There’s something about the first rain that makes even the ordinary feel new. The air smells fresher, leaves seem brighter, and suddenly, fruit sellers start filling their stalls with the season’s best. You see shiny purple jamuns, bright red lychees, baskets of soft brown chikoos — fruits that somehow feel made for rainy days.

Every year, these small seasonal arrivals mark the monsoon’s humble entry into our kitchens. Some bring comfort, some add brightness, but all of them feel like familiar parts of the season we look forward to. Here are seven monsoon fruits that bring that feeling alive.

1. Jamun (Black plum)

You know monsoon’s truly here when the jamun sellers return. Across northern and central India, jamun trees burst with clusters of deep purple berries that almost demand a second look. That first bite is sharp and slightly tangy — but then, you want another.

Beyond the addictive flavour, jamun has long been known for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it’s often used to help manage blood sugar levels. In Ayurveda, not just the fruit but the seeds and bark have been used for centuries for their healing properties.

2. Lychee

Walk........

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