvani and Goan cuisine. During the summer season, the traditional Solkadhi or kokum curry is a popular side dish. Additionally, you can incorporate kokum into various dishes such as the Sorak Curry, Khatti Meethi Dal, and the refreshing Kokum Sharbat recipe that is prepared in Maharashtrian homes. All of these recipes utilize the unique flavor of kokum.
Where to buy Kokum Sherbet
Kokum Sherbet is readily available in many restaurants and shops in the state of Maharashtra. You can also buy dried kokum fruit from fruit sellers or online and make this delish drink at home.