Jharkhand Tribal Cuisine: Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Try
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Jharkhand has a huge variety of flora and fauna, including unique wild fruits and trees found throughout the forest. The Chhota Nagpur Plateau, in which some parts of Jharkhand are located, has special soil that houses different kinds of unique and edible fruits and wild berries. These special leaves, fruits, and trees are specifically cropped in Jharkhand plain lands to supply India. 

If you are unaware of these drinks, don't hesitate to try various healthy and sweet non-alcoholic drinks made in different parts of Jharkhand. These drinks are the best tribal cuisine drinks, promoting the taste of the homeland. Keep reading to learn more about them. 

Non-Alcoholic Drinks Of Jharkhand

1. Ragi Malt

Known as ragi in India, finger millet is used to make the nutritious drink known as ragi malt. This drink has a smooth, slightly thick texture and a flavour that is earthy and slightly nutty. It is pleasant and nutritious since it is naturally sweetened with honey or jaggery. According to The Journal of Phytopharmacology, Ragi is nutritious and healthy for various reasons such as weight management and fibre intake. Ragi flour and water are combined to make a paste in order to make Ragi Malt. The paste is then heated until it thickens by adding more water. The beverage can be served warm or cold. You can also add milk or a dash of cardamom.

2. Bael Sherbet

The refreshing and non-alcoholic beverage known as bael sherbet is prepared from the fruit of the native Indian bael tree, or Aegle marmelos. The drink is well-known for its calming qualities. It has a sweet, fragrant flavour. According to Asian Pac J Trop Dis journal, Bael Sherbet is a nutritious and refreshing option because it's high in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.

3. Amla Juice

Native to Jharkhand, Amla Juice (Phyllanthus emblica) is a tart, pleasant beverage that is highly prized in Ayurvedic and tribal traditions. These are widely found in the forest and are popular for their wild varieties. The juice's flavour is counterbalanced by jaggery or honey. Amla juice is a powerful health tonic since it is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients.

4. Sabja Sherbet

It has moisturising and refreshing qualities, Sabja or Tukmaria seeds are used to make Sabja Sherbet. It is a popular cooling beverage in Jharkhand. The drink's gelatinous basil seeds give it a distinctive texture and a mild, sweet flavour. It's a great drink and is frequently served with a dash of lemon or rosewater. According to the Food Science Lab, School of Engineering, Universidad Central de Chile, Chile it has anti-diabetic properties too. 

5. Tendu Leaf Drink

Known more popularly as the leaves used to make bidis (traditional Indian cigarettes), tendu leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon) are the source of an unusual beverage called Tendu Leaf Drink. But tendu leaves are also utilised in Indigenous cultures to make a cool, non-alcoholic beverage. The drink is thought to have cooling and therapeutic qualities. It tastes slightly bitter with earthy undertones.

With the right ingredients, these drinks can be made throughout the season. If you are looking for drinks from tribal cuisine, then you can definitely try these non-alcoholic sweet drinks, famous for their unique flavour.