Falsa

I remember back when we were in school and still in Karachi, after the school was off for the day we'd see independent fruit hawkers standing near the gates. Loaded with all kinds of juicy seasonal delicacies, guava and falsa being the most popular ones. Falsa would be tossed in some kaala namak (black salt) with a squeeze of lemon or as per customers preference.

Falsa is mostly available in May, and that is when its scorching hot in Karachi. My siblings and I would come back home from school exhausted and sweating to bowls of fresh falsay tossed with crushed ice, granulated sugar and a pinch of kaala namak. This berry-like fruit is extensively available in the beginning of summer for a month and a half. It has antioxidant and heat fighting properties, including vitamin C. This fruit or its juice is used as a stomach coolant also.

It is mostly eaten with a combination of kaala namak and sugar to balance out its acidic/sour taste.

May is right around the corner that means Falsa is right around also.

If you havent had this before, be sure to try it. And, make sure you make some falsay ka sharbat, store it for the upcoming summer months!