Belada Hannina Panaka with detailed video instruction.
belada hannu or Wood apple is very beneficial to health, here is the simple juice recipe/ belada hannina panaka using the fruit. This is usually prepared during shivaratri and ram navami festivals, Easy to make and healthy panaka.
This fruit reduces the pitta imbalance.

how to choose the perfect belada hannu/wood apple:

When selecting belada hannu (wood apple), look for these signs of ripeness and quality:

1. Shell Texture: The outer shell should be hard and free from cracks. However, if it’s too soft or has visible cracks, the fruit might be overripe or damaged.
2. Color: A ripe wood apple usually has a brownish or grayish color. Avoid very green ones, as they may not be fully ripe.
3. Aroma: A ripe belada hannu emits a strong, tangy, and slightly fermented smell. If the aroma is faint, it might still be unripe.
4. Weight: Heavier fruits tend to have more pulp, indicating they are filled with a good amount of fruit inside.
5. Sound Test: When you tap the shell, it should produce a hollow sound, which is a good indicator of ripeness.

Try this other panaka recipes – Nimbe hannina panaka , hesaru bele panaka  and Kokum Juice

Ingredients for making Belada Hannina Panaka:

• 1 belada hannu / wood apple
• around 4 cups of water
• pepper powder(crush around 15 pepper)
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery ( quantity depends on the sweet/sourness of the fruit)

Method:

1. Break open the fruit as shown in the video. (shell will be very hard like coconut) then scoop the fruit using a spoon to a bowl.
2. add water (may be a cup) mash it using your hand and then extract the juice and strain it to a pan,
3. Likewise repeat the same procedure for 2 to 3 times,
4. Now to this juice, add jaggery and pepper powder, mix it well. keep it aside for few minutes until the jaggery completely dissolves.
5. apart from making the juice , you can eat the fruit with little salt and chilli powder.