Shivratri Special: Refreshing Bael Juice recipe

Bael juice is a nutritious, cooling, and detoxifying drink, perfect for the spring and summer seasons. The bael fruit is also known as wood apple, Bengal Quince, Golden Apple, Stone Apple, Japanese Bitter Orange or Bilwa. It is a fleshy, seed-filled fruit with a hard outer covering which has to be broken with a hammer. It is considered sacred in Hindu tradition, is offered to Lord Shiva, while its leaves hold deep spiritual significance in Shiva worship. Beyond its religious importance, bael is packed with medicinal properties, aiding digestion, hydration, and skin nourishment. It can be eaten fresh or dried or its pulp can be converted into a juice.

Bael’s vibrant orange flesh offers a unique blend of flavors, ranging from sweet papaya to tangy lime, with the balance varying based on ripeness and cultivar. Some fruits are naturally pleasantly sweet, while others lean too tart to consume without a touch of sugar. Due to bael’s immense genetic diversity, its flavor profile is far from uniform.

A staple in Ayurvedic remedies, bael juice is known to cool the body, cleanse the system, and provide essential nutrients. It is especially popular during fasting periods, such as Maha Shivratri, as it is easy to digest and helps restore energy levels.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe bael fruit
• 2 tbsp sweet curd
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp black salt
• Cold water

Instructions:

1. Break open the bael and scoop out the pulp. Remove the seeds and gum.
2. Add cold water and sugar, then mash well.
3. Mix in the curd and strain the mixture through a sieve.
4. Sprinkle black salt and serve chilled.

This traditional Indian drink is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat while staying true to cultural roots. Enjoy this divine, healthy, and flavorful bael sherbet as a perfect addition to your Shivratri celebrations!