Luscious Lichi

What's in a name : Litchi is also spelled as Lichi and also as Lychee, though the pronounciation of all is the same ( Li-(t -silent) - chi ). Well, what's in a name or a spelling , when all that matters is this luscious, juicy, watery, super sweet tasting fruit!! Though a native to China, it is now cultivated in many parts of the world. I have had lichi drinks made with canned lichi juice back in Mumbai, but they never tasted so great. Guess the aroma fades away druing the canning process and the taste is extra-sweet for my buds. I never really saw lichis at the fruit stalls so much in Mumbai, as i see here in Delhi. In summers, the fruit stalls here are loaded with them and i am always tempted to buy them. They are irresistible. A great source of Vitamin C and minerals, Lichi's are cholestrol free and low in sodium content. I found out in wikipedia that Bihar produces almost 74 % of Lichi production in India. Makes for a livelihood for a lot of people there.

I am anyways not a canned/tinned drinker. I make sure that hubby dearest also consumes as much less soda as possible ( though he is a fan of Mirinda ). So i try to make some juices/drinks at home with fresh fruits always. One such drink i made was the Lichi Lemonade. A very simple drink, and makes for a perfect summer drink ! Refreshing, cool, juicy, and made right in your kitchen!!! Presenting the star-drink of summers : Luscious Litchi

Ingredients:

Lichis - 20

Lemon - 1 ( Adjust if you want less tangy or more )

Sugar - 2 tbsp

Water - as required ( Chilled )

Ice cubes - as required ( optional )

Black salt - just to taste

Recipe:

Remove the skin of the lichis and take out the pulp. Remove the seeds.

Make a puree of the lichi pulp and sugar ( you can also add powdered sugar directly ) in a blender.

Add the lemon juice of 1 lemon, and mix it well.

Remove from the blender and mix water as required. Add a little black salt. 

Pour in glass and garnish with lichi or fresh mint leaves.

You can add in some chopped litchi pieces to the lemonade.

It's best to serve this immediately, however if you want to store and serve later, store the lichi pulp with sugar in refrigerator and add in lemon juice at the time of serving.

Enjoy sipping this one cool drink :)

Happy Cooking :)