Watermelon and Mint Refresher

India being a tropical country has some areas which never have cold or winter.Proceeding from the exact middle of the country or Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra and the coastal and Southern parts of the country are those areas which remain warm throughout the year.In Maharashtra after the rains end in September,October and November are the months when the Sun’s rays are at one of their fiercest and the humidity saps the energy from the body.Here is where this drink works.

Due to the availability of fresh fruit all around the year,its complete wisdom to utilise them in the best way possible to build up our health and nutrient quotient within the body.This drink is extremely simple to make as well as delicious and refreshing for the mind and body.With media tabloids screaming against the use of packaged soft drinks and aerated beverages its time now to go back to what our ancestors ate and drank and this drink is surely one of them.

A ripe Watermelon is what you need for this but in case the Watermelon you have is not so ripe then put 1-2 tbsp of powdered sugar,honey or whatever sweetener you desire.A friend of mine adds palm sugar but I believe that the lovely and refreshing taste of Watermelon is somehow barred by the taste of palm (which is in itself an ethereal feeling but not in combo with Watermelon).I always use powdered sugar.

∗IMPORTANT – Investing in a juicer is advisable as it extracts the juice and prevents the seeds from coming into the juice.If you do not have a juicer then you can use a blender or even a mixer jar.Puree the Watermelon pieces and strain through a nylon or metal strainer to extract the juice.

Served on a hot Summer Day!

Preparation Time : 1 hour(Includes preparing and cutting the fruit)

Makes : 3-4 glasses(depending on the size of the fruit)

INGREDIENTS

1 Large Watermelon (approx 1 kg)

2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

2 tbsp mint leaves

1 tsp Black Salt (Kala Namak)

2 tsp Lemon Juice

METHOD

Preparing the Watermelon:

Cut the Watermelon into slices and remove the green and white outer layers.Cut the red flesh into pieces and extract the juice in a juice extractor/blender/mixer.∗Refer the process above.

Reserve the Juice in a jug.

Making the Refresher:

In a mortar and pestle,crush the Mint Leaves to a paste with 1 tbsp water.(You can also crush more quantity in a mixer and keep it in an air tight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days).Add the black salt and lemon juice to the paste and mix well.

In a blender add the extracted Watermelon Juice,sugar(if using) and the paste.Blend well for 1-2 minutes.Serve immediately if required or refrigerate till serving time for a better refreshing experience!Stay healthy!