Toranda (Kambili Narang/ Grapefruit/ Papanas/ Chakotra/ Pomelo).

“Toranda (Kambili Narang/ Grapefruit/ Papanas/ Chakotra/ Pomelo)” … there are many more names and references to this amshe- godshe (sweet- tart) tasted large sized fruit that belongs to citrus family … sometimes they are a lovely shade of pink and at times lighter yellow colored similar to mosambi while elsewhere they are deeper shade of red too … they are large in size, say about size of 6-8 inches in dia and are available in plenty now as its in season … you can relish it either sprinkled with kala namak or sugar for added taste … Yummilicious …

** Food has always fascinated man. It is the only thing that satisfies first the eyes, then nose, then mouth and then heart … How ??? Well first man sees the dish that’s visual effect for him … then smells its, that’s aromatic effect, then puts it in his mouth, now this allows him to taste the dish, that tickles his taste buds giving him the taste effect … Finally it reaches his brains, that is to say it register in mind and become one in all … the visual, the aroma and the taste, thus giving him a satisfying joy in heart. Man is always in search of new varieties of food to satisfy his taste and heart be it in form of fruits or veggies to create dishes.

** This is a fruit I have seen a million times over last 30 years in Thane, the city where I live, but somehow hardly bought it as whenever I did it turned out tart in taste. During my growing up years Dad used to bring this home especially during Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival time to offer as Naivedyam. I saw it placed even during Shri Ganesh Chaturthi festival as this fruit is available in plenty during monsoon season. Mom always made us peel it and then clear off all the unwanted skin attached to it and put it in a bowl, she then added on some fine sugar crystal, mixed it well and placed it before God for Naivedyam.

** I had often spoken about it to hubby, so when he had been to market and as the fruit seller assured him it was sweet he bought a large one as a surprise item for me. Looking at it, I was really worried that if it turned out to tart in taste it would be waste, but then thought to take things positively and sat to peel and clear it well, I added sugar as Mom did, mixed well and placed it with earnest appeal to God. After the offering of naivedyam when I had spoon of the same I was relieved of my worries on taste matter, Oh, yes it was tart it taste nevertheless a tinge of sweetness was there in it, and sugar added made it much more tastier.

This is a Google Picture of Toranda (Kambili Narang/ Grapefruit/ Papanas/ Chakotra/ Pomelo).

** Searching through Google will give you loads of information about the health benefits of consuming this fruit. It endorses that it is worth consuming daily for intake of Vitamin C, A along with others and is a very powerful antioxidant and good for immune system, the need of the day during this pandemic situation. But, just like all fruits it should be consumed in limits to avoid acidic level rises. Well, in all definitely a good one that should be included in your diet, but do check out on its other value contents before consumption if you have other ailments. I found it safe for all age people, specially growing children and teenagers.

** Always make it a point to relish seasonal fruits and veggies as and when possible, it should be added on to our daily diet as locally available eatables are God’s blessing in form of nature that is abundantly distributed as per season and geographical conditions suitable. Never try to imitate the so called western life where in more of packaged processed food is in the rise while natural ones are shunned. Our country is filled with natural resources that of which we should take to our best ability, if we shun them today, tomorrow they will get diminished and out of sight and reach and slowly that pattern of healthy life will come to an end.

** To avoid unhealthy lifestyle pattern, we should atleast make an effort to have one fruit and a veggie that are in season during the given time everyday and reap in full health benefits. If we make it point of including it as a must into a life our family too will get used to, will not shun it and will continue in the same manner with coming generations. Toranda/ Pomelo/ Grapefruit is in season now, so make best use of the same and don’t go always by taste. Sometimes some tartness, sweetness, spiciness all become necessary to be included in our food for overall well being. Enjoy a healthy life and stay Blessed with your family and friends.

** As I mentioned this one I have kept simple, by just loosening the edible portion. I add on some sugar mixed it well, put it in an air tight container and kept it in the fridge for 3-4 hours, the sugar gets mixed with the little juice of the fruit itself when left over time, so do not add in any water. You can add in jaggery powder and mix it well too, if you are skeptical about using sugar, I am not, so I have used the same. I well known nutritionist endorsed my knowledge of sugar saying that in limits it was fine to use the same, but definitely not in excess, and here I have added on much, however the choice is yours.

** I have added a Google picture of the same and credit goes to them. I completely forgot to click a picture of the fruit as and how available on purchase, will add the same soon, but for reference you can check out on the same.