Seasonal fruits are the most valuable gifts of nature. Waiting for your favorite seasonal fruit to arrive makes it much sweeter. Let us look at the fruits unique to the monsoon season and pick out our favorites:
Litchi:
Litchi, with its bright red colour is a true monsoon delight. This juicy fruit boasts a refreshingly sweet flavor and is packed with Vitamin C, essential for boosting immunity during the monsoon months when the risk of infections is higher.
Litchi trees thrive in warm, humid conditions. The monsoon rains provide the perfect moisture for these trees to flourish, resulting in plump, juicy litchis.
Fruit Tip: Do not just enjoy them raw! Litchi can be turned into delicious jams, jellies, or refreshing summer coolers. They also pair beautifully with creamy desserts, adding a burst of tangy sweetness.
Jamun (Black Plum):
Black plums, also known as Jamun, are another monsoon favorite. These inky-black fruits with a mildly astringent taste are a treasure trove of antioxidants and anthocyanins, which help regulate blood sugar levels.
Jamun trees grow in moisture-laden areas, and well-drained soil, a condition perfectly created by the monsoon rains. The increased humidity also promotes flowering and fruit production.
Fruit Tip: Enjoy them fresh, or make them into jams, squashes, or even a refreshing summer drink known as "Jamun ka Sharbat." The dried and powdered seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine for their blood sugar management properties.
Pear:
Monsoon brings a delightful surprise – the arrival of crunchy pears. They are an absolute treat for your taste buds and are a good source of dietary fibre, promoting gut health.
Pear trees require a good amount of water throughout their growing season. The consistent monsoon rains ensure they receive the necessary hydration to produce juicy, flavorful pears.
Fruit Tip: Pears can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Try them grilled with cheese, and poached in wine for a decadent dessert, or add them to your summer salad.
Blackberry:
Blackberries are purple-hued fruits with a sweet-tart flavor and are a welcome addition to the monsoon fruit basket. They are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat cell damage and may even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Blackberry bushes thrive in cool, damp weather. The consistent rainfall and moderate temperatures of the monsoon season create the ideal environment for them to flourish.
Fruit Tip: Blackberries are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them fresh, add them to yogurt or smoothies, or bake them into delicious pies or crumbles.
Pomegranate:
The pomegranate is the fruit of 2024. These vibrant fruits are not only beautiful to look at but are packed with Vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health.
Pomegranate trees are drought-resistant but require a good initial burst of water to establish their fruit. The monsoon rains provide the perfect moisture to kick-start fruit development.
Fruit Tip: Pomegranates are a fruit that demands some effort, but the reward is worth it! The juicy arils inside can be enjoyed fresh or used to make jams, syrups, or even a refreshing pomegranate juice.
So, this International Fruit Day, celebrate the bounty of the monsoon season!
