Staying cool and hydrated becomes a top priority as the summer sun blazes down. While water is always king, sometimes you crave a refreshing beverage with a little more pizazz. Enter gond katira, a natural coolant with a surprising ability to transform into delicious summer drinks.
Gond katira, also known as tragacanth gum, is a resin extracted from the sap of certain trees. These translucent crystals are flavourless and odourless, but their magic lies in their ability to absorb water and transform into a jelly-like substance. This jelly makes Gond Katira a hero in the fight against summer heat.
Here are the benefits of gond katira and some exciting DIY gond katira drink recipes to keep you cool and invigorated all summer long.
Gond Katira: A Summertime Ally
According to a study published in the journal ‘Polymers,’ Gond Katira boasts several properties that make it ideal for beating the summer heat:
- Cooling Effect: When soaked in water, Gond Katira absorbs a significant amount of liquid, creating a gel with a cooling sensation. Consuming this gel can help lower body temperature and combat the scorching heat.
- Hydration Booster: The high water content of Gond Katira helps with hydration, crucial for regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration, a common summer concern.
- Digestive Aid: Gond Katira is a good source of fibre, which can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut. This is especially beneficial during summer when dietary changes and irregular schedules can impact digestion.
- Natural Sweetener: Though tasteless on its own, Gond Katira can enhance the sweetness of natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery, allowing you to reduce added sugar in your drinks.
DIY Gond Katira Drinks for Every Palette
The beauty of Gond Katira lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious DIY Gond Katira drink recipes to tantalise your taste buds and keep you cool this summer:
Classic Gond Katira Sharbat
This is the simplest and most refreshing way to enjoy Gond Katira.
- Soak 1-2 tablespoons of Gond Katira in 1/2 cup of water for 3-4 hours, or until it forms a gel.
- Strain the gel and mix it with 2-3 cups of chilled water.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Sweeten to taste with honey or jaggery.
- Garnish with a few mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.
Fruity Gond Katira Cooler
This recipe adds a burst of fruity flavour to your Gond Katira drink.
- Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Classic Gond Katira Sharbat recipe.
- Instead of plain water, use chilled fruit juice like watermelon, mango, or pineapple juice.
- Adjust the amount of juice depending on your desired sweetness.
- You can add chopped fruits like watermelon or mango for extra texture and flavour.
Creamy Gond Katira Lassi
This recipe transforms Gond Katira into a delightful and cooling lassi.
- Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Classic Gond Katira Sharbat recipe.
- Blend the Gond Katira gel with 1 cup of chilled yoghurt.
- Add a pinch of cardamom powder or a few saffron strands for extra flavour (optional).
- Sweeten to taste with honey or jaggery.
- For a thicker consistency, add a little more yoghurt or crushed ice.
Spiced Gond Katira Lemonade
This recipe adds a spicy kick to your Gond Katira drink.
- Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Classic Gond Katira Sharbat recipe.
- Mix the Gond Katira gel with chilled water and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add a pinch of black salt and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder for a unique flavour profile.
- Sweeten to taste with honey or jaggery.
Gond Katira Chia Seed Cooler
This recipe combines the cooling properties of gond katira with the health benefits of chia seeds.
- Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Classic Gond Katira Sharbat recipe.
- Mix the Gond Katira gel with chilled water and add 1-2 tablespoons of soaked chia seeds.
- Sweeten to taste with honey or jaggery.
- You can squeeze lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
How To Make The Perfect DIY Gond Katira Drink
To perfect your Gond Katira summer drinks, always use high-quality Gond Katira for optimal results. Soak the Gond Katira for a minimum of 3-4 hours to ensure it forms a proper gel. Adjust the amount of water, sweetener, and flavourings based on your preference. Experiment with different fruits, spices, and herbs to create your own unique Gond Katira.