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As the scorching summer heat rolls in, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a chilled, rejuvenating drink to beat the heat and replenish your energy. Mint Gur Sharbat, a delightful and traditional summer beverage, offers the perfect respite from the sweltering sun. This refreshing concoction combines the flavours of fresh mint leaves with the natural sweetness of jaggery (gur) to create a cooling elixir that tantalises the taste buds. Bursting with flavour and packed with essential nutrients, mint gur sharbat is not only a delightful thirst quencher but also a healthful choice. In this article, we will explore the origins and cultural significance of this beloved drink and guide you through the simple steps to prepare it at home, allowing you to savour its cooling goodness throughout the summer season.
Why Should You Drink Mint Gur Sharbat?
Mint and gur (jaggery) each offer their own unique set of health benefits. Let's explore the advantages of both:
Mint:
Mint, with its refreshing taste and invigorating aroma, provides numerous health benefits. Firstly, mint is known to aid digestion. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, promoting efficient digestion and alleviating common digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and gas. Drinking beverages infused with mint, such as Mint Gur Sharbat, can help soothe an upset stomach and promote overall digestive health.
Mint is also renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. The natural compounds present in mint leaves have a soothing effect on the body and mind. Inhaling the aroma of mint or consuming mint-based drinks can help reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. It can promote a sense of tranquillity and improve overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind and relax during the summer months.
Furthermore, mint has been associated with respiratory health benefits. The menthol content in mint leaves helps to clear the respiratory passages, providing relief from congestion, coughs, and colds. The cooling sensation of mint can soothe irritation and promote easier breathing. Incorporating mint into your summer drinks, such as Mint Gur Sharbat, not only enhances the flavour but also supports respiratory well-being.
Gur:
Moving on to gur (jaggery), it is a natural sweetener that offers several health advantages compared to refined sugar. Gur is rich in essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. Iron plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells and helps prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
Magnesium is involved in various enzymatic reactions in the body and contributes to proper muscle and nerve function. Potassium, on the other hand, is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and supporting heart health. By using gur as a sweetener in Mint Gur Sharbat, you can add a touch of sweetness while benefiting from these valuable minerals.
Moreover, gur provides a more sustainable and gradual release of energy compared to refined sugar. It contains complex carbohydrates that are broken down and absorbed more slowly, providing a steady source of energy. This can help prevent sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, supporting sustained energy throughout the day.
How Can You Make Mint Gur Sharbat At Home?
Making mint gur sharabat at home is a simple and delightful process. Here's a step-by-step guide for preparing this refreshing summer drink:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup of fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup gur (jaggery), grated or chopped
• 4 cups of water
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Method:
• Wash the mint leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
• In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the mint leaves and let them simmer for 2–3 minutes. This process, known as blanching, helps extract the flavour and essence of the mint.
• After blanching, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mint-infused water using a fine-mesh sieve or strainer. Discard the mint leaves and let the infused water cool to room temperature.
• In a separate bowl, add the grated or chopped gur (jaggery) along with 1 cup of water. Stir the mixture until the gur dissolves completely. This step helps dissolve the gur and create a smooth syrup.
• Once the mint-infused water has cooled down, combine it with the gur syrup in a large pitcher. Mix well to ensure the gur syrup is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
• If desired, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture and stir to incorporate it. This step adds a tangy twist to the drink, enhancing its flavour.
• Add 1-2 cups of cold water to dilute the sharbat and achieve the desired sweetness and consistency. Adjust the amount of water according to your taste preferences.
• Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill the mint gur sharbat thoroughly. This step allows the flavours to meld together and makes the drink even more refreshing.
• When serving, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled mint gur sharbat over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Stir the sharbat gently before serving to ensure the flavours are well distributed. Serve and enjoy this delightful homemade mint gur sharbat as a cooling beverage on hot summer days.
Note: You can adjust the sweetness and tartness of the mint gur sharbat by adding more or less gur and lemon juice according to your personal preference.
