The Ultimate Guide to Indian Summer Fruits: Benefits, Buying Tips & Seasonal Highlights

Muskmelon (Kharbuja)

Benefits:

• Keeps the body cool and hydrated
• Rich in vitamins A and C
• Aids digestion due to its fiber content

Buyer Tips:

• Choose melons with a sweet aroma and well-netted rind
• Should have slight softness near the stem end

Jackfruit (Kathal)

Benefits:

• High in dietary fiber and potassium
• Supports heart and digestive health
• Rich in vitamin B-complex

Buyer Tips:

• Look for a strong, sweet smell and yellowish-green skin
• Spikes should be soft to touch, indicating ripeness

Papaya

Available throughout the year but especially abundant and sweet during the summer months.

Benefits:

• Contains papain, an enzyme that aids digestion
• Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants
• Supports immune function and skin health

Buyer Tips:

• Skin should turn yellow-orange when ripe
• Avoid fruits with deep cuts or blemishes

Strawberry

Short but sweet season in cooler regions, mostly wrapping up by late April.

Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
• Helps improve skin texture and immunity
• Promotes heart health

Buyer Tips:

• Look for bright red, glossy berries with fresh green caps
• o Avoid overly soft or bruised fruit

Watermelon (Tarbuj)

Benefits:

• Extremely hydrating due to high water content
• Contains lycopene, which supports heart health
• Rich in vitamin A and potassium

Buyer Tips:

• Should have a creamy yellow field spot
• Tap to hear a hollow sound for ripeness

Lychee (Litchi)

A seasonal luxury, known for its sweet, floral flavor and juicy texture.

Benefits:

• High in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Boosts blood circulation and skin radiance
• Aids hydration and digestion

Buyer Tips:

• Choose firm lychees with bright red or pink skin
• Avoid fruits with cracked or darkened shells

Mango (Aam)

India’s most beloved fruit, available in many regional varieties during the summer.

• Benefits:
  • High in vitamins A, C, and E
  • Supports digestion and immunity
  • Packed with antioxidants and folate
• Buyer Tips:
  • Should emit a sweet aroma and give slightly when pressed
  • Avoid overripe mangoes with shriveled skin or black spots

Plum (Aloo Bukhara)

A small, tangy-sweet fruit often found in hilly regions.

• Benefits:
  • Good source of vitamin K and antioxidants
  • Helps with digestion and bone health
  • Supports heart function
• Buyer Tips:
  • Look for even-colored fruits with a little softness
  • Avoid those with excessive wrinkles or blemishes

Peach

Soft, juicy, and aromatic, peaches are available briefly in late summer from northern hill states.

• Benefits:
  • Rich in vitamin A and dietary fiber
  • Promotes glowing skin and eye health
  • Aids in digestion and detox
• Buyer Tips:
  • Ripe peaches are slightly soft and fragrant
  • Avoid green or hard fruits

Mulberry (Shahtoot)

A lesser-known superfruit often sold by street vendors during peak heat.

• Benefits:
  • Supports blood circulation and iron levels
  • Helps lower cholesterol
  • Contains vitamin C and plant-based antioxidants
• Buyer Tips:
  • Choose dark purple to black berries
  • Best eaten the day they are bought as they spoil quickly

Apricot (Khubani)

Grown in the Himalayan regions, apricots are sweet, tart, and nutrient-dense.

• Benefits:
  • Rich in beta-carotene for vision and skin
  • Contains potassium and antioxidants
  • Helps maintain digestive health
• Buyer Tips:
  • Select firm but ripe fruits with a slight orange blush
  • Avoid overly hard or green apricots