MOUTH-WATERING BEVERAGES OF PAKISTAN

                                        

                MOUTH-WATERING SUMMER BEVERAGES OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan is blessed with all four kinds of weather – summer, winter, autumn and spring. In the southern and south-western parts of the country, in particular, summers can last for up to nine to 10 months, which can be exhausting. The temperature in some of these parts rises close to 50 degrees Celsius and, in Sindh, the average temperature during summer stays between 35 and 45 degrees Celsius.

Pakistan and summers are famous for the relentless heat. To combat the uncomfortable rise of the mercury, some delicious and refreshing beverages have been created. Whether it’s about having a full glass of buttermilk lassi or finding watermelons on makeshift stalls, or simply having a glass of rooh afza – summer is a perfect time for us to enjoy our favorite food in a chilled AC room or under a clear blue sky.  Let’s take a look at some: 

LASSI

Lassi is probably one of the first smoothies ever created, a truly ancient drink. It is believed to originate somewhere around 1000 BC, in Punjab and Multan in India. Lassi, a great refreshing and nutritional drink, is one of the traditional beverages in India, with a creamy texture, sweet-sour- savory taste, made with yogurt, water, and often with sweetener or salt.

It is quite beneficial for digestive system, boost immunity, good source of probiotics, improves bone health.

There are two main types:

Buttermilk lassi – knows as chaas or mattha – the spicier version of chaas. Buttermilk is the leftover liquid when butter is churned out of cream. It is less acidic, has a slightly sour taste compared to lassi, and is more watery than a lassi.

Yogurt lassi -  made with yogurt (made by fermenting the milk and adding a culture of bacteria (Streptococcus lactis or Lactobacillus bulgaricus) to room temperature milk. It is kept for 6 to 8 hours to make thick yogurt. 

ROASTED GRAM FLOUR JUICE (SATTU)

Sattu is a drink belongs to Bihar India which is loved almost everywhere.  Sattu can either be served sweet by mixing it with sugar and water or with jeera, hara dhania (coriander leaves), green chillies and kaala namak (black salt).People in Punjab, however, have a different version of Sattu, wherein they add jowar (white millet flour) and jaw ka atta(barley).Sattu sharbat is very filling and healthy. It is full of nutrients, fiber and protein and is a brilliant summer cooler.

SUGARCANE JUICE( GANAY KA SHARBAT)

 

Initially belongs to Indonesia region around 9 Century describes this sweet drinks as Nalaka Rasa, which translates as "sugarcane juice". The juice is extracted using a pressing machine to squeeze the sugary sap from sugarcane. Sugarcane juice is a great summer drink to beat the sweltering heat. Sugarcane juice gives instant relief from dehydration, Sugarcane juice is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and other electrolytes, which are essential for your skin. It can help boost immunity and increase blood flow in the body, which can help keep your skin healthy. This means it can help remove excess salt and water from your body, by improving your kidney function.

PRUNE AND TAMARIND JUICE (IMLI ALOO BUKHARA) 

Imli (Tamarind) and Aloo Bukhara (Plums) drink is a refreshing sweet and sour chilled drink to quench your thirst in the summer season. "Imli and Aloo Bukhara drink" to beat the heat with summer specialty. The consumption of Imli and Aloo Bukhara drink is considered perfect to alleviate heat effects and a much healthier alternative to carbonated drinks. It reduce inflammation in the body, boosts eye health, improves respiration, improves digestive system.

Imli (Tamarind) contains many volatile phytochemicals such as limonene, geraniol, safrole, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylate, pyrazine and alkylthiazoles. Together, these compounds account for the medicinal properties of tamarind.

Aloo Bukhara (Plum) is a good source of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and Vitamin E. The minerals present in plums include potassium, fluoride, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc.  Plums also supply dietary fiber and offer very low calories without any harmful fat.

ROOH AFZA AND WATERMELON (TARBOOZ-E-AFZA)

 

Rooh afza  is the most refreshing drink of Pakistan and also known as red drink. In Karachi many stalls would be serving a sweet combination of watermelon (Tarbooz) and Rooh afza. Both are the main ingredients of this drink and are blended nicely together. Finely chopped slices of watermelon are added to the drink and then served. Tarbooz e afza is best remedy for a hot scorching day.

LEMONADE (SHIKANJI)

Shikanji, Hindi for lemonade, is a cultural gem. A summer favorite across India, the cooling drink has dozens of localized versions. It is popular in North and Central India and also in Pakistan. Lemonade is a mixture of still water, lemon juice and sugar with a pinch of salt. When spices such as black salt, roasted cumin, powdered black pepper and ginger are added to the basic drink of lemonade, it is called shikanji.

Lemonade has some potential benefits such as aid in weight loss, improves digestion, treat kidney stones, keep hydrated.

AAM PANNA 

Aam panna’s history can be traced back to a century ago. Aam panna was first made as a drink for oral rehydration. Famous throughout Pakistan and India, aam panna is undoubtedly the true marking of summer’s arrival. From its natural green color to its sweet and aromatic scent, the drink is the ultimate heat-buster! Aam Panna (Tangy Green Mango Drink) is a refreshing Indian summer beverage made using green raw mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors.

GREWIA ASIATICA JUICE (FALSA ) 

Falsa (Grewia Asiatica)  is a tiny fruit that resembles blue berries. When mercury rises in the subcontinent, the demand for this fruit spikes as well.  The fruit tastes sour-sweet and is at its best when ripe. Even the unripe Falsa has amazing health benefits. It is very effective in alleviating cardiac and respiratory inflammation. These tiny berries are loaded with medicinal benefits; it’s rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus and fiber. It gives relief in inflammation, nausea and fever, purifies blood and regulates blood pressure and cholesterol.