What is Jaljeera?
With people wanting to stay fit and healthy, they prefer healthy drinks to sugary and fizzy beverages. One popular drink which is not only healthy but also keeps you rejuvenated is the Jaljeera or Jaljira. The name Jaljeera may be cumin water, but it is much more than that. It is a combination of cumin and water, along with several other ingredients. It is a refreshing drink that is rejuvenating and gives you a great bout of energy. The beverage has a sour flavour due to the cumin, which can be overcome by adding several herbs, including raw mango powder, which gives a tangy taste to it.
Apart from being a beverage, this drink is also used as an appetiser as it can arouse the taste buds and also releases digestive juices. The drink originates from the ghats of the Ganga river. Traditionally, the Jaljeera powder was ground on stone slabs called Silla Batti. It later became extremely popular in North India due to the benefits it provides to the body. Apart from Jaljeera, there are other Indian drinks like
Jaljeera lemonade,
Cucumber lemonade,
Kokum Sharbat,
Watermelon Cooler,
Apple Mojito, and
Lemon Iced Tea which are also refreshing.
Reasons to have Jaljira
The chilled Jaljeera gives a burst of taste and refreshes you in every gulp you take, But have you ever wondered what health benefits it has to offer? The drink, which is a combination of many healthy ingredients, provides the following benefits:
Boost digestion: Jaljira is made from ingredients like cumin and black salt. This is a great combination that activates the digestive juices and also the taste buds. That helps in boosting digestion but also reduces the symptoms of gas and heartburn.
Aids in detoxification: Jaljeera powder contains many spices that help in detoxifying the body. It also helps in keeping the body cool in summer by reducing the body heat. Jaljeera helps to keep the body hydrated in summers and prevents loss of water.
Treat Nausea: The use of cumin in the Jaljira powder helps in treating symptoms of nausea. If you are having the feeling of vomiting, a great option is to sip Jaljeera.
Reduces acidity symptoms: Having Jaljeera helps in reducing the symptoms of gas and acidity as it contains ingredients ginger, black salt, cumin, and other spices.
Can help in weight loss: Cumin powder is low in calories and also helps in weight loss. Jeera water is traditionally known to suppress appetite and is a good beverage for people who are looking to cut calorie intake.
Reduces menstrual cramps: Drinking Jaljeera water can bring relief to women who have menstrual cramps. It is also beneficial in reducing abdominal cramps and pain due to conditions like arthritis.
Improves Vitamin C: The dry mango powder in Jaljeera is an excellent Vitamin C source, which helps boost immunity. It also aids in fighting infections like cold, fever, and even scurvy.
Prevents iron deficiency: Cumin is known to have a good amount of iron, which helps prevent anaemia and its related health issues.
What are the different Spices and Herbs found in Jaljeera?
The Jaljeera is made not just by cumin or jeera but also using various spices and herbs, like:
Jeera seeds: It is the one that gives a distinct flavour to the drink and has an earthy, bitter, and sweet taste. To get the right flavour, it needs to be toasted optimally. The major benefits of this spice are, it aids digestion and relieves nausea.
Saunf seeds: It is called fennel seeds and is aromatic and sweet. These seeds have many antioxidant properties and aid digestion.
Amchur powder: The amchur powder helps in adding the needed tangy flavour to the Jaljeera. It is rich in vitamin C, so it boosts immunity and also aids digestion.
Mint leaves: This herb is known for its cooling properties and has a sweet and fragrant flavour. Due to the presence of many nutrients, it helps in boosting immunity and digestion.
Ginger: It has many antibacterial and medicinal properties. It aids in weight loss and also treats indigestion.
Black pepper: This is the spice that gives the drink the spiciness. It has many digestive properties and also provides a punch to the beverage.
Tamarind: Tamarind gives tartness to the drink and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Black salt: This adds taste and flavour to the drink. It also has digestive properties.
Jaljeera recipe
Here’s how to make Jaljeera. The Jaljeera can be made by using store-bought Jaljeera masala or by making it freshly at home. To prepare it:
Soak tamarind in hot water for about 20 minutes or until it becomes soft.
Rinse fresh mint leaves with water, drain all the water. Add these to a small blender.
To this, add the soaked tamarind, ginger, Jaljeera powder, black pepper powder, amchur powder, and black salt.
Blend the contents into a smooth chutney.
To make the jaljeera water, add enough water to the chutney.
Mix well until the chutney, and the water gets blended. Strain the water if needed to remove any mint leaves leftover.
Taste the Jaljeera and add more salt or dry mango powder if needed. Lemon juice can also be added if it tastes bitter. Chill this drink for a few hours.
Before serving, add Boondi, a few mint leaves, and a dash of chaat masala to every serving glass.
Before adding the Boondi, soak it in water for 20 to 30 minutes. Squeeze water and keep aside and use it while serving.
Jaljeera Powder Recipe
Sometimes fresh mint called for by the Jaljeera recipe may not be accessible, and this is when the dry Jaljeera powder comes in handy. It can be made beforehand and stored in a container for immediate use. This is how to make Jaljeera at home without having to run to the store for fresh jaljeera ingredients.
Dry mint powder
Roasted cumin powder
Ginger powder
Black pepper powder
Black salt
Dry mango powder
Sugar
This is how to make Jaljeera powder and store it in an airtight container so that the flavour and smell get locked. To prepare the drink, add this powder to chilled water and serve with Boondi.