Falsa Juice

Any mention of Falsa ( Grewia Asiatica) is synonymous with a Pakistani summer. Whether eaten fresh with a dash of salt, or ground up into a refreshing juice, Falsa is famous for its health benefits. Its widely consumed to beat the high summer heat since it has a cooling effect in the body, much like watermelon.

These tiny purple jewels may make you mistake them for blueberries, but let me assure you they taste nothing like blueberries! Slightly tart with a hint of sweetness, its juicy exterior hides a tiny pit (which you are supposed to spit out, but I usually end up chewing it to a pulp!)

If you are in Pakistan, the best way to find these is to venture out in a fruit/vegetable market or a neighborhood that has street vendors. On the backs of donkey carts or pigeonhole stalls in old brick buildings, you’ll see hawkers selling their wares.

I had the pleasure of having this cool Falsa drink after almost 15 years! Visiting Pakistan has many benefits, but nothing beats the diversity and sweetness of the fruits that we so dearly miss in the States!

Ingredients

1 cup fresh falsa
3 cups water
½ cup sugar
½ tsp kala namak/Black Salt or some Chaat masala

Directions

1. If you have a heavy duty blender, the easiest thing would be to blend the whole fruit, seeds and all with the water and seasonings and then strain.
2. I went the old-fashioned route. I cooked the fruit in the water with the sugar till it was soft and pulpy. This also enabled the granular sugar to dissolve completely. Check for sweetness and add more sugar if needed.
3. Let the mix cool down and then strain through a sieve and mash with the back of a spoon till only the seeds remain. (slightly time consuming!)
4. When the mix is ready, add some black salt or chaat masala for a little extra kick of flavor.
5. Chill and enjoy.

What’s your favorite summer drink? Post in comments below!