HYDERABAD: ‘April is the cruellest month’ - wrote TS Eliot. For people in Hyderabad, it is the beginning of a scorching summer which is not only cruel in its intensity but very dry, making hydration the most important way of making it through the season. Every city has its own drinks and juices that help the people negotiate the hot days while going about their everyday activities.
The sellers set up their shops near bus stops, by the roadside or anywhere a thirsty passerby can buy an inexpensive glass. Special counters are set up in well-known eateries to exclusively sell summer quenchers. Here, we list the popular summer quenchers under Rs 50 that are ubiquitous during Hyderabad summers. Dr Zeenath Fatima, who is the chief dietician at Continental Hospitals (Gachibowli) has provided the health benefits of each drink.
Nannari Sharbath
Ingredients:
It is made from the roots of the Indian Sarsaparilla plant.
Health benefits:
Relief from acidity and constipation, helps purify blood. It is advisable to have Nannari Sharbath before breakfast in peak summer.
Falooda
Ingredients: Milk, rose syrup, sabja seeds, sugar, falooda vermicelli
Health benefits: Reduces body heat, relieves bloating, treats acidity
Buttermilk
Ingredients:
Curd, water, spices (optional)
Health benefits:
Rich source of B complex vitamins, aids digestion, provides calcium, eases constipation, helps against dehydration. It is advisable to have a glass of buttermilk after every meal.
Lassi
Ingredients:
Curd, water, sugar/salt, cream (optional)
Health benefits:
Aids digestion, prevents bloating, boosts immune levels, good source of prebiotics. Lassi can be had after or with lunch.
Fruit juices
Health benefits:
They are rich source of antioxidants. They also act as anti-aging agents.
Varieties:
The most common varieties of fruits used for juices are mangoes, watermelons, muskmelons, Mosambi etc. Sugarcane juice, which is very popular, is set up at different counters since they require different equipment. Navrang Tasty Sharbath in Jambagh is very well-known for their Phalsa Sharbath. The juice builds healthy muscles and bones, lowers cancer risk.
Lemon soda
Ingredients:
Lemon juice, soda, salt/sugar
Health benefits:
Treats heartburn, good for skin
Coconut water
Health benefits: Helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in body, good source of hydration, good for heart health. Coconut water can be had any time of the day. Can also be taken on empty stomach.
Pudina (mint) water
Ingredients:
Mint leaves, water, lemon juice, salt/sugar
Health benefits:
Aids with upset stomach or indigestion, good for oral care, treats nausea. It is recommended to have Pudina water after a heavy meal.
— Kakoli Mukherjee
kakoli_mukherjee@newindianexpress.com @KakoliMukherje2