Summer fruits this Ramadan
In close proximity, Ramadan followed summer, and with the heat and rain cycle, a month of fasting has started. With that, the season for a wide range of fruits has also arrived. Mango, lychee, jackfruit, watermelon and starfruit to name a few of the delights that we just love – add to that the constant worry of dehydration and what to eat at iftar, summer has brought endless choices and solutions.
Jackfruit may be our national fruit, but in terms of taste and popularity, nothing beats mangos. A nice, ripe mango is not only a treat after a day of fasting, cut up into small slices and whisked, it provides the perfect alternative for store bought fruit juices. Add to that the fact that they have been found to prevent cancer and keep cholesterol in check and help in digestion and boosts immunity. For chemical free mangoes, its best to get straight to the source, and if not possible, there are stores like Prabartana.
Watermelons occupy a close second when it comes to the summer fruits. If the heat and humidity were not reasons enough to indulge in this fruit high in water content and nutrients. The refreshing quality and sweet taste is the perfect antidote to a day of fasting and provides low maintenance dessert for children and adults alike to enjoy. And if diced up or slices is not for you, put them in a blender and you have the perfect refreshing juice to sip after dusk.
For something to munch on at iftar for those who do not like dates, lychees are perfect. Sweet, refreshing and healthy at the same time, lychees are in the market already. Have a plate full at the table and sure enough this vitamin and mineral rich fruit will be over in no time.
While this might not be to everyone's taste, jackfruit is still a favourite for many Bangladeshis. And despite the wide range of opinions regarding its taste, the health benefits are undoubted. They optimise immune function, are good sources of energy, improve digestion, improve bone health and a lot more. So, a few pieces of the fruit at iftar may be just the energy boost that you need to get you through the long night of praying.
All in all summer is a good time for fruit lovers. Blended to juices or smoothies or just eaten straight out of the peel, seasonal fruits are always recommended for iftars during Ramadan for their high water contents and health benefits. Of course it does not hurt that they are delicious as well.
Photo: Collected
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