Latest news with #DheerajMathur
Hindustan Times
26-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Coffee is getting a fruity makeover: Fruit-infused coffee brings fresh flavours to your brew; 2 recipes to try at home
Your favourite beverage just got a flavour glow-up. Fruit-infused coffee is winning hearts and levelling up coffee from basic to bougie. While you may already be familiar with fruity notes in the coffee, they are often syrup-based. This is where fruit-infused coffee steps in, using real fruit in the brewing process. The rich notes of coffee are being paired with fresh, tropical fruit like oranges. (Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Tea and coffee in fine dining? Chef shares beverage pairing rules, Indian dishes to go with, and brew types In an interview with HT Lifestyle, chef Dheeraj Mathur, cluster executive chef at Radisson Blu, Kaushambi, Delhi NCR, unpacked the latest beverage trend of fruit-infused coffee. For those who enjoy a good brew, there is growing openness to flavour profiles that go beyond regular coffee notes. This coffee trend also highlights the potential for beverage innovation in culinary arts through the technique of fruit fermentation, as pointed out by Chef Dheeraj. Sharing a basic lowdown on the trend and what it really means, Chef Dheeraj said, 'In India, fruit-infused coffee is a rising trend, especially among those who drink speciality coffee. The trend focuses on infusing coffee beans with fruits and more exotic and natural ingredients to make different flavour representations. Recently, however, attention has focused on the next critical step: how coffee cherries are processed after they are picked from the shrubs. Out goes the traditional process, and in comes a futuristic experiment known as fruit co-fermentation.' What is the process of making fruit-infused coffee? Fruit-infused coffee is organic and does not involve adding flavoured fruit syrups to the coffee. Instead, real fruit bits are added during the brewing process. (Shutterstock) Fruit-flavoured coffee is different as it is more organic, because it involves real fruit slices in the brewing process, rather than fruit-flavoured syrup. This makes the flavour notes much more authentic. Chef Dheeraj explained the process of fruit co-fermentation, which is used to prepare fruit-infused coffee, and it has no place for any artificial fruit syrups. Clarifying more about the brewing process, he said, 'Fruit co-fermentation is a thorough process performed with freshly picked coffee cherries and fresh fruits. Therefore, it has nothing to do with artificially flavoured coffees that are roasted and then poured with syrups or oils. Instead, the actual effort begins immediately after the cherries are collected.' Further describing the process of fruit fermentation, he continued, 'Harvested fruit is transferred to sealed chambers that either keep all oxygen out or allow some in. Once inside, producers add slices of pineapple, peach, citrus, or other desired fruit. As the hours pass, the beans absorb the aroma and flavour of the steam rising in the tank, allowing fresh notes to enter the cup without overpowering the coffee. The ultimate result of all of this effort is a flavour that tastes significantly more complex. Specifically, mouthfeel, brightness, fragrance, and even the way the aftertaste lingers can all change in wonderful ways.' The sweet, fruity flavours carry a nuanced balance, in tandem with coffee's rich notes, without tasting like a juice. He added, 'Nobody expects the coffee to smell like juice, yet the additional fruit delicately elevates the beans' natural characteristics rather than masking them under sugar sweetness.' Types of fruit-infused coffee variants Strawberries are added to coffee for a fruity touch- like this strawberry latte.(Shutterstock) So, what are the fruit flavours that are teaming up with coffee for a whole new brew update? Chef Dheeraj listed out three types of fruit-infusions, which include different fruity pops of taste: Citrus Infusions: Orange, lemon and other citrus fruits add a refreshing twist to coffee. Berry Infusions: Strawberries, cranberries and other berries bring sweetness and tartness. Tropical Fruit Infusions: Pineapple, mango, and other tropical fruits create a sweet and creamy flavour. Now that you're aware of the broad fruit categories, let's take a closer look at some specific fruit pairings. One fruit doesn't need to be the hero ingredient; multiple fruits from the same flavour profile can be combined to create a more layered experience. Chef Dheeraj shared a few coffee drinks based on fruit pairings and their flavour profiles: Citrus and Coffee: Orange, lemon, and grapefruit pair well with coffee, adding a bright and citrusy flavour. Orange, lemon, and grapefruit pair well with coffee, adding a bright and citrusy flavour. Berry Bliss: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries create a sweet and fruity flavour profile. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries create a sweet and fruity flavour profile. Tropical Twist: Pineapple, mango, and passionfruit add a sweet and creamy flavour to coffee. 2 fruit-infused coffee recipes to try at home Chef Dheeraj shared 2 recipes that you can try: 1. Orange-Infused Cold Brew The zesty orange flavour feels perfect for iced brews. (Shutterstock) Ingredients 100 grams coffee, coarsely ground 700 ml water 2 oranges, each cut into 8 pieces 1 inch cinnamon stick Method Place coarsely ground coffee, water, cinnamon and orange slices in a large container. Set aside for 12-24 hours for brewing. Filter coffee through cheesecloth or a filter and remove orange slices. Pour into a glass, garnish with an orange and enjoy. 2. Blueberry Latte Blueberry latte has a sweet yet tarty taste.(Shutterstock) Ingredients ½ cup frozen blueberries 2-3 tbsp brown sugar or sweetener of choice ½ tsp vanilla extract 180 ml milk of choice 60 ml espresso 1 cup of ice if making cold coffee Optional garnish: Whipped cream Method Over medium-high heat, combine the blueberries, brown sugar and vanilla in a small pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Liquid should be smooth, and blueberries should be breaking down. Set aside to cool a bit. Transfer the compote to a small blender and pulse until smooth. Brew espresso and set aside. Layer 1-2 tbsp of blueberry compote in the cup, then fill the cup with ice. Pour milk of choice over ice, then add the espresso. Give it a little stir and enjoy.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
7 beetroot juice recipes that boost skin glow, hair strength and overall health
Often hailed as the emperor of vegetable juices, this vibrant red juice has quite a fan following, thanks to its powerful effect on immunity and heart health. Loaded with dietary nitrates, healthy plant compounds, beetroot juice can do a lot from boosting heart and lungs to improving athletic performance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Another reason why it's all the rage in the wellness world is because of its rich folate or vitamin B9 content that helps cells grow and function. Folate can control damage to blood vessels and lower chances of heart disease and stroke. Beetroot can also make your skin radiant because of its effectiveness in improving inflammation and blood flow, it also benefits your skin health. Beetroot can also help reduce hair loss as being rich in folate and carotenoids, it stimulates blood flow to the scalp and nourishes hair follicles, leading to increased hair growth. Apart from that the root veggie is a storehouse of manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium. According to a published in the journal Nutrients, it was found that beetroot juice may enhance endurance by improving blood flow, gas exchange, mitochondrial function, and muscle contraction through increased nitric oxide (NO) levels. Benefits include greater efficiency, longer time to exhaustion, and potential improvements in VO₂max and performance at anaerobic thresholds Here are 7 that can elevate several aspects of your health: 1. Classic beetroot glow juice Ingredients 1 medium beetroot (peeled and chopped) 1 carrot 1/2 apple 1/2 inch ginger 1/2 lemon (juice) 1/2 cup water Instructions Blend beetroot, carrot, apple, and ginger with water until smooth. Strain the juice. Squeeze in lemon juice, stir, and serve. Making time: 10 minutes (Recipe: Ramya B, Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chennai) 2. Beetroot and pomegranate skin elixir Ingredients 1 beetroot 1 cup pomegranate seeds 1/4 teaspoon black salt 1/2 cup water Instructions To a blender add beetroot and pomegranate. Add water as per requirement and blend it thoroughly. Strain the juice using juice strainer. To improve the taste, add black salt and enjoy the drink. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Making time: 10 minutes (Recipe: Ramya B) 3. Beetroot and amla juice Ingredients 1 cup beetroot (chopped) 1 cup amla (diced) ½ inch fresh ginger 5–6 fresh mint (pudina) leaves ½ tsp roasted cumin (jeera) powder ½ tsp black salt Juice of ½ lemon Honey, to taste 1 cup water Instructions In a blender, add chopped beetroot, diced amla, ginger, and mint leaves. Blend until smooth. Add water and blend again for a smoother consistency. Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, lemon juice, and honey. Blend once more to mix well. Strain the mixture and serve chilled in a tall glass. Garnish with a mint sprig if desired. (Recipe by Dheeraj Mathur, Cluster Executive Chef, Radisson Blu, Kaushambi, Delhi NCR) 4. Gut-healing Beetroot & Fennel Digestive Mix Ingredients 1 beetroot 1 tsp fennel seeds (soaked overnight) ½ apple Water Instructions Peel and chop the beetroot and apple into small pieces. Blend them with soaked fennel seeds and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Strain (optional) and drink fresh on an empty stomach for best digestive benefits. (Recipe by Dr Partap Chauhan, Ayurvedacharya and Director, Jiva Ayurveda) 5. Post-workout Beetroot & Coconut Water Rehydrator Ingredients 1 small beetroot 1 cup fresh coconut water 1 tsp lemon juice Instructions Peel and blend the beetroot with coconut water until smooth. Add lemon juice and stir well. Serve chilled for a refreshing, electrolyte-rich post-workout drink. (Recipe by Dr Partap) 6. Beetroot-Spinach Iron Booster 1 beetroot 1 cup spinach leaves (washed) 1 apple 1/2 lemon (juice) Instructions To a blender add beetroot, spinach and apple. Add water and blend it thoroughly. Strain if needed and mix in lemon juice. Serve it. Making Time: 10 minutes (Recipe: Ramya B) 7. Skin-clearing Beetroot & Neem Juice Ingredients 1 beetroot 4–5 tender neem leaves (or ¼ tsp neem powder) ½ tsp turmeric Honey (optional, if neem is too bitter) Instructions Blend chopped beetroot with neem leaves (or powder), turmeric, and a little water. Strain the juice if desired and add honey to balance the bitterness. Drink on an empty stomach a few times a week for clearer skin. Health tips: Top 10 foods to control hair fall
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kombucha to pickled cucumber: Probiotic-rich foods that deserve a spot on your plate
Summer calls for cool sips and gut-friendly treats — and fermented drinks are stealing the spotlight. Fizzy, tangy, and packed with probiotic goodness, these are sure to add a twist to your summer palate. From the zing of kombucha to the cool comfort of chaas, these not only refresh but also boost gut health. Here's how to eat and sip your way through the heat in style! Kefir What is it: Kefir is a tangy, yoghurt-like fermented milk drink made with kefir grains that are packed with gut-friendly bacteria. · Why it's a summer hero: Creamy, fizzy, probiotic-rich — great after a heavy meal or when the heat's got you down. · Cool ways to have it: Dheeraj Mathur, cluster executive chef, Radisson Blu, Kaushambi, Delhi NCR, says, 'It can be consumed as smoothies, salad dressing, summer salads, popsicles and spreadable cheese.' Kombucha What is it: Think of it as iced tea with an edge that brings tang and a slightly sweet finish to your glass. Why it's a summer hero: 'It hits the soda craving without the guilt! Hydrating, gut-loving, and oh-so-cool,' says Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist, Tone 30 Pilates. Cool ways to have it: Sip it chilled straight from the bottle or jazz it up with fresh fruit and herbs. Chaas What is it: A timeless Indian favourite, chaas is made by blending curd with water and a dash of digestive spices — a humble hero in summer heat. Why it's a summer hero: Dr. Piyali Saha, senior mentor at Dr Batra's Healthcare, says, 'This drink serves as a natural health enhancer maintaining digestive comfort, hydration, and internal balance.' Cool ways to have it: 'Flavour it with mint, ginger or green chilli. Use it in doughs, blend it into smoothies or popsicles, try turmeric lattes or chaas mocktails,' suggests Chef Jasjit Singh Keer, Oh! My Sauce. Kanji What is it: A tangy, old-school cooler brewed with rice, ragi, lentils or black carrots — fermented calm in a cup. Why it's a summer hero: Anshul Singh, team leader, clinical nutrition and dietetics department, Artemis Hospitals, says, 'Easy to make and store, i t cools, detoxes, and gives your gut a probiotic boost.' · Cool ways to have it: Dr Malini Saba, cookbook author and founder of the Saba Family Foundation, says, 'Spin it as a base for chilled summer soups, stir into cooked millet or broken wheat, or blend with herbs like mint, curry leaves, or ginger.' Pickled Cucumber What is it: Cool, crunchy, and a little tangy — these bring a probiotic punch with every bite. Why it's a summer hero: Mugdha Pradhan, functional nutritionist and founder of iThrive, says, 'When naturally fermented, cucumbers fuel your body with hydration, electrolytes and gut-loving goodness. Pro tip: While pickling, use pink salt instead of table salt for a healthier twist' Cool ways to have it: Chef Ashish Singh, Café Delhi Heights, says, 'Toss into salads, wrap in sandwiches, top your yoghurt, or blend it with mint, curd, and lemon for a zesty summer sipper.' BOX: Yoghurt · What is it: Your go-to summer BFF — cooling, creamy, and packed with proteins. · Why it's a summer hero: Suman Agarwal, founder & nutritionist, SelfCare by Suman, says, 'This a perfect light and filling mid-meal snack that's refreshing and protein-rich, keeping you hydrated with its water and electrolyte boost.' Cool ways to have it: Chef Sreyashi Dey, owner of Seasalt Patisserie, says, 'Toss it in your midday routine pairing it with berries or mangoes. You can also swirl it into mango curd, chia pudding, or frozen yoghurt.'
