By Sushmita Sengupta
Often called the ‘heaven on earth’, Kashmir is also a heaven for foodies. From Rogan Josh to Gushtaba, there’s much to relish, but have you ever tried Kahwa, the Kashmiri Green Tea
The warm and toasty tea is made by brewing together Kashmiri green tea leaves, saffron, cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, almonds, and rose petals. Sometimes dried cherries, apples, apricots, raisins, or dates are also added for deeper flavour.
Some say it created in the Yarkand valley under the Kushan empire in the first and second centuries AD, while some call it the byproduct of Spice route. It is also said Kashmir had close ties with Tibet for its tea and spices, giving way to this tea.
Kahwa is prepared in a "Samovar," a brass or copper kettle with a central chamber used for burning coals. There is room left in the container for the ingredients to warm up, and the tea is poured through nozzle.
Made with fruits, nuts, spices and green tea, Kahwa is an incredibly healthy beverages. It builds immunity, wards off risk of cold and flu, alleviates stress and headache, enhances focus, keeps fluid balance in check.