Everyone loves roses! They have famously been associated with romance for millennia now. They play a major part in representing Indian culture. From the ancient times of Charaka and Sushruta to the era of the Mughals, roses have left their mark. Did you know that roses play a huge part in many Ayurvedic treatments? These flowers can tackle Vatha, Pitta, and Kapha doshas!
One of the forms in which roses can add to good health is Gulkand. It is a sumptuous sweet treat that’s enjoyed by many across India. The invention of this superfood goes back to around 900 BC. The intermingling of Indo-Persian cultures is likely where it began. The traditional ingredients that went into making Gulkand are Damask roses and Mishri or Sugar Candy. Today, Gulkand is available everywhere and its charm has become muddled under too many chemical labels.
How can this luxuriously sugary delight be made in the organic era and why is it gaining popularity? Read on to find out more!
How is Gulkand made?
Gulkand requires two simple ingredients: dried rose petals and Mishri. This delicacy was earlier rarely available. In the past, Damask roses were exclusively used to make it. These roses were available only twice a year, making their harvest an event to look forward to. As the demand for Gulkand increased, the roses were grown with chemical stimulants. With varying tastes, Sugarless Gulkand was also created, made with stevia.
Most branded Gulkand available these days is inorganic and its authenticity is questionable. Almost any kind of rose can be used to make Gulkand. We do not need to depend on chemical stimulants to grow the roses organically. This raises the question, which Gulkand is the best? Where do we go when we look for pure Gulkand to include in our diet?
Indic Living has the solution. We bring you the purest Gulkand: straight from Daadi Maa’s kitchen!
Daadi Maa follows a simple recipe to make our Gulkand.
She grows roses in her backyard. Not the fancy rose you might have seen online, no chemicals go into this. She gives them her love and attention, tending to them day and night. When they bloom, she harvests them with gentle hands. She washes the petals at home to remove any dust and excess water. Then she carefully lays them out to shade-dry them.
While the petals are slowly drying, she brings out a clear glass jar. She also readies the other ingredient – Dhage Wali Mishri from her local vendor. This sugar candy is one of the purest forms of sugar, deriving its name from the threads you see in it. It has no additives, preservatives or chemicals of any other sort.
Daadi Maa then retrieves the dried rose petals. She gently wipes them with a clean cotton cloth, getting rid of any traces of dust. She proceeds to layer these petals along with the mishri in her glass jar. She allows this mixture to sun-dry for up to 4 weeks. The mishri gradually melts to release its moisture and sugars into the drying petals. In a matter of weeks, they amalgamate to form Gulkand: a dense and flowery treasure trove of nutrition!
Health Benefits of Organic Gulkand
Ayurveda has recognised Gulkand as an ideal cooling agent. The combination of sugars and roses can rectify heat imbalances (pitta dosha) in the body.
So how much Gulkand do we consume every day? Surprisingly, a few spoonfuls of Gulkand on hot days can effectively reduce the risk of sun strokes. It is a great addition to your summer diet too. It prevents acidity and cools your body down from the inside out.
Gulkand also has other amazing health benefits:
- Good for Eyesight: The coolant properties of gulkand make it an unmissable supplement that aids in reducing the dryness and irritation in your eyes. Regular intake can ensure better vision.
- Soothing Medicine for Women: Gulkand has been proven to be a double-action agent for women. It soothes menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles in the reproductive system. It also strengthens the uterus and aids in recovery from PCOD.
- Improves Gut Health: The soothing nature of Gulkand can clean and maintain the chemical balance within your gastrointestinal tract. It imparts good bacteria to your gut, reducing bloating and constipation.
Easy-to-Make Gukand Recipes
Gulkand is one of the easiest items to include in your diet. We’ve all had our taste of it in paan, but it doesn’t have to be an occasional indulgence. When else can you eat Gulkand? Breakfast, lunch or dinner, here are a few quick and easy recipe ideas to get you started.
- On Toast: A popular breakfast option, Gulkand can be slathered onto toast or parathas as a jam. This also serves as a great snack to satisfy your sweet cravings!
- Gulkand Milkshake: This one is for the kids and those young at heart. Simply add a spoonful of Gulkand to fresh milk, with some honey to whip up this delicious milkshake.
- Gulkand Thandai: Add a dash of your favourite dry fruits and spices to a mixture of milk, crushed ice and grated coconut. With a dollop of Gulkand, grind them all together for a fun summer drink for the family!
Where to Buy Gulkand?
As popular as Gulkand is, it can be purchased everywhere from the local grocery store to a variety of online ones.
Confused about which one to pick? Indic Living stands out from the rest.
Our 100% Organic Rose Gulkand ships in three quantities: 250g, 500g, and 1kg! Wherever you are in India, we will bring you the freshest Gulkand from Daadi Maa’s background.
Bring home some of this rich, flavourful treasure now!
By: Moushumi Mishra