Froyo bites, slushie, kala khatta popsicle: Try all things jamun this summer

Remember enjoying kala-khatta chuskis as a kid? You can recreate the desi, icy treat at home using jamuns. From popsicles and jamun leather to cheesecake, the fruit can be an interesting ingredient to use in food preparations during summers.

Jamun yoghurt popsicles are a refreshing summer treat (Pic: @sundarivijay_)

‘Jamun is low on calories’
The tropical fruit is packed with nutrition. “Jamun is packed with vitamins A and C, minerals and is rich in antioxidents. It has a low-glycemic index, so it is recommended to diabetes patients as well. I recommend having 12-15 jamuns directly in a day. Being a fibre-rich fruit, jamuns are good for gut health as well,” says diet consultant and nutritionist Noopur Dhingra.
‘Jamun’s tartness works well in desserts’
Self-taught baker Shivesh Bhatia says, “Whenever I create a dessert, I like to cut the sweetness with some sea salt or by using tart fruits. They have a juicy, pulpy consistency that is perfect for creating smooth purees and syrups. The vibrant colour makes it even better. Jamuns fit right in, with their delightful mix of sweet and sour taste. One of my favourite creations has been jamun froyo bites - they’re refreshing and perfect for summer. Jamun can be easily folded into whipped cream for a delightful mousse, and its tartness works wonderfully in cheesecakes, or even sooji cakes. Its unique flavour adds an unexpected and delightful element to any dessert." Follow Shivesh's recipe - Blend deseeded jamun, mint, lemon juice, sugar, chaat masala and salt. Pour the mixture in a shot glass and then drop the shot glass in a glass filled with soda. Voila! Your fuzzy jamun fuljar soda is ready.

“Jamun is considered as a coolant, making it ideal for summers. The delicate balance of flavours in jamun can be destroyed by heat, which is why it is not suitable for incorporation into desi curries. But, it can enhance side dishes like sauteed mushrooms,” says Rakesh Sethi, corporate executive chef, Radisson Hotel Group. He adds, "Jamun is versatile. The fruit can be used to make relishes, raita, chutneys, sorbets, ice creams, smoothies and slushies, compotes, jam, and vinegar. Its acidic nature, indicated by its low pH values, adds a unique dimension to these dishes."

‘Jamun has cooling properties’
Jamun’s tart and sweet flavour profile, coupled with its nutritional value, makes it a go-to fruit to create summer-special delights. It is a perfect condiment to make guilt-free dishes that can be consumed by everyone on the sweltering hot days, says Chef Neha Deepak Shah. “Pair jamun with some cooked apple, blend it and add jaggery in it. Spread it evenly in a stainless-steel plate and sun-dry for 2-3 days to make jamun leather, just like aam papad. Try jamun shots, blend deseeded jamun, lime juice and honey together. It is a great pre-workout drink,” she says.