|April 12, 2023

JAL JEERA - INDIA'S TASTIEST AND HEALTHIEST WELCOME DRINK

Jal Jeera is the most loved and healthy summer drink in India. In Hindi, Jal Jeera translates to 'water' (Jal) and 'cumin' (jeera). However, this delicious concoction is more than just a simple combination of cumin and water. It's much more than that!

As soon as the Indian summer arrives, you'll see handcarts selling chilled Jal Jeera water. You'll often spot them lined up alongside streets and corners with a bustling crowd in front of each cart, quenching their thirst. 

Jaljeera is popular in northern India because it has excellent cooling properties against the severely high summer temperatures of the region. It is usually served as an appetizer before a meal. But you can also drink it between meals. Some variants of Jal Jeera do not involve any added sugar.

Jal Jeera is stored in a large matka wrapped with a cloth. This keeps it cool. It is usually served after garnishing it with the following: 

  • Mint
  • Coriander leaves
  • Boondi and
  • Masala

It is very refreshing and rejuvenates you with an instant burst of energy. Although cumin might be one of the essential ingredients of this spiced beverage, you should not confuse it with just plain cumin water. Jal Jeera is essentially a type of lemonade, spiced with a combination of: 

  • Jal Jeera powder (Roasted cumin powder)
  • Ginger powder
  • Herbs like coriander and mint
  • Garam masala
  • Chili powder
  • Pepper 
  • Black Salt

You can even use a bit of tamarind or dry mango powder to give the beverage a slightly sour flavor.

Jal jeera is very popular in the northern parts of the country. It's because of its cooling effect on the body. 

Origins of Jal Jeera

Jaljeera has a very long history. It originated on the banks of the river Ganga. During old times, people ground jaljeera powder on stone slabs. They stored Jal Jeera in clay pots. Jal Jeera is still a standard drink at most Indian family or social events.

It is said that Jal Jeera was created by a group living on the river Ganga's banks. They prepared it by grinding all the ingredients on stone slabs (called "silla-batti" in Hindi). They then mixed the jal jeera powder with water. It was preserved in clay pots to keep it cool. 

Jal Jeera is traditionally served as a welcome drink in summer. It also activates your taste buds and digestive juices. Consuming it before a meal is also beneficial as it can build your appetite. 

Cumin (Jeera) is a medicinal ingredient that aids digestion. Black Salt or rock salt acts as a digestive. The mint has a cooling effect.

Here are some more jaljeera benefits when you drink Jal Jeera regularly, especially during hot weather:

  • Helps digestion The rock salt or black Salt added in Jal Jeera is a good digestive. Cumin also boosts the digestive processes. It gives relief from intestinal gas, acidity, and heart burns.
  • Keeps you hydrated and keeps your body cool This thirst quencher is excellent for keeping you hydrated on a hot and sultry day. The fresh mint and coriander leaves added to Jal Jeera regulate your body temperature. The drink cools your body.
  • A healthy alternative to aerated drinksInstead of consuming high-calorie, carbonated, aerated beverages, drinking natural, low-calorie Jal Jeera keeps your energy levels high throughout the day.
  • Soothes the abdomen Ginger, or ginger powder used in Jal Jeera is an excellent remedy for nausea that you may experience due to intense summer heat. It also helps in curing abdominal cramps due to indigestion.

According to nutritionists, Jal jeera works wonders for regulating your digestion. As you sip the beverage and take in all the spices, it gets easily absorbed into your system via osmosis. It then kills all the microbes. But again, it is high in Salt. So, people with high blood pressure should consume Jal Jeera in moderation.

JAL JEERA - INDIA'S TASTIEST AND HEALTHIEST WELCOME DRINK

Jal Jeera is the most loved and healthy summer drink in India. It is very refreshing and rejuvenates you with an instant burst of energy.

Print Recipe

How to make Jal Jeera at home?

This is a simple jaljeera recipe to make yourself a glass of delicious Jal jeera at home:

  • Prep Time - 10 mins
  • Cook Time - 10 mins
  • Course - Refreshing Indian Drink
  • Cuisine - Indian
  • Servings - 4 people
  • Calories - 35 kcal

Ingredients

  • Bunch of Mint leaves
  • ¾ cup - Coriander leaves
  • ½ tsp - grated Ginger 
  • 2-½ tbsp - Lemon juice
  • 3 tsp - Cumin seeds (powdered and dry roasted)
  • ½ tsp - Black Salt
  • 1 tsp - Mango powder (Amchur Dried)
  • 2 tsp - Sugar
  • ½ tsp - Black pepper powder
  • 1 pinch - Asafetida (Hing)
  • ½ cup - Boondi
  • 4 glass - Chilled water
  • ½ tsp - Salt

Instructions

  1. In a pan, dry-roast the hing (asafetida) till they turn fragrant. Allow it to cool.
  2. In a blender, grind the following: Roasted asafetida, Mint, Ginger and Coriander. Grind them with little water to a paste.
  3. Take four glasses of chilled water in a pitcher. Add the blended paste along with the following: Black Salt, Rock Salt, Table Salt, Mango powder, Sugar and Cumin powder.
  4. Now add lemon juice and stir well. Pass it through a strainer to remove the thick leftovers.
  5. Garnish with boondi and some mint leaves. You can also garnish it with lemon wedges to make it look beautiful.
  6. Serve Chilled!

You can use Alco Food’s Jal Jeera Masala powder to make mouthwatering Jal Jeera instantly, if you’re in a hurry, and don’t have the time to work through all of the above ingredients, steps, and procedures.

Jaljeera is one drink often made at homes across North India, not just in summer but throughout the year. Most people usually have it after dinner. Many households prepare jaljeera powder and store it for the entire summer. In India, it's usually given to people returning home after work. It's typically served chilled to both residents and even guests at times.

FAQS ON JAL JEERA

Why do people drink Jaljeera?
Can you drink Jaljeera every day?
What is Jaljeera powder made of?
Is Jaljeera a rich source of iron?
Is jeera water good or bad for the liver?