Falsa/ Phalsa as we all know these tiny deep purple colour as, are popular in summers in the northern part of India. In the world of, berries, this might be not so popular one, but like I have had these berries all my childhood, I have a different affection for them and love them for their sweet and sour taste.
“Falsey lelo….kaale kaale raseele false…” This was one sound I would eagerly await during summer noons. I would run barefoot with a 10/- Rupee note in my hand to stop this vendor in the streets as he will swiftly pass by on his cycle, shouting “False lelo false….” He would put hands full of Falsa in a newspaper bag and sprinkle a masala over them and them shake the bag…and I would literally with water in my mouth, wait for the bag to come in my hands.
I would pop them one by one and then roam around in the house winking my eyes and Rolling them carelessly in my mouth. I remember it would take me hours to finish them.
Now around the place I live, I hardly get to see any Falsa vendors, In fact none till now, and I was wondering if we still get them. I called mom, and she said that she misses me when the Falsa vendor passes by calling out to sell Falsa. As now she sees no one running and asking for them. and when she heard that I miss them equally, she bought a whole kg for me and sent them across. I can’t explain how I felt at the sight of it. But falsa is a very delicate fruit. It cannot stand the heat and would perish in a day or two. So for good two days, I enjoyed doing what I did as a child and happily popped them all day.
My kids had hardly had any affinity to Falsa, and I do not blame them, as every period has a
different hero, and they have grown on different things when it comes to childhood memories about something.
I was left with so many of them, full and satiated myself, refusing to share them with anyone, could not keep them anymore, so I decided to churn them up and make Falsa Sharbat.
It was quick and everyone at home enjoyed the change as we have been drinking, Neembu paani( lemon water)and Bel sharbat all these days.
The best part is that it is no fuss way to use the precious fruit, And I could enjoy it for a few days before they got over without having discarded as they get really mushy in two-three days.
This recipe will surely make you look around and hunt for this little purple fruit, Falsa.
Quinsy berries
| Prep Time | 10 Minutes |
| Servings |
Glasses
|
- 200 grams Falsa Ripe and Purple
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 2 Glasses Water
- 1 Tsp Black Salt
Ingredients
|
|
- Wash Falsa and Drain
- Blend Falsa, Sugar, and water in a long jar blender/ hand blender, to crush the fruit completely.
- Strain through fine sieve, add black salt, adjust the sugar to tatse.
- Serve chilled
If the fruit is not ripe, it will give a sour taste to the sharbat, and in that case, extra sugar is required to be added.
Chaat masala can be added to give it a spicy dimension.
The quantity of water can be adjusted if u like it more dilute or thick. I rather like it dilute and chilled.
Consume the juice fresh.
For more summer refreshing drinks you can read my recipe for bel sharbat.