Bela Pana - By Biswajit Das

India is home to a common summer fruit called wood apple, or bael (called bela in Odia). It is said to help with digestion and is rich in fiber and vitamin C.  Bela Pana (juice) serves as a remedy for sunstroke and will keep our stomach cool.

Wood apple not only regulates the body temperature, but it also has a fantastic cooling impact. There are additional advantages of adding mint to curd, buttermilk, or lemon water. One of the best chutneys in Indian households is mint chutney, which can also be added.

During the summer, citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C and water. They might increase vitality and lower body temperature. Furthermore, vitamin C is an excellent nutrient for reducing hot weather-related skin problems.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized Wood Apple

• Juice of ½ Lime or Amla

• 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder

• Sprigs of Fresh Mint

• Sugarcane Jaggery (as per taste)

• 4 glasses Chilled Water

• Ice Cubes

Method:

1. Crack open the wood apple and use a spoon to scrape out its pulp into a bowl.

2. Pour two glasses of chilled water to submerge the pulp. Cover and set aside for 1-2 hours.

3. Strain the thick, pulpy wood apple juice into another bowl. Press the pulp down with a spatula to completely extract the juice. Discard the seeds and fiber left in the strainer.

4. Add the remaining water to the juice and stir well.

5. Add the lime/amla juice, sugarcane jaggery, black pepper powder, and black salt. Mix until well combined.

6. Serve on the rocks with ice cubes and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.