The Very Indian Juices

 It is the typical midday rush traffic roaring at the usual high decibel, adding sound pollution to the smoggy air of the late winter. Suddenly from somewhere, you hear that lyrically rhythmic sound of bells tied around a cow's neck. 

The nostalgia for that peaceful rural life wafting in the astringent air makes you look for the source of that musical interlude, and then you see it, the simple sugarcane juice stand. In the corner is the machine jingling those bells, the few plastic chairs, a wooden bench, a calendar or two on the simple walls; that is the whole decor. 

The juice is machine squeezed. Some centers may add a dash of lemon and ginger while the sugarcane is thus getting machine crushed. Add a pinch of salt to it, and without any ice, too, it cools down the hot afternoon around. 

Aai used to like it, too. Often I used to buy it from a wooden crusher driven by a bullock whose owner  and his wife would migrate for the season. The simple crusher had a beauty of its own. At home, I used to add grated ginger and a drop or two of lemon with a little salt and cumin seeds. Absolutely heavenly!

Sometimes I used to carry home "neera", the juice of ice apple or palm fruit, and dress it up a little. She used to like it, too, like the coconut water. In fact, from the Grahak Peth, I used to buy small sachets full of the powder form of neera. A glassful of water and the contents of the sache would make a great drink, and she did like it. 

Solkadhi, made of kokum and curds was another favourite. During the summer season, from the Grahak Peth, I used to buy one litre jars of kokum and amla  concentrate, which, too, made our evenings cool n fresh. Healthy juices these are, wealthy with minerals, et al. Wise choice indeed,unmatchednd  with a zing of its own!

Pratima@The sugar cane stall reminds me of the traditional jaggery making unit where Papa had taken us during our Kolhapur visit. I remember the unit at Gursale, too, where I had gone with Ajoba, that is, Aai's father. In other words, these health concentrates are memory rich, too!

Quote of the day:                                         Freshly squeezed, simply sweet are such nature's nectars that revitalise the taste buds, truly heavenly concoctions whose very sip is nutrient packed perfection.                           Just like this quote squeezed from  very many fizzy drink ads!