A perfect thirst quencher and cooler during the hot summer months, kokum juice is a tangy, sweet, robustly flavored digestive drink that doubles up as an exotic drink that you can serve to wow your guests and also as a therapeutic drink with a truckload of health benefits!
Makes 4 large servings:
Dried kokum (garcinia indica) pieces (10-12 small pieces)
Black Pepper corns (I used very little - just 4 peppercorns to minimize the pungency during summer, but you may use more)
Cumin (Jeera) seeds (1/4 tsp)
Pink Himalayan Salt (to taste)
Rock sugar/mishri (to taste)
Water (4 large glasses)
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Immerse kokum pieces in a little warm water for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2
In a pan over medium heat, toast the pepper and cumin until their aromas begin to release and they start to brown slightly (be careful not to burn them).
Step 3
Blend the soaked kokum and toasted spices thoroughly with sufficient water. Then, strain the mixture.
Step 4
Add the rest of the water, sugar, and salt, then adjust the flavors as needed. Optionally, garnish with mint leaves and serve at room temperature.
Tastes (Rasa)
Sweet (sugar), sour (kokum), salty (salt), bitter (cumin), pungent (pepper), astringent (mint leaves)
Doshic Influence
The kokum fruit has many health benefits. It has a high antioxidant content, is great for skin allergies, digestive problems like hyper acidity, constipation, indigestion and flatulence, This kokum juice recipe is balanced with all 6 tastes, uses a small bit of digestive spices, and includes cooling rock sugar/mishri making it a suitable drink for all dosha types, especially for the summer months. Kaphas need to watch the amount of sugar they use for this recipe, but otherwise, it is good for them as well. You may use jaggery too. All the ingredients like kokum, and the spices are predominantly vata and kapha balancing. The addition of rock sugar/mishri makes this recipe pitta balancing.
Effects on the Mind (Gunas)
This is a sattvic recipe due to its mild, nourishing and satiating flavors and effects on the mind and body.