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Jamun, sometimes called black plum, is a popular summertime treat that brings back fond memories of carefree childhoods for many. The recent sighting of Indian cricketer Suresh Raina purchasing jamuns brought even more attention to this dark purple fruit, which is cherished for both its delicious flavour and its nutritional value. His Instagram post, captioned "Jamun Joy 🙌😍 #majehimaje", reignited interest in this seasonal delight. No wonder that as a cricketer, he makes healthy choices of food and during this scorching heat, choosing these plums reminds his fans how jamun can help cool the human body.
Jamun is a nutritional fruit, featuring vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids and is used in traditional medicine for diabetes management. Not surprisingly, creative chefs and home cooks have invented many dishes using this fruit. Here are five dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you cool in summer.
Also Read: Ordering Cheese From Another City This Summer? 4 Expert Tips That Can Help
What Makes Jamun So Nutritious?
Jamun contains vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which are vital to health. The fruit is low in calories, making it ideal for weight loss. The astringent properties of these small plums can also keep skin clean. This plant's fruit and seeds boost digestion and immunity. Their anti-diabetic properties, which regulate blood sugar, make them popular.
Jamun Dishes to Keep You Cool in Summer
1. Jamun Salad
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Jamun is mixed with mangoes, cucumbers, and a touch of honey to create this invigorating salad, ideal for the summer. Its high water and fibre content hydrates the body and imparts a cooling sensation. Following the health benefits provided by the antioxidants in jamuns and the vitamins in mangoes, this salad is not just palatable but nourishing too.
2. Jamun Kulfi
Ask any dessert lover about having a chilled jamun kulfi and it will be a yes. This specific dish is a twist on the traditional kulfi. This version of innovative kulfi uses jamun pulp, giving it a unique sweet-tart flavor profile. The cooling properties of this frozen dessert are derived from the natural astringent qualities of jamun. Having a jamun kulfi can certainly be an ideal choice for beating the summer heat while indulging in a creamy, rich treat.
3. Jamun Raita
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Combining curd with jamun creates a raita that is both unconventional and cooling. Curd's natural cooling properties complement the refreshing taste of jamun, offering a digestive-friendly dish that soothes the stomach on hot days.
4. Jamun Smoothie
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Blend jamun with yoghurt and honey for a healthful and cooling smoothie. This drink serves as a natural detox due to jamun's astringent properties and provides a quick, nutritious way to cool down.
5. Jamun Masala Lemonade
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Another summer favourite is jamun juice, but have you tried a twist? This simple lemonade recipe will refresh your indulgence. This recipe only requires jamun, sugar, lemon juice, water, and a mix of spices. If your lemonade is boring, add black plum.
Deseed 10-15 fresh jamuns by hand to make this lemonade. Squeeze one lime, add ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon black salt, 1 teaspoon chaat masala (optional), and 1 1/2 cups water to a blender and blend into a smooth drink. Fill serving glasses with crushed ice, pour in the drink, crush mint leaves, and serve chilled.
As the summer heat intensifies, it's about the versatility of jamun in your diet that can offer delightful culinary experiences while keeping you cool and healthy. Jamun is an extraordinary fruit that will be a hit this season, whether you're more of a fan of the light and refreshing salad variety or the rich and decadent kulfi. The recipes here all highlight the fruit's distinctive flavour and health benefits.
