Those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s will be familiar with the Vicco Vajradanti advertisement which showed one of the actors stripping the skin off the sugarcane stick with a gleaming set of teeth. The other visuals showed fresh apples, neem sticks etc. While the idea clearly was to promote that of a natural product, the other message was also about the foods which were beneficial for dental health.
Those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s will be familiar with the Vicco Vajradanti advertisement which showed one of the actors stripping the skin off the sugarcane stick with a gleaming set of teeth. The other visuals showed fresh apples, neem sticks etc. While the idea clearly was to promote that of a natural product, the other message was also about the foods which were beneficial for dental health.
Chomping on this seasonal treat was a much loved activity especially during the Pongal festival in January. To crunch down on those juicy rectangular bits and squeeze every bit of the juice out before spitting out the coarse residue is something I enjoy even today.
Despite the existence of many sugarcane juice vendors dotting the streets of Coimbatore, we were never really encouraged to try some simply because of the concerns on hygiene. Today we have the luxury of buying fresh sugarcane juice that is prepared inside clean spaces by using well maintained juicing equipment.
Fresh sugarcane juice is highly perishable and is recommended to be consumed immediately or within a couple of hours (if refrigerated). It’s antioxidant properties are highly beneficial in warding off infections and giving a natural boost to the immune system. Ayurveda and other natural forms of healing include sugarcane juice among their list of wellness foods.
This sweet tasting drink is high in electrolytes and replenishes the minerals in the body and prevents dehydration. It is a diuretic and aids in the functioning of the kidneys by flushing out toxins as well as strengthening the liver due to the presence of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and other nutrients. It’s alkaline properties also make it ideal for stomach problems like acidity and constipation as well as in the prevention of bacteria which is responsible for bad breath and tooth decay.
India is said to be a country that will have the largest number of diabetics because of the change in diet and lifestyle. The aerated drinks which most people reach for with alarming regularity must be replaced with natural health boosters like the sugarcane juice.
The taste of it is so fresh that it also pairs well with other flavors. While I usually enjoy it best plain, on occasion, a slice of lemon along with an infusion of fresh ginger tastes just as delicious. Recently on my travels to other parts of Asia I had the opportunity of drinking a chilled glass of sugarcane juice with the addition of a kaffir lime leaf. It made for the perfect accompaniment to a spicy Vietnamese meal. So do give it a try.If your kitchen garden has mint, lemon grass, lemon, narthangai, orange etc; these are all great pairings to try with the sugarcane juice. Combinations like these using locally grown ingredients are so beneficial for the body ,not to mention have a relaxing effect on the mind as well.
An interesting fact which I must mention is that most of us believe sugarcane juice to be a summer drink. If we thought about crop patterns, sugarcane is harvested from the beginning of January, in time for Sankaranthi. While it is cultivated now a days throughout the year for sugar production, at one point in time it was a plant that attained maturity in the winter months. This is the time when cough and cold viruses are at the most contagious state and the properties in the sugarcane juice can help in warding off such infections. Moreover it fortifies the body during this time of year. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar hails the sugarcane juice as a super food, best consumed during this time of year. In fact it is probably one of the few ingredients that must be enjoyed in juice form as it cannot be eaten raw otherwise.
After having discovered the benefits of freshly pressed sugarcane juice a few years ago, it continues to be a great drink option at home. It’s also an ideal post workout food.
Find your nearest sugarcane juice outlet in the city, Cane4u is one that I would recommend and they have several branches throughout the city. Gift yourselves a tall glass of wellness and reap the benefits of locally grown seasonal produce.