Mumbai: With the first signs of summer, Indian households often turn to age-old remedies that beat the heat and nourish the body. Among the most beloved is Bael Ka Sharbat, a traditional drink made from bael/ wood apple.
With its deeply aromatic, sweet, and tangy flavour, this sharbat quenches thirst and supports digestion and boosts energy. Popular in Northern and Central India, Bael Ka Sharbat is more than a seasonal treat—it’s a cultural tradition, passed down from one generation to the next, especially during the blistering summer months.
What makes this drink special is not just its taste but also its medicinal value. Bael fruit is rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, and natural laxatives, making it excellent for gut health. Ayurvedic practices have long valued bael for its ability to soothe stomach ailments, prevent heatstroke, and detoxify the system. Let’s dive into the simple recipe that can transform this rustic fruit into a revitalising summer beverage.
Bael Ka Sharbat Recipe
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- Bael Fruit (Wood Apple) – 1 large
- Sugar – 4 tbsp (adjust
- to taste)
- Water – 1 litre
- Mint Leaves – a handful (for freshness)
- Ice Cubes – a handful (optional, for cooling effect)
- Salt – a tiny pinch (optional, enhances taste)
Method:
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1. Break and scoop the fruit:
Take the bael fruit and gently crack it open using a heavy object or knife. Scoop out all the soft, pulpy flesh into a large mixing bowl.
2. Soak and mash:
Add 1 cup of water to the pulp and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Use clean hands or a masher to mash the pulp thoroughly, releasing its juice.
3. Strain the pulp:
Pour the mashed mixture through a sieve or muslin cloth into another bowl or jug. Discard the fibrous remains and seeds. Repeat if needed for smoother texture.
4. Dilute and refresh:
Add the remaining water to the juice and stir well. Add freshly crushed mint leaves for aroma and enhanced flavour.
5. Sweeten the juice:
Add sugar to the strained juice. Mix well until completely dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference. Add a pinch of salt if you like a hint of savouriness.
6. Serve chilled:
Drop in a few ice cubes and serve immediately. Garnish with mint sprigs or a lemon wedge if desired.
Health benefits of Bael Ka Sharbat
- Bael Ka Sharbat isn’t just a thirst quencher—it’s a health tonic. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural enzymes, it’s known to aid digestion, relieve constipation, and prevent dehydration.
- It also helps reduce acidity and is often recommended during fasting days or post-illness for its soothing and energising effects. In Ayurveda, Bael is called ‘Bilva’ and is revered as a divine fruit with cooling and detoxifying properties.
Why should you make it at home?
Store-bought juices are often loaded with preservatives and excess sugar. Homemade Bael Sharbat is not only healthier but also free from additives.
The unique aroma and taste of freshly extracted bael pulp cannot be replicated in commercial versions. Plus, preparing this drink at home allows you to adjust the sweetness and flavour to your liking. It’s also a great way to introduce traditional Indian drinks to kids and guests.
Taste of nostalgia in every sip
Bael Ka Sharbat is more than just a drink—it’s a nostalgic embrace of summer afternoons, of grandmothers sitting with a cracked bael fruit, and of families bonding over a glass of this earthy nectar. As temperatures rise, this humble yet powerful beverage offers not just relief but also a reconnection to nature and heritage.
So the next time you see a bael fruit in the market, don’t hesitate. Take it home, follow this simple recipe, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a glass of cooling, healing Bael Ka Sharbat. It’s nature’s answer to summer’s harshness—and it comes with centuries of wisdom. Bael Ka Sharbat, also known as Wood Apple Juice, is a traditional Indian summer beverage known for its cooling properties and health benefits. This refreshing drink is made from the pulp of the bael fruit, sugar, water, and mint, offering a delicious escape from the summer heat. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
