Kale Angoor Ka Sharbat – Black grape drink

Kale Angoor Ka Sharbat - Black grape drink is a refreshing beverage and very popular during summer to beat the scorching heat in India. This delightful tangy and distinct-tasting drink is very popular for its cooling, refreshing and soothing properties.

Kale Angoor Ka Sharbat - Black grape drink is an excellent and satisfying thirst quencher beverage, that has delightful tangy and distinct-tasting flavor. This attractive refreshment is a healthy substitute to carbonated and caffeinated drinks.

Grapes are considered the ‘queen of fruits’ and are a storehouse of numerous health promoting phyto-nutrients such as poly-phenolic antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. Grapes are native to Europe and Mediterranean regions. They were introduced in India by Persian invaders back in 1300 AD. Grapes are cultivated in the lush green farms across states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Nashik in Maharashtra is known as the grape capital of India and ranks high in grape cultivation across the world.

Origin of Sharbat in India

The word Sharbat is derived from the Persian word Sherbat, which is an iced fruit drink, iced desserts were introduced to the West via the Middle East. In the late 20th century there was a revival of the practice of serving a tart sherbet or sorbet between the courses of an elaborate meal to refresh the palate.

Benefits of Black Grapes

All kinds of grapes are nutritious, rich in vitamins C and K. Their antioxidant nature may help you reduce inflammation and boost immunity. They are a perfect go-to fruit to beat the heat and can keep you healthy by providing the daily value of nutrients.

Some varieties of black grapes are much higher in antioxidants than green or red grapes. These chemical compounds help protect your cells from damage. They are believed to help protect against diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and heart disease. They can also help you recover from illness faster.

Resveratrol, an antioxidant contained in grapes, is believed to offer exceptional protection for the heart and brain. It is also known to help the body fight cancer, viruses, and inflammation.

Black grapes are 82 percent water, which keeps them low in calories despite being high in natural sugars. All that water is filling and hydrating for the body. In other words, grapes are sweet but still low-calorie and fat-free.

Ingredients for Kale Angoor Ka Sharbat – Black grape drink

Black grape juice: Grape juice is easy to make and can be prepared at home by extracting juice from the crushed pulp using a juicer and then straining it out. However, I prefer to use a quick and easy alternative - packaged grape juice easily available in the supermarkets ;-)

Cumin Seeds: Cumin known as Jeera in Hindi, these thin, long and striped green-brown seeds have a warm, earthy aroma and have flavor similar to Anise. This popular spice is believed to help stimulate digestion, regulate intestinal flora and help purify the blood.

Carom Seeds: Carom seeds are known as Ajwain in Hindi. These tiny seeds with thyme-like aroma are reminiscent of cumin seeds in appearance. They are used for their antiseptic and blood purifying properties in the Indian kitchen.

Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds are known as Saunf in Hindi. These tiny green seeds lend a licorice-like aroma to the drink. This spice is known to help calm nerves and strengthen digestion.

Black Salt: Black Salt is known as Kala Namak in Hindi. It is pinkish or purplish colored salt whose mineral properties give it its distinctive flavor and pungent aroma.

Tamarind Pulp: Tamarind is India's secret weapon, widely used throughout India as a souring agent called "imli". Tamarind has a sour slightly tart taste, but as the fruit ripens it becomes sweeter and less acidic.

Tamarind has antibacterial properties and can help with fever, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, burns, colds as well as skin problems.

Tamarind is available in several different forms: as whole ripe pods, which you can shell, soak, and push through a sieve to remove the seeds and fibers or as concentrate sold in jars or bottles easily available in Indian grocery stores.

Storage Suggestions

This refreshing drink is best when enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Be sure to give it a good shake before serving, as the spice blend tends to settle at the bottom.

Ingredients for 4 People

• ¾ tsp Jeera (Cumin seeds)

• ½ tsp Ajwain (Carom seeds)

• 1 tsp Saunf (Fennel seeds)

• 1 tbsp Kala Namak (Black salt)

• 800 ml Black grape juice

• 1½ tbsps Tamarind pulp

• Crushed ice

Instructions

Place a shallow pan over medium heat, add cumin seeds, carom seeds and fennel seeds, and roast for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove the spices from the pan and let them cool.

Once the roasted spices have cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder. Add black salt and grind to a fine powder.

Pour the black grape juice into a jug; add tamarind pulp and the ground spices and stir well.

Add crushed ice into individual glasses and pour Kale Angoor Ka Sharbat and garnish with a spring of fresh mint.

Serve and enjoy chilled Kale Angoor Ka Sharbat.

Tips

• You can also prepare it a few hours before serving. Chill it and then serve over crushed ice.

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