Wood Apple - Bael

Bael (Aegle marmelos) is a deciduous tree that grows up to 20 meters tall, with a spreading crown and a trunk up to 1 meter in diameter. The leaves are large, compound, and evergreen in some climates. The tree produces fragrant flowers that are white to pale yellow in color, followed by round or oval fruits that can be yellow-green to orange in color and weigh up to 1 kilogram. Bael is native to India and Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for its fruit, which is an important food source in these regions. The fruit has a hard outer shell that contains a sweet and aromatic pulp, which can be eaten fresh or processed into juices, jams, and other products. The tree also has traditional medicinal uses and is considered sacred in Hinduism. In terms of cultivation, Bael is a hardy species that can grow in a variety of soils, but prefers well-drained soils and a tropical to subtropical climate. It is propagated from seeds or cuttings and requires regular watering and fertilization for optimal growth and fruit production.

Picture Courtesy: https://pixabay.com/photos/elephant-apple-monkey-fruit-370657/

In summer one of the most popular fruits that comes to mind is wood apple or bael along with mango and watermelon. Wood apple is popularly known as bael in Northern India. This fruit is high in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and all other nutrients that are essential for the human body, which is why it is considered highly recommended and effective against sunstroke and other health related problems related to the summer season. Along with its fruit, other parts of the wood apple plant are considered good for humans. It is also considered sacred by the Hindus.

Below are the 12 reasons why we should have wood apple or bael in summers.

1. Helps in digestion

2. Prevents constipation: 

3. Great source of energy: 

4. Effective against ulcer & piles: 

5. Good for kidney

6. Effective against respiratory issues

7. Cures liver issues

8. Cures high blood pressure

9. Controls Diabetes

10. Effective against snake bite

11. Effective against malaria

12. Heart diseases

Picture Courtesy: https://pixabay.com/photos/bael-quince-fruit-drink-glass-6396792/

To have a wood apple lets learn how to make wood apple juice at home.

INGREDIENTS

1 Number Bael Fruit Medium size and should be ripe.

1-2 teaspoon sugar Optional.

1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper powder

Salt to taste

Lemon to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Break bael fruit with the help of a rock. Make sure you use a steel or aluminum container for breaking instead of glassware. Make sure bael fruit is ripe.

2. Once the fruit breaks we will see yellow meshy pulp inside. Take out all the pulp and put it in a bowl.

3. Fill the same bowl with water and on sim flame let the fruit pulp boil for 30 mins. 

4. Now, let the mixture cool and with the help of your hands squeeze the fruit into the water. 

5. Once done, blend it using a blender and strain the juice using a strainer. 

6. Add more water if required.

7. Add sugar, salt, black pepper and lemon. If you are making it for a diabetic patient, avoid sugar. We generally don't add sugar as it is already mild sweet.

8. Serve it chill. It can also be served with ice cubes.

To have its benefits at its best, to have this juice early in the morning with an empty stomach, it does wonders.