Cooling Ash Gourd Juice
A light, cooling juice made from fresh ash gourd. Subtly sweet and incredibly hydrating, this traditional South Indian drink is a natural body coolant, perfect for hot summer days.
For 2 servings
- prep
Prepare the ash gourd.
1.Wash the ash gourd thoroughly under running water.2.Peel the tough green skin with a vegetable peeler or knife.3.Cut in half, scoop out the seeds and spongy center.4.Chop the firm white flesh into small cubes. - mix · ~2 min
Blend into a smooth juice.
Add the chopped ash gourd cubes and chilled water into a blender jar. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and no chunks remain, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- prep · ~2 min
Strain the juice.
Set a fine-mesh strainer or a muslin cloth over a bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer, pressing down with a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the dry pulp.
- mix
Season and serve.
1.Stir the black salt and fresh lemon juice into the strained juice.2.Pour into serving glasses.3.Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a very sharp peeler to remove the tough green skin of ash gourd with minimal waste.
- 2Chill the water before blending to keep the juice refreshingly cool without ice diluting it.
- 3Blend in short bursts to avoid foaming too much; if foam appears, let it settle before straining.
- 4Press the pulp firmly with the back of a spoon to extract every last drop of juice.
- 5For a smoother texture, strain through a nut milk bag or double layer of muslin cloth.
- 6Add the lemon juice just before serving to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
- 7Drink the juice within 30 minutes of preparation for the best taste and maximum nutrients.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweet version
Replace black salt with 1 teaspoon of honey or jaggery syrup and skip the lemon juice for a naturally sweet, dessert-like cooler.
spiced gingerSpiced ginger
Add a ½-inch piece of peeled ginger to the blender for a zesty kick that aids digestion and adds warmth.
coconut twistCoconut twist
Use chilled coconut water instead of plain water for a tropical flavor and extra electrolytes.
green boostGreen boost
Add a handful of fresh spinach or mint leaves directly into the blender for a nutrient-dense green juice.
no strain rusticNo-strain rustic
Skip the straining step for a thicker, fiber-rich drink that is more filling and retains the gourd's natural nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Natural body coolant
Ash gourd is traditionally used in Ayurveda to reduce body heat and prevent heat-related issues during summer.
Supports hydration
With high water content and no added sugar, this juice is an excellent low-calorie way to maintain fluid balance.
Rich in antioxidants
Contains vitamin C from lemon juice and flavonoids from ash gourd that help combat oxidative stress.
Aids digestion
Black salt stimulates digestive enzymes while the mild diuretic nature of ash gourd supports kidney function.
Low in calories and fat
This juice is naturally free of fats and sugars, making it a guilt-free choice for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to remove all the green skin because it is tough and bitter, which would ruin the juice's mild, sweet flavor.
