Close X
Friday, December 27, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Stay energised post festive season with sherbets, lassi, tea

Darpan News Desk IANS, 27 Oct, 2014 07:29 AM
  • Stay energised post festive season with sherbets, lassi, tea
What better way to ease up on your tummy post the festive season than with some truly exotic and healthy beverages? Take your pick from nearly a century-old secret 'sherbet' recipe, fruit and herb infused yoghurt drinks (lassis) or concoctions of the cup that cheers - tea.
 
With the overwhelming variety of the sweet and savoury that Kolkata has to offer, thanks to the varied communities based here, foodies find it difficult to resist gourmet temptations, particularly during Durga Puja and Diwali. The hectic meet-and-greet schedule and rituals add to the woes.
 
But in nooks and corners of the busting metropolis, there are places where health-conscious foodies can stop over for some detoxifying and energizing refills, till the next holiday season (Christmas and New Year) and
binge-time begins.
 
A stone's throw away from north Kolkata's College Street (home to book shops and two prestigious universities), tucked away in a hidey-hole is the 96-year-old Paramount juice and sherbet centre, famed for its 'daab sherbet' or green coconut sherbet (a cold drink usually made with diluted fruit juices).
 
The sherbet - a mix of raw coconut water, its tender sweet pulp and an essence - is a creation of renowned chemist Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray.
 
"The shop used to be the hideout of freedom fighters and selling sherbets used to be a front. Nihar Ranjan Majumdar, who was a freedom fighter and a friend of Ray, set this shop up with him.
 
"The green coconut essence used in the sherbet is a secret and the drink we serve has remain unchanged. The coconuts are specially sourced from Basirhat in North 24-Parganas," Partha Majumdar, Nihar Ranjan's grandson and shop manager, told IANS.
 
Majumdar said the drink is devoid of any synthetic product or extract and is a powerhouse of daab or green coconut's benefits, which among others include
boosting immunity, enhancing kidney function, replenishing electrolytes and cooling down the digestive system.
 
"It is very popular among youngsters, most of whom are health conscious nowadays," Majumdar added.
 
Looking for something on the lines of smoothies and shakes albeit with an Indian touch?
 
Try the peppery Kadak Pudina Mirch ki Lassi (mint, green chillies with yoghurt) or the imaginative Mango Aur Tulsi ki Lassi (green mango, cumin and basil with yoghurt) at Funjabi Tadka, a specialty restaurant. There's also a Pina Colada Lassi, laced with pineapple and coconut.
 
"Lassis are traditionally known for aiding the digestive system due to the presence of yoghurt. The added ingredients help in adding fibre and enhancing digestion," restaurant manager Santosh told IANS.
 
So, go high on the 'Puritea Twist' section at The Tea Trove (TTT) in south Kolkata.
 
Popular for its repertoire of tea-based beverages, both hot and cold, the joint, with its eclectic décor and emphasis on 'Tea Commandments' (verses like 'Thou Shall Understand the Four Different Types of Tea - White, Green, Oolong and Black'), makes a conscious effort to promote the goodness of tea.
 
Light in texture, the 'Puritea Twist' infusions of herb and flower-based green and black teas are also refreshing for the palate.
 
"The Moroccan Mint green tea and Basil Mint tea are rich in anti-oxidants and the mint acts as a mouth freshener. The texture is light. Green tea can counter the effects of an oily and heavy meal.
 
"The Red Hibiscus black tea uses freeze-dried hibiscus and, therefore, eliminates the need for preservatives. In addition, we also provide the option of natural sweetener, Stevia, extracted from the Stevia plant," TTT
owner Shruti Kanoi told IANS.
 
Detox away!

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Response to food images linked to glucose levels

Response to food images linked to glucose levels
Does the mere sight of food ignite desire to gorge upon high-calorie meals? This may well be due to low blood sugar levels in your body...

Response to food images linked to glucose levels

Daily running can lower death risk

Daily running can lower death risk
A new US study has suggested that running everyday, even for a few minutes, can significantly reduce a person's risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases....

Daily running can lower death risk

Gym bag must-haves

Gym bag must-haves
Excited about hitting the gym and cutting flab? Make sure to carry essentials like water bottle, hair ties and deodorant in your duffle bag....

Gym bag must-haves

People who work longer smoke more

People who work longer smoke more
Do you work for long hours? Check your smoking habits. New research has revealed that people who work longer smoke more....

People who work longer smoke more

Slow down to instil sexual desire in her

Slow down to instil sexual desire in her
Does being nice and responsive increase sexual desire in her? Do men perceive responsive women as more attractive and vice versa? The answers lie...

Slow down to instil sexual desire in her

Drink tea for thinner body, beautiful skin

Drink tea for thinner body, beautiful skin
Scientific research testifies to the health benefits of all kinds of tea, which not only help with beauty factors but also weight loss and hydration of skin, reports femalefirst.co.uk....

Drink tea for thinner body, beautiful skin