An Indian summer is a mix of childhood memories, lazy afternoons, and a bounty of seasonal fruits. While mangoes may steal the limelight, each region has its own hidden gems that make a fleeting but memorable appearance. One such unsung hero is the bel, or wood apple.
As a child, I found its pungent aroma and thick, grainy texture rather unlikable. My mother would blend it with milk, hoping to disguise its overpowering taste, but I wasn’t fooled. Years later, however, I gave it another shot, this time in a yoghurt smoothie, and I discovered a complex, tangy sweetness that made me rethink my earlier aversion.
An apple in name only
Despite its misleading moniker, the bel is nothing like an apple. With its hard, woody shell and soft, fibrous pulp, it carries a mix of sweet, musky, and slightly fermented notes. Revered in India, it is known by many names — Bengal quince, stone apple, and golden apple, each hinting at its cultural and botanical significance.
Traditionally, the bel is rarely eaten whole. Instead, it’s pulped into refreshing summer drinks. Bengal’s beler shorbot is a creamy blend of bel, milk, and sugar, while Odisha’s bela pana takes a tangy route, mixing the fruit with lemon juice, black pepper, and mint. A special festival version even adds cottage cheese, jaggery, and pomegranate to create a rich, indulgent drink.
A fruit steeped in myth and tradition
Beyond its culinary uses, the bel has deep religious and cultural ties. It is sacred in Hinduism, with its leaves and fruit often offered to Lord Shiva. In Bengal, folklore tells of Brahmadaityas, the spirits of deceased Brahmins, who are said to reside in bel trees.
In Nepal, the fruit plays an even more symbolic role. Girls from the Newari community take part in a unique ritual, ‘marrying’ a bel fruit as a symbolic representation of Lord Vishnu. This sacred union ensures they will never be considered widows, granting them social security and the freedom to remarry if needed.
What makes bel a summer essential?
Beyond mythology, the bel is known for its health benefits, working as:
- Natural coolant: Bel sherbet helps regulate body temperature and may help reduce the risk of heat strokes, making it an excellent summer refresher.
- Hydration booster: With its high water content, bel juice keeps dehydration at bay during scorching summers.
- Digestive aid: Known for its laxative properties, it soothes the stomach, relieves constipation, and prevents acidity — common summer woes.
- Immunity booster: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bel fruit strengthens immunity, helping the body fight infections.
- Energy reviver: The fruit is naturally rich in carbohydrates, providing instant energy and helping reduce fatigue in the heat.
With its rich history, unique taste, and impressive health benefits, bel fruit is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Whether enjoyed in a traditional sherbet or blended into a modern smoothie bowl, this ancient summer staple proves that sometimes, the most unexpected flavours are the ones worth rediscovering.
Edited by Khushi Arora
