Each season brings with it fresh bountiful produce which have a lot of health benefits. Winter too brings its basket of goodies. Pune had a late winter this year and we are still experiencing somewhat cooler temperatures. But you never know what’s in store for tomorrow or the next few days because global warming has altered seasons and has lead to climate change. So it gives you all the more reason to consume fresh seasonal produce and boost your immunity. Pune-based chefs tell us what we can indulge in now and how to reap the maximum benefits.
Strawberries, oranges, guavas, grapes and so on are available now. Yogendra Adep, executive sous chef, Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, says that sweet citrus fruits are rich in potassium, a nutrient that’s crucial in summer, but consuming oranges keeps muscle cramps away this season. “Sweet, juicy strawberries are filled with flavonoids, are powerful disease fighters and also increase blood flow to the skin and decrease sensitivity to light, which improves skin’s appearance,” he says.
Eating fresh seasonal produce has great benefits. It not only supports local growers, but also benefits the environment. It decreases environmental damage, which comes with shipping foods across large distances and refrigerating them also requires a lot of energy.
The chef insists that people also try the Ambarella Fruit. “It’s also called Indian Hog Plum, and it contains various nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, iron and carotene. It also enhances bone health and is rich in antioxidants,” says Adep, adding that he is, personally, fond of custard apples. “However, you need time to consume custard apples; they can’t be enjoyed on the go. That said, they are sweet and also a good source of proteins, carbohydrates, carotene and phosphorous,” he says.
Multiple sweet dishes and savouries can be made with these seasonal fruits. Adep suggests Strawberry Shortcake, Double-Crust Strawberry Pie, Chicken and Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Salad, Orange Cheesecake, Orange Lamb Lettuce Wraps and a lot more.
Sidney Dcunha, executive chef, Conrad Pune, cannot agree more. When the weather is cool it is best to consume anything that is rich in vitamin C. “Indian plum is good for your tummy as it clears the gut and is high in vitamin C with rich cleaning properties,” he says. His favourite is strawberry. “I love the fact that we can do so much with the taste and the colour of the fruit for pastry making.
Strawberry is so good for cheesecakes, tarts, hot chocolate dips and much more,” he adds.
Dcunha further mentions that currently, fresh dates are in season which enhance the taste and richness of pulav.
Aakash Sachdev, executive chef, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Serviced Apartments, Pune, says, “Winter fruits such as strawberries, figs, wood apple, grapes of all varieties and Mandarin orange or Kinoo have a slight sour taste as they have very less sun exposure during the season due to which they ripen slowly.”
“Custard apple might look rusty and ugly from the outside but is a delicious fruit that can be used in sweet dishes like the rabdi. Even the custard made out of the pulp tastes really good. Another fruit that you should go for is the Star Fruit. Found in Asian countries, it is again a citrus fruit that should be tried,” Sachdev says.
Generally, freshly cut fruits are used in various types of desserts but they taste equally good in different types of sauces and compotes too. “Fruits can be used in making different sauces such as Cranberry Sauce, Apple Sauce, Peach Sauce etc. Various compotes can be made as Fig Compotes, Mandarin Jams and a lot more. These citrus fruits can be used in dressings as well as marination for meats too,” concludes Sachdev.
