As climate change and global warming is affecting our planet, its effects are apparent worldwide. Heatwaves are getting much more common, more frequent and more intense. One of the biggest risks of heatwave is dehydration and also overheating of the body which can also be fatal. Hydration is an essential tool to cope with the heatwave and keep the body cool so today we will explore some delicious options to soothe, nourish and rejuvenate the body.
Watermelon Cooler
Ingredients:
500gm Watermelon
One teaspoon lime/lemon juice
Pinch of salt or as per your taste
Mint leaves
Ice cubes
Method
Blend the watermelon with lime/lemon juice and salt.
Strain the juice through a sieve and garnish with mint leaves.
Add the ice cubes and serve chilled.
Infused water
Infused water is a great way to hydrate the body which gets depleted of minerals and water in the heatwave. Children who otherwise don’t like to drink water are particularly excited to consume if you serve them in individual bottles or simply put the prepared jug in their vicinity.
Ingredients
One litre of water
Jar/jug to store the water
One cucumber washed and sliced
10 Mint leaves, washed
1/2 unwaxed lemon or lime washed and sliced
Ice cubes, optional
Method
Put all the ingredients in a jar and let it infuse in the refrigerator and serve with ice cubes.
Homemade lemonade
Everyone loves lemonade. Its refreshing taste and energising quality makes it an all-time favourite beverage amongst children and adults of all ages. This homemade version benefits from fresh ingredients and vitamins and minerals that are essential for health and vitality.
One Litre of cold water
Juice of 2-3 Lemon/limes
150gm Sugar of your choice
1/8 teaspoons of salt
Ice cubes to serve
Mint leaves to serve, optional.
Method
Dissolve sugar in the water and add salt and lemon/lime juice. Add ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves.
Basil seed water
Edible basil seeds have an excellent cooling effect on our body. They are widely used in many South Asian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries. It is important to understand that they are different from the seeds that we use to plant the basil. You can get them easily online and at Asian supermarkets. Basil seeds swell up when soaked in the water so allow them to soak up well before consuming. Please consult your general physician before using them for the first time especially if you have any underlying medical condition.
Ingredients
One litre of Water
Edible basil seeds, one teaspoon
Jug to store the water
Juice of one Lemon/lime
1/8 teaspoon of salt
Ten Mint leaves, washed and chopped
Teaspoon of honey or sugar per glass of water, optional
Method
Combine all the ingredients and store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
Spiced Buttermilk
Ingredients
Yogurt 500ml
Salt ½ teaspoon or as per your taste
Roasted cumin powder 1 teaspoon
Coriander leaves ¼ cup
Mint leaves 10-15
Ice cubes
Method
Blend coriander leaves and mint leaves in a blender.
In a bowl, mix yogurt, salt and roasted cumin powder using a whisk and add the coriander-mint paste. Add water to adjust the consistency as per your choice. Adjust salt according to your taste. Add the ice cubes and serve chilled.
Disclaimer
Please consult your healthcare provider before using any new ingredients or trying new recipes as it can affect your body especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Parul Rana 