Jal jeera is an Indian beverage in which Jal means water and Jeera means cumin. It is an interesting refreshing drink from North India. Summers can be cruel in North India. The temperature can rise upto 42 ºC. This Indian Lemonade is not just a summer coolant that can lower your body temperature in the heat but also a digestive drink.
Jal Jeera has a long history. It originated at the banks of river Ganges. The jal jeera powder was ground on stone slabs. It was a popular drink which was freshly prepared and stored in clay pots to make it more alkaline. It was typically served as a welcome drink or was consumed before meals. It activates your tastes buds and appetite. Know all the benefits of clay pot and how should you use it here- Everything you need to know about Earthen Pots
In our fast paced complicated lives we have forgotten the beauty of simplicity. But this beauty of jal jeera cannot be attained from jal jeera that comes in a bottle which you conveniently pick up from a super market. Jal jeera that comes in a bottle or in a powdered form can be prepared with tons of preservatives, sugar, synthetic citric acid and artificial flavouring. Simple lifestyle habits like making your own fresh jal jeera at home can make a huge difference.
Jal jeera essentially includes water and cumin but it is so much more than that. Let’s see the ingredient list and their benefits
- Cumin (jeera) is one of the most gut-friendly spice, and promotes pancreatic enzymes, assisting in the digestion process.
- Black salt cures acidity, acts as a laxative, promotes hair growth, and has antioxidant effects. It also has a low salt content, minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium that are necessary for good health.
- Asafoetida (hing) act as a good digestive.
- Fresh mint leaves help regulate your body temperature, aids metabolism and improves respiratory functions.
- Grated ginger or ginger powder helps in treating nausea. It also helps in digestion and constipation. If you experience heart burn, ginger can be your best friend.
- Lemon juice: Great source of Vitamin C. Citric acid naturally present in lemon will help in making your body alkaline
- Black Pepper is great bloating, skin issues, aids digestion and helps to boost immunity.
Recipe: for 2 glasses
Ingredients
- Black Salt or Rock Salt to taste
- Bhuna jeera/Roasted Cumin Powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Kali mirch/Black Pepper: 1/4th tsp
- Ginger juice: 1 tsp (or use dry ginger powder)
- Lemon juice from 2 lemons
- Mint leaves: handful
- Hing: a pinch
- Water : 2 glasses
- Ice as required
Method
- In a blender, add all the ingredients mentioned above and blend it well.
- Sieve if you like. Check for saltiness or tanginess as per your liking. Garnish with some mint leaves, lemon wedges and boondi if you prefer.
- Note: If you like your jal jeera sweet, add jaggery powder or raw honey to sweeten it. Do not add white refined sugar.
I hope you make this drink at home to beat the summer heat. If you want to try or know more about such traditional healthy summer drinks you can check out these recipe links below:
