Indian Sherbets are the traditional beverage of India. It is typically prepared from fruits, herbs as well as flower petals. Sherbet and Lassi are considered as coolers and are meant to provide refreshment from the hot Indian summer. They are also served on festive occasions when guests are treated with snacks and sweets accompanied by these rejuvenating drinks.
History of Sherbets in India
Sherbet is a popular Middle Eastern and South Asian, sweet chilled drink that is prepared from fruits or flower petals. Sherbets were introduced in India by the invading Turks and Persians and were originally consumed in large quantities because they replaced the large loss of body water which occurs in the tropical climate of India. For this reason, sherbets are still offered as refreshment in India.
Significance of Sherbets in India
Sherbets are a symbol of celebration and are often consumed at weddings, dinner parties, banquets and similar events. Indian beverages comprehend a significant portion of the Indian food section. In fact, a traditional Indian meal is considered incomplete without sherbet. The umpteen recipes, fruits, even vegetables employed to serve a sherbet is absolutely blissful. The humid Indian summers can be turned into a chilled atmosphere, by a mere drinking of sherbets. The sweet, salty, tangy or chilli taste of Indian sherbets, topped with ice, brings a serene effect to the mind.
It is a ritual in India, when anyone comes home, not to let them go without having anything. So these drinks are very handy and are prepared just in few minutes and can be served to the visitors. A lot of Indian households keep a stock of home-made sherbets meant to be served to family members and guests during the summers. These summer drinks mainly contain ingredients that can help the body cool down to survive the soaring temperature outside. Common ingredients used in summer drinks in India include lime juice, water melon, mint, cucumber and sometimes even curd. Every region has their traditional specialty.
Preparation of Sherbets
The sherbets can be easily prepared at home with readily available ingredients. The fruits that are used to prepare Sherbets are like, raw mango, melon, lemon, watermelon or even a drink prepared with tamarind and asafoetida makes Indian sherbets illustrious worldwide. Any Indian household keeps a handy stock of ingredients needed to make drinks like "Chaas", "Lassi", "Kairi ka Pani", etc., especially on hot summer days.
