Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Rediscovering Bamblimas: The Journey from Childhood to Pomelo Juice

    Growing up, I often heard stories about a large citrus fruit called Bamblimas. My father, who spent part of his career in Kotagiri, often mentioned how plentiful these fruits were during their season. Interestingly, "Bamblimas" was also a colloquial term used to describe a chubby child or person. Despite hearing so much about it, I never encountered this elusive fruit during my childhood in India.

    It wasn't until I moved to Malaysia that I stumbled upon something familiar yet foreign in the local markets—Pomelos. Little did I know, these were the very same Bamblimas I had heard about! This revelation came to me after some reading, and I was amazed to discover that Pomelo is just another name for Bamblimas.

Pomelo: A Citrus Giant with Surprising Versatility

Pomelo

    The name Bamblimas always conjured images of plumpness, and seeing a Pomelo for the first time did justice to that association. The sheer size of the fruit was intimidating, and I must admit, I was clueless about how to handle it. Fortunately, Google came to the rescue, guiding me through the steps of cutting and preparing a Pomelo.

    When life gives you Pomelos, why stop at making lemonade? My first experiment was a local favourite—Pomelo, Sago & Mango Dessert. However, I quickly learned that timing is crucial; the Pomelo pulp needs to be consumed immediately after being mixed in, as it loses its appeal if left sitting for too long. The same rule applies to Pomelo Salads—serve them fresh! Beyond desserts and salads, Pomelos can be transformed into Marmalades, Jams, and even Candied Peels. But let's not forget the simplest delight of all—Pomelo Juice.

Juicing the Pomelo: A Refreshing and Nutritious Treat

    As a rule of thumb, if I can juice a fruit, I will! It's a straightforward and convenient way to enjoy the fruit's natural goodness. With Pomelo, I expected a taste similar to Mosambi Juice (Sweet Lime Juice), a common beverage in India. Though I haven't found Mosambi in Malaysia, it's available in Indian markets in Singapore. While Pomelo Juice does share a slight resemblance to Mosambi Juice, it carries a unique hint of bitterness that is characteristic of the fruit. Despite this, it is both refreshing and satisfying—a perfect way to cool off on a hot day.

Looking for more refreshing beverages? Click here to explore a variety of Juices, Drinks & Smoothies on my blog.

Recipe Type: Drink

Difficulty: Medium
Serves: 1-2
Author: SM

Preparation Time: 25–30 Minutes

Curious about the health benefits of this citrus giant? Click here to read more about the Health Benefits of Pomelo.

Pomelo Power: How to Turn a Citrus Giant into a Refreshing Drink

Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Refreshing Pomelo Juice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Fresh Pomelo Pulp
• 1 tablespoon of Sugar or Honey (optional for sweetness)
• ½ cup of Water

Optional Add-ons:

• A few Fresh Mint Leaves or Basil Leaves (for added flavour)

Step-by-Step Process on How to Cut Pomelo

How to Cut a Pomelo:

Cut Open Pomelo

Pomelo Segment

Pomelo Pulp

• Start by carefully slicing the top off the Pomelo using a sharp knife. The outer peel is thick and tough, so be cautious.
• Make 6 to 8 vertical cuts around the Pomelo from the cut end down to the base.

Peeling and Removing the Membrane: 

• Once the rind is cut, peel it away along with the thick membrane. It’s important to remove the entire membrane as it is not edible like the peel of an orange or grapefruit.
• Separate the segments and peel off the membrane to reveal the juicy pulp inside.

 

Storing the Pomelo Pulp: 

Separated Pomelo Vesicles

• You can store the Pomelo pulp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days if you’re not using it immediately.

 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pomelo Juice

Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Blending the Pomelo Juice:

• Place the Pomelo pulp in a blender along with ½ cup of water.
• Blend until the pulp is fully liquefied.

Strain the Juice:

• Pour the blended Pomelo juice through a fine strainer to remove any remaining pulp or seeds.
• If you have a juicer jar with a built-in strainer, this step becomes even easier.

• Pour the strained juice into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey to taste. Adjust the sweetness as per your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pour the Pomelo juice into a tall glass and serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. 
• For an added twist, muddle a few mint or basil leaves at the bottom of the glass before pouring in the juice. This adds a refreshing flavour to the drink.

Pomelo Juice: Refreshing and Invigorating Citrus Drink

Notes and Tips:

• Yield: I used 1 large Pomelo and was able to extract enough juice for 5 tall glasses.
• Water: Use minimal water while blending to retain the rich flavour of the Pomelo.
• Sweeteners: Adding sugar or honey is optional, based on your taste preference.
• Herbal Twist: Adding mint or basil leaves to the juice is optional but can enhance the flavour significantly.
• Storage: Freshly extracted Pomelo juice without added sweeteners can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Bamblimas to Pomelo: A Citrus Journey in a Glass

    So, whether you're reconnecting with the Bamblimas of old or discovering the joy of Pomelo for the first time, this juice is your perfect citrus fix. Refresh, revive, and enjoy every zesty sip of this invigorating drink. Cheers to new flavours and timeless traditions.