In Pictures: Summer Fruits to Try from Kolkata Markets — Beyond Watermelon and Mangoes
When we think of summer fruits in India, watermelon and mangoes steal the spotlight. But stroll through any bustling market in Kolkata — from Gariahat to New Market — and you'll discover a treasure trove of vibrant, seasonal fruits that are often overlooked. Here's a photo journey of some must-try summer fruits that add a unique flavor to the Bengali summer.
Lichis (Lychees): The Juicy Jewels
Sweet, juicy, and fragrant — lichis are a summer staple in Bengal. These red-skinned delights come from nearby districts like Murshidabad and are best enjoyed fresh. Their short season (May to June) makes them even more special.
Jamun (Black Plum): Tangy with a Hint of Sweetness
Glossy purple jamuns arrive mid-summer and are sold by street vendors in cone-shaped leaves. Known for their slightly tart taste and cooling effect, they’re also great for digestion and blood sugar control.
Falsa (Indian Sherbet Berry): The Forgotten Refreshment
Tiny, purple-black, and often dusted with salt, falsa is a fruit you don’t often see outside of local markets. Vendors usually sell it with a sprinkle of black salt — a refreshing, tangy snack perfect for the sweltering heat..
Bel (Wood Apple): Earthy and Cooling
With its hard shell and pungent aroma, bel might not look inviting at first — but don’t judge a fruit by its cover! The pulp is blended into a cooling drink that’s both energizing and rich in nutrients.
Tal (Asian Palmyra): Bengal’s Natural Dessert
Known for their jelly-like flesh and subtly sweet taste, tal fruits are a summer delicacy. The fruit is often used in desserts like tal-er bora or eaten raw — a cooling treat against the blazing Kolkata sun.
Amra (Hog Plum): The Tangy Bit
Sour and crunchy, amra is a favorite for those who enjoy bold, tangy flavors. Often eaten with chili-salt or made into chutney, this fruit packs a punch and brings back childhood memories for many Kolkatans.
Khirni (Rayan): Bengal’s Yellow Secret
A lesser-known gem, khirni looks like a small mango but is sweet, soft, and fiberless. Available only for a few weeks in peak summer, it’s a must-try for fruit connoisseurs.
Green Figs (Dumur): The Traditional Superfood
Not exactly a snack fruit, but dumur holds cultural and culinary value in Bengal. Often used in curries, it's a summer vegetable-fruit hybrid packed with nutrition.
Taal Shaash (Ice Apple): Nature’s Ice Cube
In Kolkata markets, you'll often find it being sold on pushcarts, kept fresh on beds of damp cloth or ice. The fruit is consumed raw and sometimes added to summer drinks or desserts. It’s hydrating, soothing, and has a natural cooling effect — perfect for battling the humid Bengal heat.
Pro Tip: Eat it chilled with a drizzle of nolen gur syrup for an irresistible local twist.
Excellent choice! Longan, known locally in Bengal as Ashphol, is another rare but fascinating summer fruit that deserves attention — especially for readers who love discovering exotic or lesser-known market finds.
Here’s how you can feature Longan (Ashphol) in your blog:
Longan (Ashphol): Bengal’s Tropical Secret
Often mistaken for lychee due to its similar taste and texture, Ashphol (Longan) is a small, round fruit with a light brown, brittle shell and juicy, translucent flesh inside. The taste is sweet and floral — almost like honey — but with its own distinct character.
In Kolkata, ashphol isn’t as commonly found as lychees or mangoes, but local fruit vendors sometimes carry fresh batches during late summer, especially in upscale or wholesale markets. It’s a delicacy worth hunting down.
Rich in Vitamin C and known in traditional medicine for boosting energy and calming the nerves, Longan is a superfruit with a super story.
Try it because: It's like lychee’s quieter, sweeter cousin — and adds a unique twist to your summer fruit plate.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Kolkata is as much about the blazing sun as it is about nature's bounty. Next time you walk through your local bazaar, take a detour from the usual and explore these seasonal surprises. Not only do they taste great, but they also tell stories of tradition, local farming, and forgotten flavors.
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