By Akshara
May 22, 2026
Bel, or wood apple, is the ultimate cooling agent for the human body during the peak of the summer. This fruit is a legendary digestive aid, famous for its ability to regulate gut flora and prevent heat exhaustion. Unlike commercial energy drinks, this sharbat is naturally alkaline and incredibly hydrating. The key is to handle the pulp manually; the seeds are bitter, so you must avoid using a blender to preserve the earthy, sweet flavour.
1 medium ripe Bel fruit  3 cups chilled water  1 pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder  1 tbsp jaggery or honey
Crack the hard outer shell of the fruit and scoop the pulp into a bowl.
Add 1 cup of water to the pulp and let it soak for 20 minutes to soften the fibres.
Use your clean hands to mash the pulp thoroughly in the water, then strain the mixture through a coarse sieve to discard the seeds and hard fibres.
Stir in the remaining water, black salt, cumin, and sweetener before serving in tall glasses filled with ice.