Perfect Soft & Spongy Vattayappam - A Delicious and Healthy Kerala Treat

"Soft & Spongy Vattayappam Recipe – Perfect Kerala Steamed Rice Cake"

Vattayappam: Kerala's Steamed Rice Cake Delight

    When it comes to Kerala's iconic Appams, one recipe I’ve always wanted to highlight is Vattayappam – a soft, spongy, and deliciously unique fermented rice cake. While it shares ingredients with its cousin Vellayappam, Vattayappam stands out for its texture and cooking method – it’s steam-cooked to perfection, giving it a fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth quality. For those wondering, Vattayappam translates to “Round Rice Cake” in Malayalam!

CANDIED GINGER

    Most of the Traditional Christmas Cakes, Puddings, Cookies call for Candied Citrus Peels, Fruits & Ginger. Simmer a few slices or pieces of Ginger in Sugar Syrup and there you go with flavourful Homemade Candied Ginger. All you need is just a few cups of Ginger, Sugar, a bit of time & patience.  It is so easy to make and much more flavourful than the store-bought Candied Ginger.  

    All these years, I was literally skipping on to the idea of adding Candied Ginger into any of the recipes which called for candied ginger.  The reason was I didn't have any & couldn’t find any in the store, or should I say I didn't bother to buy it? Then, thinking of making it... wasn't sure how and had always thought it was a tedious process.  Only until I figured out how to make Candied Fruits and Candied Peels. Since few years I have been making Candied Fruits and peels all by myself and this year planned to get my hands with Candied Ginger. I can hear some of you asking, "Why would I want Candied Ginger and above all why I should go to the length and breadth of making it at home?

CANDIED GINGER

    Homemade Candied Ginger is indeed the best, fresher with a stronger flavour, and it has no additives, preservatives or artificial food colouring.  Also, you can also reap the health benefits of ginger.  Ginger has been used medicinally for centuries.  Ginger is an extremely healthy herb with a variety of benefits. Research has shown it to be effective in treating upset stomachs, nausea, motion-sickness, pregnancy, lowering cholesterol and inflammation, preventing clogged arteries and may even kill cancer cells. 

    Anyway, we are not here to talk about the all known health benefits of Ginger.  But this Candied Ginger is literally so tempting that you may want to gobble up a few at the go.  Keep in mind to eat it in moderation.  Though it's loaded with health benefits, it also has the Sugar in it.  Candied Ginger is a versatile ingredient that will liven up so many dishes and drinks.

CANDIED GINGER

    The Candied Ginger were a Sweet, flavourful treat perfect for adding into Christmas Fruit Cakes, Puddings, Cookies, Muffins, Pancakes, Pies, Pear/Apple Crumble, Jams, Fruit Loaves, Cocktails, Mocktails and the list goes on and on!. It was worth the effort. I could even eat some Homemade Candied Gingers as such.

    And one bottom line note:  Don’t discard the drained Ginger Water & Syrup.  It yields you with two delicious by products: GINGER WATER & GINGER SYRUP!  Use the ginger water while making tea or a drink.  Add a teaspoon or two of Ginger Syrup to your drinks for a refreshing ZING!

For more CANDIED FRUITS & PEEL RECIPES, Click here...

Recipe Type - Candied Fruits
Difficulty - Medium
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30-45 Minutes 
Soaking Time - 12-15 Hours/ Overnight

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO SOAK DRY FRUITS FOR CHRISTMAS CAKE, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE CANDIED GINGER

CANDIED GINGER

INGREDIENTS:

To Cook the Ginger Pieces:

Ginger - 3 Cups
Water - as Required

For Candied Ginger:

Sugar - 2 Cups
Water - 1-11/2 Cups
Salt - a Pinch

CANDIED GINGER

METHOD:

• Scrape the outer skin of the Ginger.
• Chop the Ginger into small cubes or into thin slices & keep it aside.
• I used about 3 Cups of Ginger.
• Boil enough of Water in a pan. Once it starts to boil, add chopped Ginger into it.
• Boil it on a medium-low flame for about 3-5 minutes. 
• Switch off the flame, Reserve 1/2 a Cup of Water and drain the remaining water.  (Reserve the water and it can be used for making)
  
• Reserve the blanched Ginger cubes.
• Add the blanched Ginger Cubes along with 1/2 cup of reserved Ginger into a pan.
• Add 2 Cups of  Sugar and 1 Cup of Water to the above ingredients. 
• Boil the Sugar Syrup on a medium-low flame, stirring occasionally.
• Cook until the Sugar is completely dissolved and the Ginger Cubes are cooked, and it has absorbed most of the Sugar Syrup.
• The mixture would start to slightly thicken up at this stage(sugar syrup shouldn't get crystallized).
• Cook until it reaches one-string consistency.
• I cooked until the Sugar Syrup got completely absorbed by the Ginger cubes.
• If there is any extra Sugar Syrup, drain it well through a colander.
• Leave it aside in a wire rack to dry for 12-15 hours/overnight.
• Candied Ginger Cubes would have absorbed the Sweetness and would have turned dry.
• Soak it up in a Paper Towel for a few minutes if you feel the Candied Ginger to be moist.
• Mine was totally dry and had the perfect texture.
• I made Ginger candies to be used in Christmas Fruit Cake and to add them to Cocktails. 
• If you prefer to eat them as a Candy, gently toss the ginger slices in a bowl of sugar, so they are coated all over. Place the ginger slices back on the cooling rack to sit overnight.
• Store it up in clean Airtight containers.
• For longer shelf life, store it in a refrigerator.
• Can use it in Cookies, Fruit Cakes, Buns, Puddings, Crumbles, Bread Loaves, Ice creams etc., 

CANDIED GINGER

NOTES:

• I have used the young & small Ginger Roots while making Candied Ginger.  They're less woody and tender.  Learnt it after a prior trial that old ginger are not best while making Candied Ginger.
  
• Cut the Ginger into slices or into cubes.  I made small cubes out of it, as I made it specifically to be used in the Dry Fruit Mix for X'mas Fruit Cake.
• I cooked until the Sugar Syrup got completely absorbed by the Ginger Cubes.
• If there is any extra Sugar Syrup, drain it well through a colander.
• Save the Syrup & use in cakes, sauces and drinks. Goes well while making Teas.
• Stays good stored at room temperature in an airtight container. 
• Candied Ginger can be stored for up to 3-4 Months in the refrigerator.
• I have made this Candied Peel for baking purpose.
• I live in a humid area, so even if I toss them with Sugar, it tends to turn moist after a few hours. So, I left it as such and stored them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Alternatively, if you are using the Candied Ginger as a SNACK. Strain and dredge the Cubes/Slices in finely granulated Sugar and place them on a rack to dry overnight. 
• If you live in a Humid area, you can dry the candied ginger in the oven.  Set the Oven to the lowest temperature and leave this for about 20-30 minutes, or until the Candied Ginger turns dry and crisp.  While cooking it in the oven, make sure to leave the Oven door slightly open. 
  
   

Acar Jelatah – Malaysian Pineapple & Cucumber Salad

Acar Jelatah – Malay Pineapple & Cucumber Salad

The Tangy, Crunchy Sidekick Your Festive Table Deserves!

    Ever had Nasi Biryani, so rich served with decadent side dishes like Ayam Masak Merah or Rendang, it begged for a sidekick? A cool, crunchy, tongue-tingling kind of sidekick? 

    Fresh, crunchy, and bursting with tang – Acar Jelatah is the ultimate Malaysian side dish that brings balance to rich mains like Nasi Biryani, Nasi Minyak, Nasi Bunga Telang, or Nasi Kuning  and Ayam Masak Merah or Rendang. This Malay Salad is made with cucumber, pineapple, onions, and chillies, this quick pickled salad is a staple in Malay cuisine. Whether it’s served at a festive kenduri or a casual Friday biryani lunch, this refreshing acar cuts through spice and heaviness with its zesty simplicity. In this post, I’ll share my go-to Acar Jelatah recipe, personal stories, tips, variations like Acar Timun & Acar Nenas, and why this humble side deserves a spotlight.

 

Festive Christmas Fruit Cake with Royal Icing

Christmas Fruit Cake | Kerala Plum Cake with Royal Icing - A Festive Delight You Can’t Miss!"

A Christmas Tradition Passed Through Generations

    The aroma of caramelised sugar and spices wafting through the house signals the arrival of Christmas. For my family, this isn’t just baking—it’s a legacy steeped in culture and tradition.  Making Christmas Fruit Cake, also known as Rich Fruit Cake or Kerala Plum Cake, is more than just a recipe in our household — it’s a heartfelt tradition. Married into a Christian family with roots in the culturally rich Cochin - Fort Cochin, influenced by Portuguese heritage, I embraced this legacy with open arms. Being a devoted daughter-in-law, I strive to perfect family recipes, ensuring they are preserved for the next generation. Many of these traditional recipes, featured on Essence of Life - Food, are my way of ensuring our family’s culinary traditions live on.

HOMEMADE TUTTI FRUTTI WITH PEARS - CANDIED PEARS

    Since 2019, I have been making goodies like Tutti Frutti & Candied Peels for my Christmas Fruit Cakes.  Since I first tried this, there was no looking back or buying tutti frutti and candied peels from stores. Why spend money to buy these goodies when they can be prepared at home and above all, they have no preservatives in it. With an added advantage, you can even adjust the Sweetness of these Tutti Frutti to your preference.   This way I was happy that I was making all goodies from scratch along with the thought that there are no preservatives or additives in it.  Homemade goodies were so good that the aroma and flavour of these goodies were so natural and welcoming.  All the more homemade Candied Peels were not bitter too.  I have a quick trick for that too.

If interested, head to the detailed recipe on HOW TO MAKE CANDIED ORANGE PEELS...

    This year, I made a whole new batch of Tutti Frutti with Raw Papayas and amazingly the Raw Papayas came out with a hue starting out with a Red to Orange to Pale Yellow.  And surprisingly it was unripe.  So I was able to play with it to get the needed texture.  To felicitate with the natural hue of this Papaya, I left them as such.  I didn't add any artificial food colouring to it.  So the cooking process was quick & I got a handful of Tutti Frutti in no time.

    Basically, the so-called Tutti Frutti as in Indian terms are confetti like coloured & Candied Raw Papayas.  I tried a new version of the same Tutti Frutti with all same steps and techniques with Pear.  The result was awesome with a crunchy texture.  But what we need to keep in mind is to adjust the cooking time to suit the variety of pear you are using to make this Tutti Frutti.  This recipe is something new, which is a product of my innovative twist.  

HOMEMADE TUTTI FRUTTI WITH PEARS - CANDIED PEARS

     I used up just 4 pears and I had almost 650 -,750g(3 Cups) of colourful homemade Tutti Frutti added into my stock.  Once they were ready, it was pretty hard not to marvel at these delectable homemade Tutti Frutti so colourful and beautiful. Appealing to my senses, I even gobbled up a handful as a snack.  Sweet indulgence to satiate my cooking endeavour.  Innovating and putting up with an all new recipe.  For all new trial, I got it nailed up with perfect texture. To be frank, I was totally impressed by my work and so I decided to post it up in my blog.

    This year, I have a whole new batch of Candied Raw Papayas, Candied Pears & Candied Orange Peels, all homemade goodness ready for my Christmas Goodies.  Christmas Fruit cake is going to be overloaded with these Homemade Candied Fruits.  And I am sure I am never to going to go for store-bought Tutti Frutti and Candied Peels anymore.

For more CANDIED FRUIT RECIPES, Click here...


Recipe Type - Candied Fruits
Difficulty - Medium
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 15-20 Minutes 
Soaking Time - 8-10 Hours/ Overnight
   

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO SOAK DRY FRUITS FOR CHRISTMAS CAKE, Click here...

 

HOW TO MAKE TUTTI FRUTTI WITH PEARS

HOMEMADE TUTTI FRUTTI WITH PEARS - CANDIED PEARS

INGREDIENTS:

To Cook the Pears:

Pears - 3 Cups
Water - as Required

For Candied Pears/Tutti Frutti:

Sugar - 2 Cups
Water - 11/2 -2 Cups
Vanilla Essence - 1 Teaspoon
Edible Food Colours - few drops of Red Colouring
                                     few drops of Orange Colouring
                                     few drops of Green Colouring

METHOD:

• Peel off the skin, cut the Pear into halves and decore it.
  
• Chop it into small cubes & keep it aside.
• I used about 4 Big Pears which yielded about 3 Cups.
• Boil enough of Water in a pan. Once it starts to boil, add chopped Pears and cook it on a medium-low flame for about 3-5 Minutes. 
• The Pears should have turned translucent and only be half-cooked.
• Drain the half-cooked Pears in a Colander and keep it aside.
• Meanwhile,  Boil 2 Cups of  Sugar in 3 Cups of Water in a pan. 
• Boil the Sugar Syrup on a medium-low flame.
• Once Sugar is completely dissolved and it reaches one-string consistency, add the half-cooked Pear cubes into the Sugar Syrup. 
• Cook this on a medium-low flame for about 12-15 Minutes until the Pears are cooked and it absorbs most of the Sugar Syrup.
• The mixture would start to slightly thicken up at this stage(sugar syrup shouldn't get crystallized).
• I cooked until the Sugar Syrup got completely absorbed by the Pears.
• Add few teaspoons of Vanilla Essence, give a quick stir and switch off the flame.

HOMEMADE TUTTI FRUTTI WITH PEARS - CANDIED PEARS

• Divide the Candied Pears into 3 portions.
• Add each portion into a separate bowl.
• Add a few drops of Red Food Colour to one bowl, Orange Food Colouring to the other bowl and Green Food Colour to the remaining bowl.
• Once the food colouring is added make sure the Candied Pears are mixed well, so that each piece is equally coloured.
• Cover & leave it aside for 12-15 hours/overnight.
• Candied Pears would have absorbed the Sweetness and Colour.
• Soak it up in a Paper Towel for a few minutes if you feel the Tutti Frutti to be moist.
• Mine was totally dry and had the perfect texture.
• Store it up in clean Airtight containers, individually or combined together.
• For longer shelf life, store it in a refrigerator.
• Can use it in Cookies, Fruit Cakes, Buns, Bread Loaves, Ice creams, Puddings etc.,
  

HOMEMADE TUTTI FRUTTI WITH PEARS - CANDIED PEARS

NOTES:

• Use firm, Pears for the purpose.
• Consistency of the Sugar syrup & cooking time plays a major role in the final texture of these Tutti Frutti.
• I slow-cooked with care until all the Sugar Syrup was totally absorbed by the Pear Cubes.
• During the process, make sure the Sugar Syrup doesn't get crystallized.
• Pears shouldn't turn mushy or overcooked.
• The amount of Sugar & Water I used in the recipe was perfect for the method I followed.
• If the Tutti Frutti is moist at the final stage, leave it in a paper towel, until the excess liquids are absorbed.
• You can get easy with the choice of colours for your homemade Tutti Frutti.
• I have used Red, Orange and Green.
• Use good quality edible food colours.

DATES

    Only when I started living in Malaysia, I noticed that large batches of Dates were sold during Ramadan Season. The relevance never realized before and the significance of Dates during Ramadan fasting was a new learning for me then. Since the fruit was discovered, which can be traced back to almost 5320 BC., it has been known for its healing properties. Since then, Dates have served as a staple for people in the Indus Valley, Middle East and North Africa.  Mainly cultivated in these regions & in tropical regions.

    Dates are highly beneficial due to the innate composition of macronutrients and many other healthy elements.  Dates are known for their high content of natural sugars. It’s interesting to notice that dried dates have a higher calorie content when compared to the fresh fruit. The calorie content of Dates is one of the most important fact that makes this Middle East fruit a world favourite.

    It is said that Prophet Muhammad broke fast with three Dates and water. And from thereon Dates has been associated with Ramadan(Ramzan). The fruit is mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran. Muslims around the world, follow a religious tradition of serving Dates (Tmar) at their Ramadan Iftar table.  With many making it a point to break their fast with Dates. Dates are not only associated with Ramadan, but preferred by many Muslims for Tahneek, the tradition of rubbing something sweet into the mouth of a newborn.

    Apart from the tradition and cultural significance, the fruit provide a quick boost of energy for the meal to come. From the day-long fasting, your body may get deprived of energy and dehydrated. Low blood sugar, headaches and lethargy can be common manifestation of the fasting. In such a scenario, dates are the perfect way to break the fast as it activates the body to take in the inflow of food, by helping to secrete digestive juices. Also, being rich in natural sugars, dates provide an instantaneous energy boost. Dates are full of carbohydrates and fiber. Fiber gives the body a fuller feeling and prevents it from feeling hungry. The high fiber also keeps the bowel movements regulated, despite the drastic change in meal patterns.

 

"DATES - THE FRUIT OF THE PARADISE"

Names of Dates in other Languages:

Tamil -Perichampazham

Malayalam - Eendhapazham

Kannada - Kharjoora / Eachalu

Telugu - Kharjoora / Kharjoora Pandu

Tulu - Karjoora

Hindi - Khajur

Marathi - Khajur / Kharik

Gujarati - Khajur

Bengali - Khejoor

Konkani - Khajjoor / Kaajjuru

Oriya - Khajura / Khajuri

Punjabi - Khajur

Assamese -Khezur

Sinhalese -Rata Indhi

Arabic - Tamur(Tmar)

Bahasa Melayu -  Kurma

 

 

DATES - NUTRITIONAL VALUE & USES

 

    Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in the Middle East, North Africa & in many tropical regions around the world.  Mostly Dates are sold in dried form.  It can be eaten fresh too. A wrinkled skin indicates they are dried, whereas a smooth skin indicates freshness.  Dates have an excellent nutrition profile.

    Dates can be eaten fresh or dried, but it is mostly sold & eaten in dried form.  Dried Dates have higher calorie content than a fresh fruit.  Most of the calories in Dates come from Carbohydrates & a very small amount of Protein. Dates retain lots of Vitamins and Minerals.  It is also rich in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage. Dates are a rich source of minerals like Iron, Calcium, Potassium, essential Amino Acids and vitamin A, B, C & D. It is a good source of dietary fiber too. 
Dates are highly rich in Micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese, Magnesium & Copper.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATES 

DATES

    Dates are rich in nutrients and hence are highly beneficial to health too. Dates have been used as a Food & as a Natural Medicine for years. 

 

Highly Nutritious:

    Dates are packed with essential Vitamins & Nutrients, which can be extremely helpful for our overall health.  Dates are also rich in Fiber & Carbohydrates which makes it one of the healthiest dry fruits.  High antioxidant content in Dates & with anti-mutagenic & anti-carcinogenic properties, it is believed to help prevent Cancer.

Rich in Vitamins:

    Dried or fresh dates are good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C & D.  These essential Vitamins ensure optimum health to our body.  The need for these Vitamins can be easily met by including Dates in our daily diet.

Rich in Antioxidants:

Dates are known for its high concentration of anti-oxidants.

• Carotenoids: Carotenoids are known for their ability to significantly reduce the chances of macular degeneration which can be highly beneficial for a Healthy Heart.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also known for helping to reduce the effects of Diabetes.  Flavonoids are also beneficial to your brain and also helps to reduce the risk for brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Flavonoids can also help in reducing the risk towards certain types of Cancer too. 

• Phenolic Acid: Phenolic acid is  mainly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed in reducing the risk of developing cardiac issues and can also help in reducing the risk towards certain types of Cancer too.
  

Treats Anemia:   

    Dates are an excellent source of Iron & Folic Acid. Folic Acid helps the body to absorb Iron and helps in increasing the Red Blood Cell count. Dates are very helpful in treating and preventing Anemia and is also believed to treat Sickle Cell disease.

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:

    Dates help to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar & protein in the urine. Alternatively, increasing the hemoglobin levels. Dates affect insulin activity of the body and balance blood sugar levels helping to reduce some diabetic symptoms. Dates are successful at reducing lipid and glucose levels.  It helps in regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patients, which means it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol & also improves protection against cell damage.

Lowers Cholesterol:   

    Dates are a good source of antioxidants which helps to reduce LDL(bad cholesterol level) and triggers the increase of HDL(good cholesterol). Increase in HDL protects our body from heart disease and atherosclerosis.  Try to incorporate Dates in your daily diet.

Aids Weight Loss:

    Dates can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain. Vitamin B present in Dates help with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, rather than storing it as fat. Daily consumption of Dates enhances digestion, reduces fat and cleanses the intestine helping in reducing excess weight.

Treats Bacterial Infections:     

    Dates are known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which helps combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, E. coli & Pneumonia. Dates are helpful in preventing Microbial Infections.  Date Plant extract has also proven effective in reducing the side effects caused due to powerful medicines.  Dates have successful defensive capabilities against microbes.

Improves Brain Function:

    Consuming Dates helps reduce issues related to anxiety disorder and also helps in boosting memory.  It is also effective in preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's & also helps in the overall improvement of your brain function.  

Preventing & Treating Cancer:

    Presence of beta D-glucan in Dates has proven to be advantageous in promoting an antitumor activity within the body.  High concentration of antioxidants in Dates helps in reducing the activities of free radicals and thereby reduces the risk of Cancer and can significantly help in the reduction of occurrence of benign tumours too.

Help fight against Diabetics:

    Dates have the ability to increase the production of Insulin  & also help reduce the rate of absorption of Glucose from the intestine.  This helps to reduce Blood Glucose Level, which has proven to be beneficial for people suffering from Diabetics.

Promotes Bone Health:

     Dates are highly rich in Micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese, Magnesium & Copper.  Regular consumption of Dates meets the need for these micro-nutrients & also ensures a good bone health.  It has also proven beneficial in treating bone conditions such as Osteoporosis. 

Strengthens the Nervous System:

    Dates are rich in nutrients like Potassium, and it has very low levels of Sodium, which makes it good for Neurological health.  Potassium in Dates makes communication between the nerve cell easier.  Low Sodium contents proves to be beneficial in lowering Hypertension.

Good Skin:

    Dates have high concentration of vitamin C & vitamin D which ensures a healthy skin.  It helps to keep skin well nourished and improves the elasticity of the skin. It also helps in maintaining a heathy balance of Melanin in skin.  Vitamin C & D also helps get rid of wrinkles and also helps you to get a healthy glowing skin.

Prevents Hair Loss:

    Dates are a good source of Iron, which makes it beneficial for your hair.  Rich Iron content in Dates ensures that the blood flow remains strong.  The increased flow of oxygen facilitates the growth of new hair, reduces the rate of hair fall and also keeps the scalp nourished.

Healthy Bowel Movements:

    High fibre content in Dates has proven beneficial for people suffering from irregular bowel movements.  Regular consumption of Dates also helps in reducing the Ammonia content in stools which alternatively helps in maintaining an overall health.

Eye Health:  

    Dates serve as a good source of vitamin A and with its Antioxidant properties. Dates help to improve eyesight helps to impart strength and rejuvenation to the eyes. It also curtails the development of Cataract. Dates may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction. 

Prevents Night Blindness:

    Dates are rich in vitamin A and regular consumption of Dates can ensure you with a healthy Eye & also can help you do not get affected by Night Blindness.  Dates are used as one effective home remedy for Night Blindness from time immemorial. And it is also recommended to heal problems that occur due to lack of vitamin A.

 

HOW TO SELECT DATES

    Most Dates are left to hang on the trees to “cure” and dry a little before being harvested, so they’ll last longer once picked. These are the “fresh dates” available at many grocery stores, and they are also absolutely delicious.

Here are a few tips on how to select & how to store Dates to make them last as long as possible.

• Fresh dates can be wrinkled, but they shouldn’t feel hard. 
• Look for fresh dates that are fleshy looking and have a slightly glossy appearance to their skin. 
• Avoid dates that have crystallized sugar on their skins, which means that they are not fresh.

HOW TO STORE DATES

    Although Dates are considered dry fruits, the ideal flavour is optimal when they have moisture and are stored properly. Dates can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen indefinitely.  The best approach for handling dates, especially if large quantities are purchased, is to freeze them. 

• Dates taste best when they are able to retain their moisture, so storing them properly is critical. If you plan to eat your dates within a week, store them in an airtight container in your pantry. 
  

• Refrigerating is the next best thing to keep them fresh for up to 30 days. Keep in mind that after 30 days the dates do not go bad, they just do not taste as mouthwatering as they do fresh.

• Dates may be frozen in the container they were purchased in, and keep indefinitely.  Take them out a few hours before you are ready to consume to allow for thawing. When frozen and thawed out, none of the flavour is lost and the moisture stays intact.

    

HOW TO USE DATES

     Dates are most flavourful & they taste the best when moist. They can be enjoyed just as they are or sliced into cereals, salads and served with any meal, any time of day.

• Eat Dates as such.  Works perfect for an indulgent snack. 
• Stoned Dates can be stuffed with nuts like Almonds, Pecan, Walnut, Pistachios etc., or can stuff them with candied items, like oranges or ginger.
• Convert it into Juice/Smoothies/Milkshakes.
• Can make tasty Chutneys & Sauces with Dates.
  
• Make tasty Puddings, Panacotta, Parfaits or Ice creams.
• Convert Dates into Energy Balls or Bars with Dates & Nuts.
• Can make a wonderful Indian Sweet Khajoor Katri with Dates & Nuts.
  
• Use Dates in Cakes, Scones, Cookies, Doughnuts, Bread etc.,
• Dates can be added into Fruit Salad.
  
• Chocolate dipped Dates make a wonderful snack.
• Add Dates into your Oatmeal Porridge for a tasty breakfast.
• Can make Dates Syrup. It can serve as a good alternative for Sugar.
• Dates can be added while making Tea, it serves as a natural Sweetener.
• Dates are usually served along with Arabian Qahwa Coffee.
  
• Convert Dates into an indulgent Wine.
  
• Dates can be added into Salads to add a sweet note to it.
• Add Dates along with Lemon to make a Sweet & Sour Pickle.
• Dates serve as one main ingredient in Panchamirtham a popular Prasadham serve in Palani Lord Muruga Temple
  

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DISCLAIMER:

 

 

Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Rediscovering Bamblimas: The Journey from Childhood to Pomelo Juice

    Growing up, I often heard stories about a large citrus fruit called Bamblimas. My father, who spent part of his career in Kotagiri, often mentioned how plentiful these fruits were during their season. Interestingly, "Bamblimas" was also a colloquial term used to describe a chubby child or person. Despite hearing so much about it, I never encountered this elusive fruit during my childhood in India.

    It wasn't until I moved to Malaysia that I stumbled upon something familiar yet foreign in the local markets—Pomelos. Little did I know, these were the very same Bamblimas I had heard about! This revelation came to me after some reading, and I was amazed to discover that Pomelo is just another name for Bamblimas.

Pomelo: A Citrus Giant with Surprising Versatility

Pomelo

    The name Bamblimas always conjured images of plumpness, and seeing a Pomelo for the first time did justice to that association. The sheer size of the fruit was intimidating, and I must admit, I was clueless about how to handle it. Fortunately, Google came to the rescue, guiding me through the steps of cutting and preparing a Pomelo.

    When life gives you Pomelos, why stop at making lemonade? My first experiment was a local favourite—Pomelo, Sago & Mango Dessert. However, I quickly learned that timing is crucial; the Pomelo pulp needs to be consumed immediately after being mixed in, as it loses its appeal if left sitting for too long. The same rule applies to Pomelo Salads—serve them fresh! Beyond desserts and salads, Pomelos can be transformed into Marmalades, Jams, and even Candied Peels. But let's not forget the simplest delight of all—Pomelo Juice.

Juicing the Pomelo: A Refreshing and Nutritious Treat

    As a rule of thumb, if I can juice a fruit, I will! It's a straightforward and convenient way to enjoy the fruit's natural goodness. With Pomelo, I expected a taste similar to Mosambi Juice (Sweet Lime Juice), a common beverage in India. Though I haven't found Mosambi in Malaysia, it's available in Indian markets in Singapore. While Pomelo Juice does share a slight resemblance to Mosambi Juice, it carries a unique hint of bitterness that is characteristic of the fruit. Despite this, it is both refreshing and satisfying—a perfect way to cool off on a hot day.

 

Looking for more refreshing beverages? Click here to explore a variety of Juices, Drinks & Smoothies on my blog.

Recipe Type: Drink

Difficulty: Medium
Serves: 1-2
Author: SM

Preparation Time: 25–30 Minutes

 

Curious about the health benefits of this citrus giant? Click here to read more about the Health Benefits of Pomelo.

Pomelo Power: How to Turn a Citrus Giant into a Refreshing Drink

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Fresh Pomelo Pulp
• 1 tablespoon of Sugar or Honey (optional for sweetness)
• ½ cup of Water

Optional Add-ons:

• A few Fresh Mint Leaves or Basil Leaves (for added flavour)

 

Step-by-Step Process on How to Cut Pomelo

How to Cut a Pomelo:

Cut Open Pomelo

Pomelo Segment

Pomelo Pulp

Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Blending the Pomelo Juice:

• Place the Pomelo pulp in a blender along with ½ cup of water.
• Blend until the pulp is fully liquefied.

Strain the Juice:

• Pour the blended Pomelo juice through a fine strainer to remove any remaining pulp or seeds.
• If you have a juicer jar with a built-in strainer, this step becomes even easier.

Sweeten the Juice:

• Pour the strained juice into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey to taste. Adjust the sweetness as per your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pour the Pomelo juice into a tall glass and serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. 
• For an added twist, muddle a few mint or basil leaves at the bottom of the glass before pouring in the juice. This adds a refreshing flavour to the drink.

Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Notes and Tips:

• Yield: I used 1 large Pomelo and was able to extract enough juice for 5 tall glasses.
• Water: Use minimal water while blending to retain the rich flavour of the Pomelo.
• Sweeteners: Adding sugar or honey is optional, based on your taste preference.
• Herbal Twist: Adding mint or basil leaves to the juice is optional but can enhance the flavour significantly.
• Storage: Freshly extracted Pomelo juice without added sweeteners can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Bamblimas to Pomelo: A Citrus Journey in a Glass

    So, whether you're reconnecting with the Bamblimas of old or discovering the joy of Pomelo for the first time, this juice is your perfect citrus fix. Refresh, revive, and enjoy every zesty sip of this invigorating drink. Cheers to new flavours and timeless traditions.

    During my childhood, I have heard about a big citrus fruit Bamblimas. My Dad who earlier worked in Kotagiri, says that they get ample of Bamblimas in season. And also, it was one common term used for a plump & fat kid/person. The fact was that I had never seen this so-called Bamblimas, back in India. But when I saw Pomelos in the local market, during my initial days in Malaysia, I never guessed these were the same Bamblimas. Reading about the fruit, suddenly, gave me a revelation that Pomelo is nothing but the Bamblimas.

 

    Bamblimas has been synonymous with plumpness, and the name does total justification to the anomaly. Well seeing a Pomelo fruit, and when I literally held it in my hands I was intimidated by the size. I have never bought a Pomelo, it always comes as a gift, and initially I always wondered what I could do with it, leave alone I didn't even know how to cut it. With the help of Google, even I mastered the tasks. So it is like when life gives Lemon, no, no, no When life gives you Pomelos make Pomelo, whatever fancies you... The first thing tried out of this was a local dessert -Pomelo, Sago & Mango Dessert.  But the trick is to eat it as soon as you add the Pomelo Pulp into the dessert.  It doesn't taste good if left alone for a long time & the same goes when it is added into Salads too.  Then there are numerous other recipes like various Pomelo Salads, Marmalade, Jams & Candied Peels & as always Pomelo Juice, easy what?!!!

 

    Pomelo is a large Asian citrus fruit that’s closely related to grapefruit & considered to be the largest of all citrus fruits. It goes by many names - Pompelmoes(there you go it sounds like Bamblimas right?!!!), Shaddock, Pummelos, Jabong. They were given the name 'Shaddock' in the Caribbean after the captain of the East India Company ship introduced Pomelos to the west. Originally, these citrus has its origin in Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

    Pomelo is the largest out of all the citrus fruits with a close relation to grapefruit. A lot of the size is the rind and the thick membrane surrounding the fruit itself. Unlike other citrus fruits, the membrane of the Pomelo is extremely bitter. These large citrus fruits are either round or oval and have a rind that ranges in colour from green to yellow with a textured rind. Filled with a creamy white or bright pink. Somewhere between the pulpy core, Pomelos have a thicker pith than most other varieties of citrus fruit. Pomelos can either be filled with seeds, have very few or none at all. I have never come across one with a Seed. The flavour of a Pomelo is very much like the grapefruit, but much milder. Pomelos are sweeter and don’t carry that tangy, bitterness that can be associated with grapefruit.

 

    Pomelo contains several Vitamins, Minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C. that make it a healthy addition to your diet. Other than the above it also contains a lot of Fibre, Carbohydrates, Protein, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Copper & Potassium. It is a powerful immune-boosting antioxidant that helps prevent cellular damage from harmful compounds called free radicals. Pomelo is also rich in other Vitamins & Minerals, including Potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMELO

 

 

 

Rich in Fiber: 

    Pomelos are rich in insoluble fibre, which helps add bulk to your stool and prevent constipation. Dietary fibre also serves as a food source for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Fruit fibre is believed to improve bone density, long-term weight maintenance, and also helps to improve gut and brain health.

 

Weight Loss:

 

    Pomelo is a low-calorie food, and it contains Protein & Fiber. Both help to keep you feeling full for a longer time.

 

Rich in Antioxidants:

 

    Pomelo is rich in Antioxidants like Naringenin & Naringin. This can help prevent and reverse cellular damage caused by free radicals. Which can cause health problems and chronic disease when they build up in your body at high levels. Lycopene present in Pomelos acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Other health benefits include its anti-ageing properties and also facilitates a healthy heart.

 

Heart Health:

 

    Pomelos promote Heart health by reducing the levels of Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Pomelo may reduce these blood fats by preventing the cholesterol in food from being fully absorbed into the body, thus helping to maintain a healthy heart.

 

Anti-ageing Properties:

 

    The high anti-oxidant content in Pomelos exerts anti-ageing effects. Vitamin C in Pomelos helps prevent skin damage caused by harmful radicals. It can decrease the formation of AGEs(Advanced Glycation End Products). 

    The essential oil from the peel of Pomelo is rich in antioxidants and can decrease melanin production in the skin, potentially helping prevent discolouration and sunspots.

 

 

Antibacterial & Antifungal:

 

    The essential oils made from Pomelo Peel is believed to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The essential oils are highly concentrated, It should not be ingested. The essential oils should be properly diluted before you apply them to your skin.

 

 

Fight Cancer Cells:

 

    The rich anti-oxidant content in Pomelo helps to prevent the spread of cancer to an extent. The fruit contains much smaller amounts of potentially cancer-killing compounds. Naringenin, one of the main anti-oxidant in Pomelo is believed to kill Prostate & Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

 

 

HOW TO BUY & STORE A POMELO:

 

• Can buy fresh Pomelo at a local Asian market. 
• Dried Pomelo is available online.
• While buying a Pomelo, look for yellow to pale green fruits that are heavy for their size and feel firm to the touch. 
• Avoid soft, dull-coloured fruits that look dried out. Fruits with small blemishes are fine.
• Store the Pomelos in the refrigerator. It can last up to 1 week.

HOW TO CUT A POMELO:

• First, you need to carefully cut the top off a Pomelo with a sharp knife. The outer peel of the Pomelo can be tough.
• Then, starting at the cut end, make vertical slices around the Pomelo. Make around 6 to 8 Cuts.
• Remove the thick rind and peel the membrane from around each segment. You can score the rind which makes it easier to peel.
• Don’t eat the membrane-like part of the Pomelos as you would eat an orange or grapefruit. 
• Peel off the membrane and remove the small aril-like pulp. What's good to eat is just the pulp. inside.

 

HOW TO EAT POMELOS:

 

• It easy to add Pomelos to your diet.
• Pomelos are great in salsas, salads, marinades, juiced, made into jam or just right out of your hand.
• Can easily add it to fruit salads or into chilled desserts.
• Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Sam-O) with fresh Pomelos, Shrimp & Coconut is a unique & delicious traditional Thai Salad.
• As easy as it is to convert it into fresh citrusy Juice. Add it along with other citrus fruits or with Pineapple for yet another combination of refreshing drink. Finish the drink with a hint of Mint or Basil for an added aroma.
• Pomelo Juice can be added to your favourite Cocktails or convert them into innovative Mocktails.
• Enjoy them the same way that you would enjoy any of your favourite citrus fruits. 
• Can use the peel in marmalades or candy it and use it as a garnish.
• If you have a recipe that calls for grapefruit, oranges, or even pineapples, you can substitute a pomelo instead.
• Dried Pomelos are used for desserts and are eaten as a Candy in Asian Countries. As it contains added sugar, it's much higher in calories compared to fresh Pomelos. 

 

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