The Benefits of Eating Seasonally – Why You Should Embrace the Summer Season.

As summer approaches, it's time to embrace the seasonal fruits that are available during this time. Eating seasonally has several benefits for your health and the environment. Not only are these fruits fresher, but they also contain more nutrients, and their production requires less energy and resources. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of eating seasonally, and also provide some delicious recipes for mango, Jamun, ice apple, grapes, muskmelon, and jackfruit. We will be using Hafele Appliances to make these recipes.

Benefits of Eating Seasonally:

1. Nutrient-dense food: When you eat seasonally, you are consuming fruits and vegetables that are picked at their peak ripeness. This means that they have the most nutrients and are the freshest. This is because they are grown naturally, without any chemicals or preservatives, and they are not transported long distances.
2. Cost-effective: Seasonal produce is usually more affordable because it is locally grown and abundant during the season. You don't have to pay for the transportation costs that come with importing out-of-season produce.
3. Environmentally friendly: Eating seasonally reduces your carbon footprint as the transportation and refrigeration of out-of-season produce consumes a significant amount of energy.
4. Variety: When you eat seasonally, you get to enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. This keeps your diet interesting and helps you get a range of different nutrients.

Now, let's move on to the recipes.

Ice Apple:

Ice Apple, also known as Nungu in Tamil, Taal in Bengali, and Tari in Hindi, is a fruit that is commonly found in tropical regions during the summer season. It has a unique jelly-like texture and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Also, it helps preventing heat stroke. One great way to enjoy Ice Apple is by incorporating it into a delicious milkshake.

Ice Apple milkshake

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Ice Apples
• 2 cups chilled milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

• Peel the outer skin of the Ice Apples and remove the flesh using a spoon. Discard the seeds and place the Ice Apple flesh in a blender jar.
• Add chilled milk, sugar, and cardamom powder to the blender jar.
• Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and frothy.
• Add a few strands of saffron to the blender jar for added flavor and color (optional).
• Pour the milkshake into a tall glass and add a few ice cubes if desired.
• Garnish the milkshake with chopped almonds and pistachios.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips:

• It is important to use chilled milk to make the milkshake. This will ensure that the milkshake is cold and refreshing.
• You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. If you prefer a sweeter milkshake, you can add more sugar.
• The addition of cardamom powder gives the milkshake a unique flavour and aroma. However, if you don't have cardamom powder, you can skip this ingredient.
• The saffron strands are optional, but they add a beautiful colour and a subtle flavour to the milkshake.
• To make the milkshake even more indulgent, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the blender jar. This will make the milkshake creamier and more decadent.

To make the ice apple milkshake quickly, you can use Hafele’s Thea 1200 Mixer and Grinder. It has sharp blades so that you can blend the mixture efficiently.

Jackfruit:

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has a distinct sweet and savoury flavour, making it a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes. Also, it is a good source of fibre and contains immune-boosting vitamins A & C. One of the most popular ways to prepare jackfruit is by making a flavourful and aromatic Jackfruit Curry.

Jackfruit Curry:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of raw diced jackfruit
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon of oil

Instructions:

• Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
• Add the tomatoes and sauté until they turn soft.
• Add the turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala and mix well.
• Add the jackfruit and salt and stir well.
• Add 1 cup of water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the jackfruit is cooked through.
• Serve hot with rice or naan.

To make this curry, you can use Hafele’s Vortex 490 Built In Brass Burners Gas Hob. It has vertex flame burners that adapt easily to the shapes and sizes of your pots and pans.

Muskmelon:

Muskmelon is a popular summer fruit that is known for its refreshing taste and high-water content. It is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an ideal fruit to include in your diet during the summer season. One delicious way to enjoy muskmelon is by making a Muskmelon Punch.

Muskmelon Punch:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of chopped muskmelon
• 1 cup of pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 2 cups of sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Muskmelon balls, for garnish

Instructions:

• Add the chopped muskmelon, pineapple juice, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a punch bowl.
• Add the sparkling water and stir gently.
• Add ice cubes to the punch bowl.
• Garnish with muskmelon balls.
• Serve chilled.

To make this punch, you can use the Cuatro 1000 Vacuum Mixer and Grinder. The blender can easily blend the muskmelon and other ingredients into a smooth consistency, while a wine cooler can chill the punch to the perfect temperature for serving. Enjoy this refreshing muskmelon punch with friends and family during hot summer days!

Jamun:

Jamun is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is commonly found in tropical regions. It has a unique tangy flavour and is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Also, it is an excellent source of vitamin C and iron, which helps in improving haemoglobin count. One great way to enjoy Jamun is by incorporating it into a dessert, such as a Jamun Pie.

Jamun Pie:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup of ice water
• 4 cups of Jamun, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of corn-starch
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
• Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
• Place the rolled-out dough in a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges.
• In a large bowl, mix together the Jamun, sugar, corn-starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
• Pour the Jamun mixture into the pie crust.
• Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg.
• Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the top of the Jamun mixture.
• Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

This Jamun Pie is a perfect dessert to enjoy during the summer season. It is sweet and tangy which makes perfect balance of flavours. To make this Jamun Pie, you can use Hafele’s Maria 28 Microwave Oven with Grill. It has a spacious interior cavity and precise temperature control, making it perfect for baking pies and other desserts.

Mango

Mangoes are not only delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy eyesight. Incorporating mangoes into your diet can provide numerous health benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Mango Chia Pudding

is a delicious, healthy and easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed by all. The dish is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. This dessert is perfect for summer, when mangoes are in season and their juicy sweetness is at its peak.

The key ingredient of this recipe is chia seeds, which are packed with nutrients such as fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and various minerals. When combined with a liquid, chia seeds can absorb up to ten times their weight in water, creating a gel-like texture that resembles pudding. This is what makes chia pudding a great alternative to traditional dairy-based puddings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or any sweetener of your choice)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: sliced mango, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, granola, etc.

Instructions:

• To begin, blend the diced mango in a blender until smooth. You can add a splash of water if needed to help the blending process. Set aside.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds left in the mixture.
• Next, add the blended mango to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• During this time, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid and the mixture will thicken into a pudding-like consistency. Make sure to give the pudding a stir every hour or so to prevent clumps from forming and to ensure that the mango flavor is evenly distributed.
• Once the pudding has set, you can serve it in individual cups or bowls and add your favorite toppings. Sliced mango, shredded coconut, chopped nuts and granola are all great options that add extra texture and flavor to the dish.
• This recipe makes enough for 2-3 servings, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch. The pudding will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it as a healthy snack or dessert throughout the week.

In conclusion, Mango Chia Pudding is a nutritious and delicious dessert that is perfect for summer. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a flavourful and satisfying treat that is both vegan and gluten-free. Hafele’s Klara Highline – Murphy Red Kitchen Machine can help you whisk and combine the ingredients easily. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and tasty this recipe is!

Grapes:

Grapes are a delicious and nutritious fruit with numerous health benefits. They are rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and polyphenols, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Grapes are also a good source of fibre, which can aid in digestion and help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Overall, incorporating grapes into your diet can provide a tasty and beneficial boost to your health.

Grape Parfait

Parfaits are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that are perfect for any occasion. This grape parfait recipe is made using fresh grapes. As mentioned, grapes are high in vitamins and antioxidants, and the combination of whipped cream, yogurt, and granola adds a good source of protein and fibre to the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of seedless grapes, halved
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup of granola

Instructions:

• Start by washing and halving the grapes. Set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until stiff peaks form.
• Fold in the Greek yogurt gently into the whipped cream mixture. Be sure to mix well, but avoid over-mixing to maintain the fluffiness of the cream.
• In a separate mixing bowl, add the halved grapes and mix in a tablespoon of sugar. This will help to sweeten the grapes and create a syrupy consistency.
• Take two serving glasses and start layering the parfait. Begin with a layer of the grape mixture, followed by a layer of the whipped cream and yogurt mixture.
• Repeat the layering process until both the grape mixture and cream mixture are used up. Finish off the parfait by adding a layer of granola on top.
• Refrigerate the parfait for at least an hour before serving. The longer the parfait is chilled, the better the flavors will meld together.

To make this grape parfait, you can use the Klara Highline – Gothic Grey Highline Kitchen Machine’s Blender jar to blend the grape mixture to the desired consistency. It has different speed settings that can be adjusted based on your preference. You can also use the Hafele’s J34MWO Plus Convection Microwave Oven to bake your granola to the perfect crunchiness. The convection setting ensures even cooking and browning of the granola.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, eating seasonally has several benefits for your health and the environment. By using Hafele Appliances, you can create delicious and nutritious recipes using seasonal fruits such as mango, Jamun, ice apple, grapes, muskmelon, and jackfruit. So go ahead and embrace the summer season by incorporating these fruits into your diet and trying out these recipes.