# Bel Ka Sharbat and Maredu Drink: Invigorating Summer Treats
As summer’s heat rises, it becomes crucial to discover refreshing and nourishing drinks. Amid the various traditional beverages that provide comfort from the blazing sun, **Bel Ka Sharbat** and **Maredu Drink** are notable for their health advantages and pleasing tastes. These drinks are derived from the Bael fruit, celebrated for its cooling effects and abundant nutritional benefits.
## Exploring Bael Fruit
The Bael fruit, scientifically called **Aegle marmelos**, is cherished in numerous cultures, especially in Hinduism, where it is regarded as holy. The fruit is recognized by several names in different regions: **Stone Apple**, **Bael Pathar**, **Vilvam** (Tamil), **Bilva** (Hindi), and **Maredu pandu** (Telugu). Every component of the Bael tree offers advantages; both the roots and leaves are utilized in traditional remedies for skin infections and digestive issues.
### Dietary Advantages
The Bael fruit is filled with nutrients, making it an ideal option for summer hydration. It is known to:
– Support digestion and relieve gastric issues.
– Aid in treating acidity and ulcers.
– Cool and cleanse the body.
– Mitigate heat-related ailments.
## Crafting Bael Syrup
Creating Bael syrup is a simple yet somewhat labor-intensive method. Here’s how to do it:
### Ingredients:
– Dried Bael fruit (Maredu)
– Water
– Sugar (or jaggery, to taste)
### Instructions:
1. **Preparation**: Wash the dried Bael fruit thoroughly. Soak it in water overnight.
2. **Boiling**: The following day, boil the soaked Bael with the water until the liquid is reduced by half.
3. **Straining**: Strain the mixture to eliminate any solid remnants.
4. **Thickening**: Return the strained liquid to the pot, add sugar, and boil until the mixture thickens and attains a slightly dark brown hue.
5. **Storage**: Let the syrup cool and store it in a clean bottle.
## Making Bel Ka Sharbat
Once your Bael syrup is prepared, you can quickly make **Bel Ka Sharbat**. Here’s how:
### Ingredients:
– 3 heaped tablespoons of Bael syrup
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Chilled water
– Ice cubes
### Instructions:
1. In a tall glass, mix the Bael syrup and lemon juice.
2. Fill the glass with chilled water.
3. Add ice cubes and stir thoroughly before serving.
## Creating Maredu Drink from Fresh Bael Fruit
If you opt for fresh Bael fruit, you can prepare a refreshing Maredu drink straight from the ripe fruit.
### Ingredients:
– Ripe Bael fruit
– Water
– Sugar or jaggery (to taste)
– Roasted cumin powder
– Black salt
– Ice cubes
### Instructions:
1. Open the ripe Bael fruit and extract the pulp.
2. Soak the pulp in a cup of water for a few minutes, then mash it with your hands.
3. Strain the mix to discard seeds and blend the pulp until smooth.
4. Incorporate sugar or jaggery, roasted cumin powder, a pinch of black salt, and chilled water into the blended pulp. Mix well.
5. Pour into tall glasses, add ice cubes, and serve.
## Where to Acquire Maredu
Dried Bael fruit, or Maredu, is easily accessible at local Ayurvedic shops. In cities like Visakhapatnam (Vizag), you can find it at establishments such as **Pachipulusu Venkata Sannaiah & Sons** and **Sri Sambasiva Ayurvedic Centre** in Kurupam Market. Moreover, numerous juice vendors in the Kurupam Market vicinity prepare Maredu drinks, particularly near CBM High School and Seethammadhara.
## Conclusion
Bel Ka Sharbat and Maredu Drink are not merely revitalizing summer refreshments; they are loaded with health benefits that can assist you in conquering the heat and maintaining hydration. Whether you prefer to create syrup from dried Bael or use the ripe fruit, these beverages are sure to become an essential part of your summer rituals. Relish the natural goodness of Bael and savor the tastes of these traditional drinks!