The two things worth looking forward to in the summer season that makes the scorching Indian heat somewhat bearable are the summer vacations and the variety of summer fruits we get. While the former one was left behind long ago when we left school, the latter is something that equally excites kids and adults. Not only is there a variety of summer fruits to choose from, but they really help the body to combat with the unbearable heat and have essential benefits for the body. Here's a list of summer fruits you should look forward to enjoying this season.
1. Watermelon
Watermelon is a sweet and juicy fruit with a very high water content, 92% to be precise. High water content means the body stays hydrated, which is quintessential for the body to function properly. It also has less calorie content which helps in maintaining body weight by giving the feeling of being full for longer.
It is packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and some powerful anti-oxidants. Other than that, consuming watermelon helps in reducing inflammation, improving indigestion and relieving muscle soreness. Watermelon is best enjoyed when cold, cut into small pieces and then sprinkled with some Tassyam black salt on top. But, you can always enjoy it in salads, juices, mojitos, smoothies or even grill it with some spicy pepper.
2. Mango
Mango is referred as "king of fruits" and is the most awaited fruit of the year. It is a stone fruit which can be enjoyed in endless ways. It is highly nutritious with fiber, Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, potassium, Vitamin K and magnesium. Bonus points, it is also less on calories, so you can eat them without the guilt of gaining weight. Mango is packed with plant compounds like mangiferin, catechins, benzoic acid which protect the body again harmful free radicals. Eating mangoes also helps in boosting the immunity and improving digestion. There are so many ways to eat mangoes that a book can be written about it. But, to list the basic ways- you can eat them as it is, or blend it into a shake/smoothie/juice, make fresh ice-cream, use it in variety of desserts like panna cotta, cheesecake, mousse, mango cake, healthy recipes like salads and sandwiches and so much more. Check out this easy Mango and Assorted Seeds bowl recipe which makes up for a quick breakfast.
3. Plums
Another stone fruit that makes to this list is plum. Although, they are also available in dried form now, but there is just another charm of enjoying them fresh and why should not you?
Plums are low on calories and have nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, copper and manganese. They are well known to relieve constipation, rich in anti-oxidants and might lower blood sugar levels. The best way to enjoy plums is by adding them to your smoothies or summer salads with a plum, avocado salad or spinach, basil and plum salad.
4. Pineapple
The sweetness and flavour of pineapple makes up for all the efforts and skills required to chop a pineapple. This tropical fruit is packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, folate, magnesium, manganese, thiamine, potassium, iron and fiber. It also contains essential disease-fighting anti-oxidants, may aid digestion, boost immunity and reduce inflammation. You can eat juice or smoothie made out of pineapples, grill some slices of this fruit and have in salads, burgers or with rice, make ice-cream or a pineapple upside-down cake.
5. Lychee
Lychee or litchi or lichee is a small tropical fruit and a good source of vitamins, minerals and healthy anti-oxidants. Litchis are mainly composed of 82% water and 16.5% carbs. The best way to eat litchis is by peeling and popping them in your mouth. But, you could also equally enjoy litchi in the form of juices, smoothies, jams and even salads.
6. Kiwi
Another small fruit that is packed with immense flavour and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It has a very high content of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, copper, potassium and manganese.
It also contains both soluble and insoluble fibers which helps in maintaining good digestive health. You can make your own smoothie bowl and top it off with sliced kiwis, add kiwi to salads, protein shakes or make ice-lollies if you have kids at home.
7. Muskmelon
Just like watermelon, muskmelon has a high water content. It helps in keeping good digestive health, regulates blood pressure, promotes hair growth, boosts immunity because of presence of Vitamin C in abundance.
You can make a fruit salad with muskmelon or a banana melon smoothie or a slush by just blending melons and black salt.
8. Peaches
Peaches are a close relative of plums, have a fuzzy peel with a yellow and pinkish skin. This stone fruit is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, niacin, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, copper and manganese. Eating peaches may help in aiding digestion, boost immunity and regulate blood sugar levels. You can eat them on their own, add to salads, blend into a smoothie or bake/broil/sauté with vegetables for added flavour.
9. Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit rich in anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, fiber and potassium. It may help in lowering blood sugar levels, boost heart health, reduce menstrual pains, aid in digestion and boost immunity.
The best way to eat a guava is with some black salt or chaat masala. Other than that, you can add it to fruit salads, have it in smoothies, ice creams, yogurt bowls or make ice-lollies with it.
Which one of these is your favourite summer fruit and how do you enjoy eating them?