Pottuvellari or snap melon/blonde cucumber is a juicy and pulpy summer fruit that is known for its incredible antioxidant properties. Enjoying a glass of cool and refreshing snap melon juice would feel great in the scorching summers. The fruit is naturally cool and can even satiate your hunger pangs. Snap melons have taken over the racks in fruits stalls and juice bars as its demand has sky rocketed. A special drink made with snap melon, fresh coconut milk and cardamom has already become the star of the season. Snap melons are loaded with micro fibres and can easily control the body heat.
Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has played a pivotal role in producing snap melons in rural farmlands. The summer fruit is grown in over 600 acres of paddy fields in Nedumbassery, Manajali, Kadungallur, Alangad and Karumallur in Ernakulam district. Snap melons are organically grown there to ensure high quality and flavour.
Snap melons are storehouses of beta carotene, folic acid, potassium and vitamin C. It is excellent for the health of liver and kidneys too. Snap melon juice is extremely filling and can satiate your thirst and hunger. Besides, the tasty juice helps in boosting immunity.
The KVK that functions under the Central Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) focuses on creating awareness about the nutritional qualities of snap melon while promoting the fruit and its juice. As part of these campaigns, the KVK has been organising exhibitions of the locally grown fruit at various spots in Alangad village panchayat.
Those who are interested to attend exhibition or buy high quality snap melons directly from the farmers can contact the KVK’s farmers Varghese (Phone: 9961817827), Mohanan (Phone: 9072005651) or Gopi Eloor (Phone: 7736543952).
Here’s how to make tasty and refreshing snap melon juice at home:
Wash the snap melon
Remove the skin and seeds (you could add the seeds if you prefer)
Blend the snap melon in a mixer jar or press and squeeze using a spoon
Add fresh coconut milk and cardamon
Mix well
You could also make the snap melon juice richer by adding Horlicks, Boost or peanuts.
