10 Summer Foods to keep you cool – Cooling Foods for Indian Summer

Summer Foods to keep you cool – did you know the humble curd, cucumber and onion might save you from the scorching Indian Summer?

Indian summer is notorious for being merciless. The heat wave in India right now is scorching and dangerous. The morning sun is draining us out completely giving rise to dehydration, low energy levels, fatigue and exhaustion. But here are few summer foods to keep you cool in this scorching heat. They are easily available in the Indian market and perhaps already present in your kitchen.

10 Summer foods to keep you cool in the Indian Summer

#1 Watermelon

Watermelon is a seasonal summer fruit that is over 90% water! Yes, you are right it is a tasty way of keeping yourself hydrated in this scorching Indian summer. While cooling your body down it also provides you with anti-oxidants. So make a watermelon lemonade, sorbet or throw it in the salad – enjoy the versatility of this wonder fruit this summer!

This 2 ingredient watermelon sorbet is super easy and super refreshing. 

#2 Curd

One of the best summer foods to keep you cool is the humble curd or yogurt which is easily available in any Indian household. Enjoy it in the form of lassi or just add in your salad and make a raita. It will cool down your bod in no time! If you like the taste of curd rice enjoy it in lunch instead of spicy food this summer.

#3 Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a wonder beverage you should consume in the summers. Buttermilk removes unnecessary toxins from your body and helps in digestion process. It keeps your body cool much longer.

#4 Cucumber

Cucumber contains a high amount of water making it a great option to beat the Indian summer heat. A serving of a cup of cucumber has only 8 calories and will have 95% water. It also provides Vitamin A and Vitamin K in small amounts. There are various kinds of cucumbers available in the local market during summers in India. English cucumber, kakdi, hybrid cucumbers. They are a staple in salads but you can enjoy them just by itself as a super summer food to keep you cool.

You might enjoy this Tangy Cucumber and Lettuce Salad bowl because its so easy. 

#5 Onions

Who would have thought onions with their strong flavor can actually be cooling for your body? The red onion that is widely available in India are loaded with quercetin – which is considered as a natural anti-allergen. Taken daily in your regular diet, onions can save you from a sun-stroke.

#6 Lemon

It might be super pricey now, but never underestimate the power of the humble lemon. No wonder your dadi’s nimboo paani was an all-time favourite in your childhood summer holidays, right? Lemon water keeps you chilled and refreshed for a long time in summers. Avoid adding sugar in lemonades – you can add honey or cumin powder or chaat masala to enhance the flavours.

#7 Mint

How can you forget mint when you speak about lemonade! Mint is actually a summer herb, it grows best in summers. Add it in your curd, buttermilk, raita, lemonade, or prepare a mint chutney – it is totally inexpensive and can even be grown easily in your garden.

Try this Icy Refresher to beat the heat this summer.

#8 Tender Coconut

This is a no-brainer, right! Beach day equals tender coconut juice, summers equals tender coconut juice. This is my go to summer drink to cool myself down. It is full of natural electrolytes and refreshes you instantly. Do you enjoy the white fleshy part of the tender coconut as well?

I always make it a point to make this Tender coconut Lime punch with Cranberry Twist in summers.

#9 Ice Apples or Palmyra Palm Fruit or ‘Taal saansh’ in Bengali

Do you know what are Ice Apples? This fruit is called Taal Saansh in Bengali and is very popular in across West Bengal in summers. I have seen it in Bangalore markets as well in Summers. In Bangalore markets it is known as Nungu. The texture resembles a water chestnut or ‘paanifol’ in Bengali. It is super cooling and full of water. It tastes sweet and is a perfect summer food to cool you down.

#10 Muskmelons

Muskmelons are not only cooling for your body it is great for the digestive system. It is also called sweet melon in various Indian markets but are easily available. In case you didn’t know it is great for your skin as well!

So enjoy these humble foods to keep you cool in this summer. Keep yourself hydrated with water or infused water. Hoping the rains will be blessing us soon. Stay safe and stay hydrated!