12 Incredible Health Benefits of Kahwa Kashmiri Tea, Recipe And Side Effects – You Can Not Miss
When you hear the name Kashmir, what images spring to your mind? In my mind, I always picture the same place in the snow with a cup of hot beverage in hand, admiring the beauty.
To remember this beautiful place, I always make myself a hot cup of Kahwa, the local traditional tea. The benefits of Kahwa are numerous.
Kashmir is well-known not just for its beauty, but also for its cuisines. Everything about it is delicious, rich, and unique-its curries, drinks, and desserts. Kashmiri beverages are just as quintessentially complex as the delicacies, but they are also surprisingly simple at the same time.
If you ask me about my first time trying it, I would say that the best kahwa tea I’ve had is in Kashmir. A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure to visit Kashmir. There, I had the opportunity to try out the best Kashmiri kahwa.
Do you know there are several benefits of kahwa? No!
Then let’s get started without wasting time.
A popular beverage in Kashmir, it keeps people warm during the severe winter months by keeping their bodies warm. A fresh blend of ingredients such as kesar and whole spices brings instant relief from the spine-chilling weather outside. Despite its popularity in winter, you can make it any time of year. Try this Kahwa Tea once in a while to change up your usual tea routine.
Kahwa Tea: What Is It?
Kashmiri Kahwa or Kehwa Chai is a traditional tea infused with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron. Green tea with spices is essentially what it is. Dry fruits are often added to this tea drink, most commonly almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, dates, raisins, cherry pistachios, or cashew nuts (which are traditionally popular).
Adding different types of dry fruits allows the drink to be made differently. There are some people who prefer their brew with additional ingredients like dried cherries, apples, and apricots. There are several benefits of kahwa.
Additionally, these additional ingredients not only enrich the taste of the brew but also enhance its texture. The benefits of kahwa are numerous. Thus, it is an excellent addition to our diet and lifestyle.
The Fascinating Origin Story
Let’s understand where kahwa tea comes from and how this beverage emerged as such a popular beverage not only among Kashmiris, but also among Bangladeshis, Afghans, and residents of other Central Asian countries. In fact, the word “kahwa” itself comes from Arabic, which is why it is often referred to as Arabic kahwa.
The origins of Kashmiri tea are traced further back in history to Tibet, through which Kashmiris used to get their special tea from China.
The origin of Kahwa tea leaves has been attributed to the Spice Route, but some scholars claim it can be traced back to the Yarkand valley during the Kushan Empire, during the first and second centuries AD.
The origins of Kahwa are still unresolved, but it has become Kashmir’s trademark beverage and is often referred to as “magic tea“. Well, it’s only logical that heaven on earth would be home to magic tea, isn’t it?
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Health Benefits of Kahwa
Do you know the incredible health benefits of kahwa? Let’s read it.
1. Digestion:
It improves your digestive process. As it aids in digestion and burns fat, it is typically served after meals in Kashmiri households.
2. Improved Heart Health:
Keeps cholesterol from building up in the body, thus minimizing the risk of heart disease.
3. Energy:
Whether you’re suffering from an afternoon slump or anticipating a long work day, a cup of kahwa has got you covered. If you drink it before working out, it has the potential to boost your performance.
4. Boosts Immunity:
With vitamin B12, saffron in kahwa strengthens the immune system and helps the body’s defense mechanism stay in check.
5. Boosts Metabolism:
Due to its rich antioxidant content, green tea is a great stress buster. It is an energy booster that helps in boosting metabolism. It helps you keep active.
6. Remedy For Common Cold:
The herbs help in treating colds and coughs too. Home-made remedies like this can cure coughs and keep you warm from within.
7. Anti Aging Properties:
Your skin will benefit from the antioxidants found in this tea. Antioxidants help keep the skin looking young and healthy. By drinking this tea, the system will be cleansed from the inside out.
8. Sniffles:
Warming properties are associated with the spice ingredients. If you’re facing tough days during winter or flu season, keep yourself and your home well supplied with kahwa. Watch your nose and throat clear up when you have a blocked nose or feel unwell by snipping away kahwa.
9. Relaxation:
You’ll feel relaxed immediately after inhaling the aroma of Kahwa, and it’s also the perfect tea for winding down. Kahwa is a bonding agent for you and those around you. The perfect end to a stressful day is a relaxing cup of kahwa and a friendly chat.
10. Kahwa For Weight Loss:
Weight loss is another benefit of Kashmiri Kahwa. You will be able to lose the extra kilos easily as it burns fat fast.
11. Skin And Hair:
The properties of kahwa are great for the skin and hair.
12. Stress Relieve:
It also relieves stress. Kahwa makes you feel relaxed and calms anxiety. Kahwa is perfect for reducing stress.
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Types Of Kashmiri Kahwa Tea
Kahwas can be found in different parts of Kashmir and are different in style. I enjoyed a green tea and almond one in Gulmarg, for example. In Srinagar, I had the one that had saffron and honey. Kahwa has the advantage of being totally customizable, both in terms of mix and proportions, as well as health considerations. This is just like the tea we drink every day at home.
Also, you get kahwa tea in two types — one is Loose Leaf Green Tea and the other one is Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea in powdered format.
- Loose Leaf Green Tea Kahwa Mixture: Enhanced with cinnamon sticks and crushed cardamom, cloves, saffron strands and rose petals, this is a high-quality green tea. The tea is beneficial for skin health. You can prepare Kahwa by mixing this loose mixture and sieving it. You have to add sugar separately later the same way we make regular tea.
2. Kashmiri Powdered Kahwa: The main difference is that this one places a greater emphasis on green tea. The green tea leaves used are of a finer quality and in powdered format. The cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves, saffron strands, rose petals and sugar – all are mixed here in powdered format. If you are using this powdered kahwa, the process will be easier. You have to boil the water and then you need to add the powdered kahwa and it is ready to serve.
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Know These Ingredients Of Kahwa
Cardamom –
It is an Indian spice that is native to Kerala. The natural sweetness of this spice makes it well suited for use in Indian sweets and savory dishes. Because of its diuretic properties, cardamom lowers blood pressure while aiding in weight loss. A key component of cardamom is its antioxidant properties. This prevents cell damage and inflammation in the body. Cardamom also has a number of health benefits that are less recognized, including the treatment of tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and sore muscles. It increases the health benefits of kahwa as well.
Cinnamon –
Herbs like this have been around for over a thousand years. You can use it in cooking and baking because it is a delicious spice. It increases the health benefits of kahwa. Science has discovered that it has valuable medicinal properties. Its antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, protect the body from damage. Additionally, cinnamon is anti-inflammatory too. Known to lower blood sugar levels, cinnamon can improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin.
Cloves –
Syzygium aromaticum is another name for it. These are flower buds that grow on the clove tree. The powdered form or whole form of this spice is used in roasts and hot beverages to season them. It increases the health benefits of kahwa as well. This spice may have some potential health benefits: Cloves contain antioxidants such as eugenol and vitamin C, both of which are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress. Microorganisms such as bacteria cannot grow on them because it has antimicrobial properties. Clove benefits oral health too.
Almonds –
Besides fiber and protein, it contains magnesium, vitamin E, and healthy fats. Consuming almonds regularly helps lower blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Consuming almonds also reduces hunger and promotes weight loss. It adds a delicate taste and increases the health benefits of kahwa as well.
Saffron –
From the flower of the Crocus sativus, also known as the saffron crocus, this spice is harvested as some of the most expensive spices in the world. Its medicinal properties made saffron a popular spice in ancient Greece.
To preserve its original characteristics, all the stigmas of the flowers are delicately handpicked. Saffron helps to increase the benefits of kahwa. There is evidence that saffron boosts libido, boosts mood, improves memory, as well as relieves PMS pain.
How To Make Kahwa?
The traditional method of preparing Kashmiri kahwa uses a copper kettle called a samovar. As the name implies, a samovar is essentially a fire container with a cavity in the middle where live coals are arranged to ensure the tea remains hot. There is a container around a fire that boils water and is surrounded by tea leaves and other ingredients.
Kahwah can also be prepared using regular pots and vessels if you do not possess a samovar. At home, you can easily prepare Kashmiri kahwa tea. There are several benefits of kahwa. To make it, you only need some Kashmiri kahwa tea leaves or Kashmiri kahwa tea bags or powdered Kahwa.
Buy Kashmiri Kahwa online
For kahwa, you can also check your local stores, but I usually buy these below Kashmiri kahwa. Buy it online:
- Okayti Immunity Booster Kashmiri Kahwa Tea
- Pure Herbs Green Tea Kashmiri Kahwa
- Girnar Green Tea Desi Kahwa
You can also buy Girnar Green Tea leaves which are used in making Kahwa. I have tried different flavors of Grinar Green Tea. You can try the below options:
Ingredients such as saffron and whole spices form the base for the beverage. To make it at home, refer to the recipe of kahwa below for step-by-step instructions.
You can buy instant kahwa mix in powdered format. I used the below instant mix kahwa brands.
Tips And Tricks Of Making Kashmiri Kahwa
- When preparing Kahwa, keep in mind not to add leaves while the flame is on. Turn off the flame when the water has come to a boil with spices and saffron. The tea leaves should be added after the water has rested for a couple of seconds.
- Do not skip this covering with the lid step. Once the tea has been infused for one minute, strain it immediately to prevent it from becoming bitter.
Why Is It So Popular?
The answer is simple as there are multiple benefits of kahwa. It has plenty of good sides, it is easy to make and almost all ingredients can be easily found in your kitchen pantry. Kahwa is also used as welcome drink in Kashmir.
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Excess Of Anything Is Bad
It doesn’t matter how many positive qualities something possesses, excess of anything can be unhealthy. In Kashmiri Kahwa tea, there is a moderate amount of caffeine. In comparison to most other green teas, its caffeine content is higher. This is why migraine sufferers or people suffering from extreme anxiety may not benefit from it. It may worsen their condition if they consume Kahwa in extreme quantities.
Another thing to consider is the presence of saffron and cinnamon. Saffron and cinnamon might be beneficial for people in cold regions like Kashmir but consuming it in excess quantities, especially by people in warmer regions is unhealthy.
Though there are several benefits of kahwa, consuming excessive saffron can cause poisoning, dizziness and vomiting. Taking large amounts of saffron and cinnamon also may cause bleeding from the nose, bloody diarrhoea and other serious side effects.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Can we drink Kahwa in summer?
Yes! There’s nothing better than Kashmiri Kahwa brews any time of year! Despite being a warm beverage, it makes a great summer beverage too. Wondering why? Summertime is the time of year when digestive problems occur a lot, and this is a natural way to relieve stress.
2. Would it be okay to drink Kahwa at night?
Yes, it is. You can greatly benefit from sipping a hot cup of Kahwa in the evenings, especially if you have trouble falling asleep. It can be soothing. Moreover, it helps the body naturally detoxify itself by eliminating free radicals and impurities produced by the liver.
3. Can I use sugar instead of honey?
I would recommend not to. Sugar is not a good option to add to a beverage known for its medicinal properties. But remember, the sugar is already added in the powdered Kahwa available in the market.
What Are Some Other Interesting Kahwa Flavors?
Apart from the healthy benefits of kahwa, there is an important part ‘the flavor of kahwa’! Some of the flavors are Shahi kahwa, Afghani kahwa, Kesar kahwa, Kashmiri kahwa with milk, saffron Kashmiri kahwa, etc.
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Conclusion
The experience of drinking kahwa in Kashmir, the feeling of enjoying the desi kahwa is unmatchable but you can make it at home until you visit Kashmir. For those who do not know how to make Kashmiri kahwa, the recipe for Kashmiri kahwa (that I shared) is simple and easy to follow. I can’t for you readers to try out this Kashmiri tea kahwa recipe.
Don’t ignore the benefits of kahwa!
As a natural remedy for digestion problems and to relieve stress after a long day at work, Kashmiri Kahwa has become very popular worldwide. The health benefits of kahwa and the anti-inflammatory properties of Kahwa account for its immense popularity. Kashmiri Kahwa has not only amazing taste but is also one of mankind’s most rejuvenating drinks.
Health Benefits Of Kashmiri Kahwa And Full Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Sieve
- Spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea Leaves
- 2 Inch Crushed Cinnamon
- A Few Strands Saffron
- 8 Pieces Cloves
- 8 Pieces Cardamoms, Slightly Crushed
- ¼ tsp Finely Crushed Almond Or Almond Powder (Optional)
- 4 Cup Water
- 4-6 tsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Almond And Pistachio
NOTE – You can also use ready to mix powdered Kahwa available in the market.
Instructions
Here’s the kahwa tea recipe:
- Take a pan. Pour 4 cups of water and heat it.
- Mix cinnamon, saffron, cloves, and cardamoms.
NOTE – Don’t mix all the saffron strands. Add a few strands of saffron and keep the remaining strands separately.
- Now, add the Kashmiri green tea leaves. Let it boil for 2 more minutes.
- Now, switch off the flame.
- Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes so that the taste and essence of green tea infuse well.
NOTE – Covering the lid is an important step. By doing so, it makes sure the nutrition in the tea is preserved and its taste is not compromised.
- Meanwhile, slice the almond and pistachio with the help of a knife.
- Now, uncover the lid. Drizzle honey on top to sweeten.
- Now, strain the tea with the help of a sieve and pour it into 4 separate cups.
- Lastly, add the chopped almonds and pistachios at the end. Finally, mix the saffron strands and serve them.
Making Of Kahwa With Powdered Mixture – If you are using powdered ready to make kahwa, you just need to add 1 cup of powder kahwa to the 1 cup of boiled water. Even, there is no need of adding sugar with the liquid mixture as the sugar is already mixed with the powder kahwa. Lastly add some chopped almond with it.
NOTES
- When preparing Kahwa, keep in mind not to add leaves while the flame is on. Turn off the flame when the water has come to a boil with spices and saffron. The tea leaves should be added after the water has rested for a couple of seconds.
- Do not skip this covering with the lid step. Once the tea has been infused for one minute, strain it immediately to prevent it from becoming bitter.
