Kokum Squash (Birinda Squash) – 700 ml

Kokum squash, derived from the kokum fruit (Birinda), is a lesser-known squash variety with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Native to India, particularly in the coastal regions, kokum is prized for its refreshing taste and its medicinal properties, often used to cool the body. The fruit has a deep purple color when ripe and is commonly used in various culinary dishes, beverages, and traditional Ayurvedic remedies. Kokum squash can be made by blending the fruit with water and sweeteners, creating a cooling drink enjoyed especially during the hot summer months.

Ingredients: Concentrated Kokum juice, Sugar syrup, acid regulator 330, Preservative Class II

Quantity: 700 ml (900 g to 1000 g approx.)

Preparation Method: 

• Dilute the concentrate: In a glass, add 2-3 tablespoons of Prakrithi’s kokum squash concentrate. Adjust the quantity based on how strong you want the flavor.
• Mix with water: Pour cold water into the glass and stir well until the concentrate is fully mixed.
• Sweeten (optional): The squash comes with added sugar. If needed, add a teaspoon of sugar or sweetener and mix until it dissolves.
• Add salt (optional): For a tangy twist, add a pinch of salt or black salt, which enhances the flavor.
• Add ice: Drop in a few ice cubes to make it extra refreshing.
• Garnish (optional): Garnish with a few mint leaves for a fresh aroma. Enjoy your chilled instant kokum juice!

Health Benefits of Kokum Squash

Kokum juice offers several health benefits, largely due to its rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Cooling effect: Kokum juice is known for its cooling properties, making it an excellent drink for reducing heat during hot weather. It helps in cooling down body temperature and preventing dehydration.
• Aids digestion: Kokum juice contains natural compounds that promote healthy digestion, reduce acidity, and can help alleviate indigestion, constipation, and bloating.
• Rich in antioxidants: Kokum is high in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which protect the body against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support overall cellular health.
• Supports heart health: The juice can help regulate cholesterol levels by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and improving good cholesterol (HDL), promoting better heart health.
• Weight management: Kokum contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is believed to suppress appetite and inhibit fat storage, making it a popular ingredient in weight management.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The presence of natural anti-inflammatory compounds makes kokum juice useful in reducing inflammation, potentially providing relief from joint pain and arthritis.
• Detoxification: Kokum juice is considered a natural detoxifying agent, helping to cleanse the liver and flush out toxins from the body.
• Improves skin health: The antioxidants and vitamins in kokum help improve skin health by protecting it from free radical damage, promoting hydration, and maintaining a youthful glow.

Drinking kokum juice regularly, especially during hot months, can help boost overall well-being while keeping the body cool and refreshed.