It’s scorching heat in India! The sunscreens are stuffed in handbags; umbrellas are out, deserted streets in the afternoon, Twitter and Facebook Statistics in India are crowded with mercurial complains, marketing execs are busy making excuses to stay in office! Yes, the ‘Summer’ has arrived in big way and if you are in the city of Mumbai, one with extreme humid climate then you are contemplating every possible excuse to beat the heat.
Water is possibly the most suggested and healthy way to beat the heat but when you are in the City of Dreams, you definitely need more to keep you hydrated; considering most don’t think that carrying a water bottle is “cool”! Read on to find out quick ways to ‘Beat the Heat’ and have a gala time in this climate, too!
Beat the Heat with Fluids, Have a Gala Time:-
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| Panha |
· Panha (Raw Mango Juice):- It is a regular at every Gujju (Gujurati) and Marwardi homes during summers. Steamed pulp of Kairi (raw mango) is crushed and mixed with mint paste, Jaljira powder, salt and sugar. Huge vessels are stored in each one’s refrigerator and is super refreshing when served Chilled!!!! At my home panha made out of about 2 kgs of kairi exhausts in mere 4 days!
· Sugar-can(e) Cool:- Yet another, refreshing fruit juice which is available across the city throughout the year. Ganna (Sugarcane) is cooling agent and hence, nothing can beat the heat like it does. Nothing at all revives your spirit like sugarcane does! However, if you are diabetic then you would really avoid having it and switch to Panna instead, to have a gala time.
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| A Nimbu Pani Vendor |
· Lemon Heaven:- At every nook and corner of Mumbai city you would find lemon juice (nimbu pani) vendors with hand carts. Yes, they may not be hygienic, but will quench your thirst when you are on move! Avoid having any too much of ice in it and insist on adding some ginger instead.
· Desi Chillers (Buttermilk or Lassi): Very Indian! I am told in many cities across India, it is chaas (butter milk) and Lassi (sweetened curd) that are sold on thelas and dairy shops at discounted rates to satiate your summer thirst and beat the heat in a desi way! Make any of one of them part of your daily meals, at least lunch and see how rejuvenated you would be! No need to carry from home, the nearest restaurant will have it for!
· Bring it down with Sharbats :- Sharbat is a flavoured drink made from fruits and flower petals. There are numerous flavours available and are typically supposed to be mixed with water or milk and served chilled. In most Indian homes, they are frequently served to guests, in summers especially. My favourites are Rose, Litchi and Kesar (Saffron)!
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| Banana Shake |
· Shake heat with Smoothies:-Milkshakes and smoothies are part of coffee shop generation and when you want to fill your tummy and get you cool back, this is all you need! During summers, nothing satisfies your senses like Banana, Strawberry and Mango, smoothies or milkshakes!
As far as juices are concerned to beat the heat in Mumbai summers I prefer Sugarcane and Panna! Buttermilk is an essential part of my diet which takes a hiatus only when mangoes are around, because mangoes and buttermilk is a bad combination. With regular supply of these fluids you are sure to have a gala time in sweltering heat of Mumbai.
