The Seasonal feast

           As the scorching sun bathes Tamil Nadu in its golden light, my eagerly anticipating summer has arrived – not for the heat it brings, but for the abundance of flavors that accompany it. Among the myriad delights that define Tamil Nadu's summer, the famous mangoes from Salem, the ice apples, tender coconut, sweet sweet watermelons, pearl millet porridge (kammang kool) and ice creams stand out as symbols of indulgence and joy.

As a child, I would eagerly await the first batch of ripe mangoes, their golden hues signaling the start of a season filled with culinary delights. Each bite of a ripe mango would send waves of pleasure coursing through my taste buds, leaving me longing for more.

 From the luscious Alphonso to the fragrant Banganapalli, Salem's orchards offer a diverse array of mangoes to tantalize the taste buds (I should boast about my city!). Whether enjoyed fresh or transformed into delectable desserts like mango lassi or mango sorbet, these golden gems never fail to delight me during the summer months.

Savoring  chilled ice apples on a hot summer day became a cherished ritual, a moment of pure bliss amidst the chaos of daily life.With each bite, one experiences a symphony of flavors, from delicate sweetness to subtle hints of coconut. And it is more savoring when it is from your own palm trees.

Of course, no discussion of Tamil Nadu's summer delights would be complete without mentioning the irresistible allure of tender coconuts which is available all throughout the year.

I still remember the summer days at my grandma's where I would eat atleast an ice-cream a day, especially the ice and kulfi that a grandpa sell.

It's a pity that I could have any of these here. It's really hard to find vendors selling it around my locality. But still... I managed to get some ice apples and icecream on the way back to the hall after accompanying my aunt to a temple which was located in Thiruneermalai.

And for mangoes... I'll have to wait for it to be sent from home which will happen no sooner.