Kashmir is a land gifted with the finest forms of nature. It never ceases to astound with its breathtaking scenery, snow-capped mountains, ever-enchanting valleys, and rich culture. Kashmiri Kahwa originates from this heavenly region, which is a haven for many of nature’s marvels. It is a common beverage in Kashmiri cuisine and is renowned for its flavour and fragrance. To make Kahwa, green tea leaves are often brewed with a mixture of herbs, spices, nuts, and saffron. The ingredients are simmered together to make tea, allowing the flavours to blend and produce a distinctive and revitalizing drink. Cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves are some of the traditional spices used in Kahwa, and they give the tea a warming flavour and distinctive aroma. Kashmiri Kahwa usually has dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and sometimes dried like raisins to improve flavour and add richness.
The treasured spice saffron, which is derived from the saffron crocus flower, is an essential ingredient in kahwa and gives the drink its vivid golden hue. Kahwa is often served with a hint of honey, which provides it with its natural sweetness and improves the flavour. Kahwa cups, which are typically small, shallow cups used to serve Kashmiri Kahwa, are commonly used for special occasions or as a sign of hospitality in Kashmiri homes. The tea is a favourite among tea connoisseurs all over the world because of its well-known calming and revitalizing properties.
This beautiful mixture also has an array of health advantages!
- Antioxidant Properties: An antioxidant is a chemical that shields our body cells against the harm done by free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced during metabolism by the process of oxidation. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other ageing-related disorders may all be impacted by free radicals, which can be prevented by the consumption of antioxidants. Natural antioxidants, found in various plants, fruits, and vegetables, have a variety of biological benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants present in Kahwa tea improve skin quality and aid in reducing acne. One of the most important and primary components of the Kashmiri Kahwa is green tea, which is laden with antioxidant properties that aid in the body’s defence against oxidative stress and in battling free radicals that harm the body’s cells, which can speed up ageing and cause a number of diseases. Saffron, another important component of the Kashmiri Kahwa, is also known to have antioxidant effects and can also improve mood and ease anxiety. Other spices present in the Kahwa, like clove and cinnamon, have been known to have antioxidant elements, which make the Kashmiri Kahwa tea a healthy beverage.
- Immunity Booster: In wintertime, Kashmiri Kahwa is a well-known cure for keeping the body warm and healthy. The presence of antioxidants and free radicals in the preparation can help boost immunity. The spices found in Kahwa can also boost immunity and ward off seasonal diseases. Due to the high saffron content, Kashmiri Kahwa naturally has a lot of vitamin B12 reserves, which help the body reenergize and activate its defence system, especially during the winter. These prevent illnesses and diseases from affecting the body. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron also boost the immune system. Green tea and cardamom too, being rich in antioxidants and antibacterial chemicals, build the body’s immunity and ward off diseases.
- Aids in Digestion: Regular Kahwa tea consumption aids in cleaning the stomach and helps reset the digestive system. Kahwa is also a wonderful metabolism stimulant. The green tea present in the Kahwa improves digestion and metabolism by cleansing the stomach. It acts as a natural detox for the body by clearing toxins from the system. Additionally, saffron helps to reduce the symptoms of digestive distress by promoting blood flow to the digestive system. Cardamom and cinnamon, among other spices, are used in Kashmiri Kahwa to aid digestion. These spices contain carminative qualities that can ease gas, indigestion, and bloating. Cinnamon is a natural digestive that is known to improve liver function, and digestion, and relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, and gas. Hence, the blend of different spices and tea leaves makes Kashmiri Kahwa a natural home remedy for maintaining good stomach health.
- Aids in Weight Loss: In conjunction with metabolism, Kashmiri Kahwa is renowned for removing extra body fat. Most Kashmiri houses serve tea shortly after a meal. A cup of Kashmiri Kahwa might help you lose weight without having to eat bland and bitter meals. Additionally, it aids in removing cholesterol from blood vessels, which significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular ailments. Weight loss is also aided by almonds, another ingredient in the Kahwa mixture. They are a good source of protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Almonds lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar when consumed regularly. Additionally, due to its propensity to speed up metabolism and promote fat oxidation, green tea is frequently linked to weight management and helps reduce belly fat. A balanced diet and exercise programme that includes Kashmiri Kahwa may help with weight loss.
- Stress Relief and Relaxation: After an exhausting day, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting cup of Kashmiri kahwa! It is the simplest, most powerful, and all-natural technique to get rid of stress. Regularly drinking a cup of kahwa tea at night may increase the production of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, which have a relaxing impact on the mind, relieve tension and anxiety, and improve sleep. Due to the vital antioxidant content of Kashmiri Kahwa tea, it can reduce the harmful effects of anxiety. Research has found green tea to be effective at reducing psychological distress in people. As a result, Kashmiri Kahwa is especially advantageous for human health. The benefits of saffron are also reported to include enhancing libido, improving mood and memory, and treating PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) discomfort. Cardamom is also known to improve blood circulation throughout the body, which removes stress and depression from the human body. Cardamom and cinnamon, combined with the beverage’s calming effects, can aid in promoting relaxation and lowering stress levels.
Conclusion
Kashmiri Kahwa tea is packed with a variety of flavorful and healthy ingredients. This unusual tea, which includes green tea leaves, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, is typically sipped before breakfast in the snow-capped Kashmir region. To make the tea more enticing, it is typically served with almonds, dried fruits, and walnuts. Because it keeps one warm and cosy and is also believed to promote immunity, Kahwa is renowned for being extremely popular in many parts of India. The flavorful drink possesses green tea’s antioxidant characteristics and offers a number of health advantages. Since the first sip, tea enthusiasts have been enchanted by this magical elixir. The numerous health advantages, eye-catching golden colour, rich, slightly spicy flavour, and powerful fragrance put Kahwa Tea, a staple of Kashmiri cuisine, at the forefront.
References
- https://teacultureoftheworld.com/blogs/all/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-kashmiri-kahwa-tea
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/antioxidant
- https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/kashmiri-kahwa-tea-recipe-video-for-immunity-2272020
- https://bebodywise.com/blog/the-kashmiri-kahwa/
- https://www.grazia.co.in/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/the-importance-of-kashmiri-kahwa-tea-6692-1.html
