In India, we use a lot of natural ingredients to add flavour and nutrition to our dishes. Starting from herbs to dry fruits. These ingredients are transformed into various forms and used to enhance the taste and flavour of our recipes. One such food item is gulkand. Prepared from rose petals, it is used in several Indian dishes and has a cooling effect.
The term gulkand is taken from ‘gul’, which means rose flower in Persian, and ‘qand', which means sweet in Arabic. This rose petal jam is an age-old Ayurvedic sweet that is mainly used in milkshakes, sherbet, puddings, and mithais like laddoo and burfi. Along with these, it is also an essential part of the classic Indian mouth freshener, paan.
Besides being delicious, they are also very healthy. Here are five benefits of gulkand you must know:
Rich In Nutrients
Gulkand is rich in several essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, C, E, and B6), calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are a great source of fibre as well. This delight is a perfect addition to your healthy diet. According to PharmEasy, the plant compounds of gulkand also help reduce pain. However, due to the high sugar content, it must consumed in moderation and if you are diabetic then be very careful with its dosage.
Treats Mouth Ulcers
The main cause of mouth ulcers is excessive body heat, so eating gulkand daily can help relieve the symptoms of this problem. This is because gulkand provides a cooling and soothing effect to the mouth, which reduces the burning sensation and pain around the swollen area. It is perfect to enjoy during the hot and humid weather of summer and the monsoon.
Cures Acidity And Heartburn
As mentioned earlier, gulkand has a cooling effect that calms acidity and heartburn. According to PharmEasy, it is a great solution for constipation. Along with this, gulkand is also good for sore throats, stomachaches, and indigestion. For the best results, consume one tablespoon of gulkand at least twice a day.
Relieves Swelling
According to PharmEasy, the antioxidants and vitamin C present in gulkand may help reduce swelling and inflammation. It is known for relieving joint pain and other chronic conditions. Due to the cooling effect, gulkand also relieves nose bleeding (both in children and adults), which is common during the summer.
Prevents Bacterial Infections
According to PhatmEasy, the compounds present in the gulkand fight against various infection-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of this Ayurvedic food also help in removing toxins from the body and purifying the blood. However, if you have a severe bacterial infection, consult a doctor for better treatment.
Gulkand Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rose petals
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
Method
- Collect the fresh and fragrant rose petals. Gently wash them with water and let the petals dry on paper or cloth.
- Put the petals into the mixer grinder and pulse one or two times to shred them. Spread a layer of rose petals in a dry glass jar.
- Now spread a layer of sugar evenly over the rose petals. Then spread a layer of petals over the sugar layer again.
- Repeat until all the petals are completely added. Close the jar with a lid and keep it in the sunlight for 7–10 days.
- Mix the gulkand every other day using a clean spoon.
- Your homemade gulkand is ready to be enjoyed. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it.