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Bel/Bael Ka sharbat (Wood Apple/Stone Apple cooler)

Servings:
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
soaking time: 30-40 minutes.
Mashing pulp time: 3-4 minutes.
Serving time: 2 minutes(each glass).
Total time: 8 minutes.

Yesterday, I was so excited to find the Bel fruit in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, after a long time. The moment I saw it, I couldn’t resist buying it!

we ate the Bel fruit pulp, and it was absolutely delicious! The pulp had a unique sweet taste, with a soft, smooth texture that melted in mouth. Each bite brought back so many fond memories.

I quickly worked on this and made many types of refreshing summer drinks using the Bel fruit. Each drink turned out deliciously refreshing.

It felt like a beautiful moment of reconnecting with the flavours of my childhood and enjoying them all over again. “Bel/Bael Ka sharbat (Wood Apple/Stone Apple cooler)” and “Gooseberry Murabba” hold a special place in my childhood memories, especially during the summer afternoons.

These traditional delights were a part of my daily snack routine, offering both a refreshing and healthy way to beat the summer heat. The cooling Bel Sharbat paired perfectly with the sweet, tart Gooseberry Murabba, creating a delightful balance of flavours.

I can still recall the joy of enjoying these treats with family as they not only satisfied our taste buds but also helped in keeping us energised and hydrated during the hot days.

Even today I have opportunity to cherished afternoon in Mumbai, a beautiful connection to my past.

“Bel ka Sharwat” is a refreshing, traditional Indian drink made from the fruit of the bael tree (Aegle marmelos), which is also known as the “wood apple.” It is particularly popular in the summer months for its cooling properties and digestive benefits.

The bael fruit is packed with nutrients and is known for its ability to quench thirst, relieve heat, and aid digestion.

Ingredients:

Bel/Bael : 1 no. (large)
Mint Leaves: For decoration
Water: 700-800 ml.
Ice cubes: optional
Other optional ingredients or serving: Milk, Honey, Mint leaves, Lemon, Black Salt, Black Pepper, Roasted Cumin Powder, Chia Seeds etc.

Preparation:

Break down the Bel by striking it on ground; once fruit is cracked, pull apart.
Scoop out all pulp of fruit by using spoon and soak into big mixing bowl filled with water, keep aside for minimum half an hour.
Mash pulp with hand; pulp will gradually start separated from the fibre.
Sieve the pulp; add more water and continue to work until all pulp and fibre separated. Transfer into teapot and keep it in refrigerators, Use as per your requirement.

Method:

How to serve this pulp:

I serve this pulp in four creative ways…

Take a long glass, fill half quantity of prepared pulp, add ice cubes, water and 3-4 tablespoon Glucose/Sugar. Decorate with mint leaves and lemon slices shown as in photo.
Take a long glass, fill half quantity of prepared pulp, add ice cubes, milk and 1 tablespoon of honey. Decorate with thick pulp shown as in photo.
Take a long glass, fill half quantity of prepared pulp, add ice cubes, water, black salt and black pepper. Decorate with mint leaves and lemon slices shown as in photo.
Take a long glass, fill half quantity of prepared pulp, add ice cubes, milk, sugar as per taste and soaked chia seed (chia seed should be soaked at least for half an hour before preparing the drink).
You can put your creative ideas to make it different and enjoy the goodness of bel.