Indian Foods to Eat in the Summer

Rejoice! Summer is approaching! In India, summers can be tough.

Our summers may not be as hot as it is in India, but if you're living in Houston, Dallas or Atlanta it may soar up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius).

Different seasons call for different foods, but summer is one of our favorites. Refreshment -- the feeling we describe when anything cold provides a pleasant jolt of energy throughout our bodies.

In celebration of summer, here is a list of our favorite summer beverages, snacks, and dishes!

Alphonso Mangoes

Mangoes are already known as the king of fruits, but Alphonso takes it one step further and is hailed as the king of the kings. An authentic cold sweet Alphonso mango on a fresh summer day will help you grasp why this champ has held the title for so long.

Kulfi

Mango, pista, or malai? It is hard to choose one. Kulfi is a denser, creamier, and more popsicle-like version of ice cream. Kulfi is the quintessential South Asian summer treat because it makes for a satisfying post-meal desert.

Lassi

There are many types of Lassi, but sweet Lassi has a special place in our hearts. Sweet Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that is synonymous with the scorching summer heat. It is a special delight for those who are lactose intolerant as yogurt has relatively low levels of lactose compared to milk. There is a lassi for everyone! Popular types include mango lassi, sweet lassi, sour lassi (the original), and even bhang lassi.

Bitter Gourd

Not all summer food has to be sweet. Gourd is a great healthy alternative with an impressive nutrient profile for those who try to avoid refined sugar. Gourd is an acquired taste, but the health benefits of acquiring it are sweet. It is commonly touted for its medicinal benefits.

Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane Juice is made from pressed sugarcane. It is popular throughout South Asia and is commonly used to beat the heat. It contains about 15% natural sugar and is full of other nutrients such as organic salts and vitamins. Fans of sugarcane juice routinely point to the energy boost it provides and tout its high concentration calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese.

Watermelon

Did you know that July is National Watermelon Month? That’s how closely this fruit is tied together with Summer. Watermelons are around 91 percent water (fun fact: water is 100 percent water) and can be classified as fruits AND vegetables! Watermelon’s claim to health fame comes from its richness in lycopene, which many claim is a powerful antioxidant.

Coconut Water

Coconut Water may be an emerging health craze in the United States, but it is an old-school staple in South Asia. It is abundant in many tropical countries and is sold by street vendors who use a machete style knife to cut them open in front of customers. Coconut water also has potassium and electrolytes which make it a great natural rehydrating alternative over commercialized sports drinks.