Bel Sherbet is a popular cooling summer drinks in the eastern and northern part of India. The drink is made using the pulp of a fruit called bel, also known as wood apple or stone apple. The Sherbet can be enjoyed in all seasons to promote natural body hydration but it is generally preferred during summer for its cooling properties. Bel also possesses certain health benefits which make Bel sherbet healthy and nutritious.


Health benefits of Bel Sherbet
Bel is known to hydrate the body naturally and also curbs sweet cravings. The drink is completely fat-free and low on calories. Bel is rich in Vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin B that increases body immunity. Bel sherbet is also effective in curing stomach ailments like constipation, ulcers, poor digestion, diarrhea and also fungal infections of the skin.

Recipe of Bel Sherbet
Bel sherbet can be easily prepared at home using a few ingredients. This drink can be stored in refrigerator for a few hours but it is always advisable to have it fresh.

Ingredients:
3 medium size Bel fruit
3 cups of chilled water
12 tablespoons of jaggery
A pinch of cardamom powder
A pinch of roasted cumin powder
Half teaspoon of black salt

Method:
Crack the outer shell of the bel fruit using any heavy object
Now break it and spoon out the soft inner pulp in a mixing bowl
Now add 1 cup of water and let the pulp soak for about 30 minutes. This will soften the pulp further
After 30 minutes mash the pulp with hands or a masher to make smooth slurry with water.
Use a strainer to strain the mixture and separate the seeds
Now add the remaining 2 cups of water
Now add jaggery and all dry spices
Stir with a spoon or beater to mix everything well
Pour the sherbet in glasses and serve.

Tips:
Sugar can be used instead of jaggery in this recipe.
Black salt can be replaced with table salt
To make the sherbet more chilled, add ice cubes while serving or blend in some ice cubes with the pulp

Bel sherbet is extremely healthy for all seasons and for people of all age groups. This sherbet not only keeps the body hydrated but also takes care of digestion and natural immunity.