King coconut, more popularly known as thambili, is loved by everyone for its refreshing taste and soothing properties. It has for centuries been used by Ayurvedic practitioners as a remedy for various ailments, especially as a laxative and heat expeller when mixed with aralu. But coconut water, as a superfood, has only recently been appreciated around the world, with everyone from supermodels to and fitness-crazy Hollywood stars swearing upon its miraculous benefits.
One of the most common sights here in Sri Lanka, king coconut is often consumed straight out of the nut and is grown is many home gardens. Tamara Raymond, however, realized the beloved thambili can be given new life, as the main ingredient for a range of nutritious, cooling juices that use organic, local produce under the brand, Life Juice. “The idea just came to me,” says Raymond, an entrepreneur, adding that she had long wanted to create health-based drinks. “Coconut water is hugely popular around the world today, but our forefathers knew about its benefits centuries ago.” King coconuts are a great source of carbohydrates, Vitamin E, iron, calcium and phosphorous. High in fibre and low in calories, this superfood also contains healthy amounts of protein and fats.
Fruity health-boosters
Life Juice was founded four months ago, when Raymond began selling these juices alongside the much-raved-about Fire Starter Nai Miris Sauce at the Good Market, Battaramulla. “I realized that thambili, when combined with fruit, has an amazing flavour. Also, thambili has a high amount of electrolytes, which is a much better alternative to water when making juices” explains Raymond. “Sri Lanka is blessed with a huge supply of fruits, so I also try to promote local fruits, that grow naturally in the island.” One month ago, Raymond was able to rent out a space at the VOC Café, at the Dutch Burgher Union in Colombo 04, no longer keeping loyal customers waiting till every Thursday of the week to visit the Good Market.
The current menu at Life Juice features 10 innovative blends of king coconut water, fresh fruit juice, organic spices and herbs, organic kithul treacle and king coconut pulp, each one named according to the special purpose it has been created for. “Organic kithul treacle is a natural sweetener that is low in calories and also has nutritional content, and is especially suitable for diabetes patients,” explains Raymond. Pineapple, mango, passion fruit, lime, watermelon and local mandarin and orange are some of the common fruit ingredients used, whilst mint, basil, ginger and cinnamon are used to make the juice richer in antioxidants. The Hydrator, which uses lime and mint leaves, is a more basic option, but is wonderfully refreshing, especially on a sultry afternoon. The Purifier, made using pineapple, passion fruit and mint leaves, is fruitier and the thambili, as Raymond stated, gives the juice a flavour that is different from regular, water-based juices. The cooling thambili water makes these juices simply great even without ice cubes.
Organic living
The king coconuts that are used at Life Juice are mostly sourced by family and friends of Raymond’s, who grow these nuts in their home gardens. “I also try and cut and wash the fruits at my home, daily, where I rinse them in alkaline water,” adds Raymond. “We currently open at 11.00 a.m. but we have plans to open earlier, so customers can drop in for a healthy juice before heading to work.” Raymond also plans to introduce organic kola kenda (herbal porridge) to be served in the mornings, for those who want a super-healthy, green breakfast. The current menu also offers a variety of ‘straight-up’ juices, which are created simply with fruit juice and thambili.
Raymond’s own enthusiasm for healthy living stems from the years she lived in Australia, where she was able to buy and consume organic, natural foods and beverages easily. When she moved back to Sri Lanka, she wasn’t able to find organic produce with the same ease. However, after many years since she returned, she believes Sri Lanka is ready to move towards eating healthier, with more attention paid to chemical- and additive-free foods. “I am a huge fan of Sri Lankan fruits and vegetables and it is inspiring to see many people today creating an atmosphere in which we can eat healthy and organic,” concludes Raymond. “To open up a healthy juice bar has been a dream, and it’s a very exciting time.”
Visit Life Juice every Thurday at the Good Market, Battaramulla or at their official outlet at the VOC Café, Dutch Burgher Union, 114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 04. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/AramatTradingPvtLtd
Source: Ceylon Today
Published: 12 Nov 2013