“Chibbada/ Muskmelon/ Kharbooja” … delicious fruit that full of water content and nutritional benefits … some fruits are with fair white complexion within, while some are with light yellowish tinge and my favorite of all is the one which is blushing peach colored that is not only beautiful to look at, but also very sweet in taste … there are many varieties some oblong shape, some round with pale skin, while some are smaller round shaped with darker skin shade … but they all taste great prepared into Harshala a tasty Konkani Saraswat Cuisine Dessert … Yummilicious …
** I am sure you all do, but if you don't then you must include/ consume this delicious fruit that has immense health benefits from its outer skin to inner seeds. it is also called Madhuphala, in Ayurveda for its rich nutrient content. The flesh fruit with high water content and fiber is available in plenty during summer. It helps as a body coolant and the diuretic properties keep the body hydrated as well as eliminate toxins from the body. Due to the high content of vitamin C, it helps improve the immune system which is the need of the day now.
** you will find a long list of its health benefits, with do’s and don’ts on Google, you can check it out there for more information. As for foodies you can prepare, juice, smoothie, ice cream, dosas, idlies, chutney, etc. or eat it just as it is. In Konkanir Saraswat’s Cuisine Harshala is the most famous one prepared with chibbada which is offered as Naivedyam to God too. A simple dish prepared with coconut milk and jaggery/ goda with cardamom flavor to which the fruit pieces are cut into small pieces and added on.
** Harshala is usually served with patal povu/ patla poha/ thin beaten rice and we really love it very much. You need not discard inner seeds as they are high in potassium and can be consumed too … it can sun dried and roasted or you can grind, sieve and add on to the juices too. You can also prepare tambuli, again a cold dish from our own Konkani Saraswat Cuisine, prepared with addition of curds served with rice. The outer skin to I believe can be mashed and used as a face pack for all skin issue, though I have never used it.
** Such a full of use this wonderful fruit, now what more does one want, off course, the list is endless and I am sure many of you are aware of it. So, include them into your diet now, reap in the health benefits and be thankful to God for providing such a lovely nature around us. Remember seasonal fruits are considered to be given by nature as they are appropriate to be consumed during that season, so always enjoy seasonal fruits/ veggies to from you local place, you will not only reap health benefits but will also help local vendors.
** If you are wondering Why?? should locally available fruits and veggies be used, then just put it this way. When a certain veggie or fruit is able to be grown only in certain environment it means it is best suitable for the body that lives in that environment too. It’s natures law of balancing things, but we humans always tend to reach out to the moon, always wanting what is rare or not that which is grown locally. Just adapt to local taste and try including these simple locally available fruits and you will know the difference in a few years.
** There are some wonderful recipes in my blog prepared with “Chibbada/ Muskmelon” which you can try out too, sharing a common link below, just click on it to get them all …
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Thanks.