Pomelo Sugarcane Juice Punch - Batabi lebu

Citrus maxima
Bengali: বাতাবি / Batabi / Jambira
English: Pomelo
Sanskrit: Beejapoora / Matulunga / Madhukarkatikaa

The pomelo is not to be confused with grape. Its pulp segments are pungent and tart, either pale or red, and shell out easily. The fruit is highly prized in Asia, though it is grown less today. I remember from childhood that we even used to play football with batabi lebu because of the abundant harvest.

After cutting and pulling the rind, separating the segments inside the fruit membrane, the giant lemon-like fruity flesh can be eaten raw, in salads, candied, or as fruit juice. The peel also serves as a vessel for several culinary preparations. The fruit bears multiple seeds, which are used to make essential oil.

Batabi Lebu Juice – A refreshing citrus drink made with pomelo and sugarcane.

Batabi Lebu and Sugarcane Juice Punch

By Barnali Dutta | Published: 01 November 2014

Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 5 min | Total time: 20 min | Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Pomelo juice – 2 cups
• Sugarcane juice ice cubes – 10 cubes
• Water-soaked sabja (basil seeds) – 1 tsp
• Rock salt – to taste
• Honey – 1 tsp
• Slit green chili – 1 (remove seeds)
• Red grapes – 2 (one sliced, one whole for garnish)

Instructions

1. Take pomelo juice, sugarcane ice cubes, rock salt, chili, and honey in a shaker. Shake well.
2. In a tall glass add grapes, a cube or two, some pomelo flesh, then pour the juice punch. Serve chilled.

Batabi Lebu in Food and Tradition

The Rajvanshi Dangdhara Puja was slightly modified by the Rajvanshi community during the early twentieth century. Pomelo (batabi lebu), rice pumpkin, pigeon, duck, and other offerings are traditionally vowed and sacrificed at the temple of Dangdhari Mao.

Culinary Info

1. Pomelo is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines, especially in Vietnam.
2. Traditionally pomelo is eaten chilled and cut in half, with pulp spooned directly from the peel.
3. The juice is consumed fresh, canned, frozen, or even fermented into wine.
4. The peel is candied and used as an important source of pectin in food preservation.
5. Pomelo seed oil can be refined and used similarly to olive oil.

Fresh Pomelo (Batabi Lebu).

Traditional Usage

1. The fruit is used in traditional medicine for colds, influenza, and digestive problems.
2. Leaves and rinds are used as sedatives in nervous conditions.
3. Pomelo contains vitamins, minerals, potassium, and pectin.
4. Bioflavonoids in the fruit strengthen blood vessels and circulation.
5. However, pomelo can interact with many medicines by affecting liver enzymes.