Chill out with Blonde Cucumber

KOCHI: Come summer, watermelons become a hot favourite of the season.However, this time giving the melons a tough competition as the favourite drink is blonde cucumber a.k.a.‘Pottu Vellari’. With its mild-yet-engaging sweetness and distinctiveness from other cucumber types, Pottu Vellari juice gives you an instant cooling effect and a quick refreshment.“These cucumbers can be used at various stages of their ripeness.They are purchased mainly from Kodunagalloor and Nedumabassery.The average cost is Rs 22 a kilo.We bring them in bulks.‘Pottu Vellari’ is only available during February, March and April every year.It is a typical seasonal product,” says Hamsu, who owns a fruit stall near the High Court junction.Fully aware of the fact that the way-side juice stalls are the most preferred ones during summer, Hamsu and his friend Ishil started the juice shop.Initially, water melon juice was the favourite.But, slowly but steadily cucumber juice went on to capture the hearts and tummies.“Way-side vendors usually do not use a mixer to prepare juice, but slice it into small pieces and serve it by adding water and sugar.But for ‘Pottu Vellari’ juice, we don’t use water.We crush the peeled cucumber pieces and add sugar and ice cubes.Adding water might affect its taste,” Hamsu said.The juice costs just Rs 10 a glass.Hamsu says that he sells not less that five to six dozen cucumbers each day.