Date:25/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/25/stories/2008042555461100.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Keeping cool, naturally

Staff Reporter

Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

Hot favourite: A youth quenching his thirst with coconut water on a hot summer day in Visakhapatnam. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: With the mercury soaring by the day, the sweet and cool tender coconut has turned out to be the most preferred way to quench thirst for Vizagites, not withstanding the rise in its price.

Its sales have shot up. The tender coconut, which was available for Rs. 5 to Rs. 8 a week ago, is now selling at Rs. 9 or Rs.10, depending upon size and quality. Milk shakes and coffee have their takers too. But, with people becoming more conscious about their health, most of them are preferring coconut water, juices and butter milk to colas and aerated drinks.

Says G. Radha, a college student: “I religiously drink tender coconut water everyday, as it is one of the most nutritious beverage that nature has provided to fight sultry heat. It has the same level of electrolytic balance that we have in our blood.” .

Sugarcane juice is available for Rs. 3 to Rs. 4 per glass. N. Ramana, who sells sugarcane juice at Andhra University out-gate, says: “I am able to do a sale of Rs. 700 every day. When colleges re-open, my business will pick up.”