Phalsa/ Falsa ( Grewia asiatica) Sharbat

Some foods take me right back to my childhood, like today's star - Phalsa/ Falsa, also known as Grewia asiatica.

We used to pick up this small red-purple berry-like fruit from the street vendors, and eat it with black salt/Kala namak. Oh of the simple days and simple treats!!   In its honor, I have today, Phalsa/ Falsa  Sharbat. The quintessential summer cooler!

As soon as the season starts, my hunt for phalsa begins! Unfortunately, I don't find it very easily in Gurgaon. Also, this berry has a very short shelf life, as I discovered the hard way when a whole batch of my loot spoilt within 2 days! So if you do get your hands on it, please know, it should be consumed really fast.

Phalsa has a wonderful astringent, sweet, sour taste that somehow reminds me of Jamun ( Java plums). They have a small seed that can be eaten...I like to, I like the crunch! 🙂

Now as great as they taste, they are also very beneficial. This is a very cooling fruit. It can be used for treating dehydration. It's full of antioxidants, is digestive and can alleviate acidity, helps in regulating blood pressure, and is anti-inflammatory.

So go ahead make a batch and enjoy this beautiful cooling Phalsa/ Falsa Sharbat. We have much to celebrate with our gorgeous local and seasonal produce that makes this heat so much more bearable for us!

Hope you all love it as much as we do.

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