wisdom

Sharbat is a favorite drink in India, that typically consists of an herbal or fruit-based syrup. The syrup is kept refrigerated and served with either regular or carbonated water for a refreshment any time of day. The thickness of the syrup becomes a channel for the herbs to be absorbed into the tissues and delivery of the medicinal qualities.

This sharbat is made with bilva fruit. The Bilva fruit is referenced in Vedic texts and the tree is said to have the essence of light. The fruit helps with digestion, is anti-inflammatory, is high in antioxidants, and is hydrating.

The drink has "umami" qualities, and is an experience in layers of taste. Ayurvedic practice emphasizes the use of all 6 tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, astringent, salty) in every meal or drink in order to balance their healing effects. Therefore, we use unique ingredients to achieve this balance.

This popular drink is served in many Indian households to cool, calm and refresh during the hot summer months. We have added some basic elements to customize it for the mid-season between summer and fall, creating a more warming baseline.

Here is the recipe, or you can watch the fun demonstration with Kosa Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Tanya Anderson, Kosa Kitchen Founder, Lalita Sankaran, and Kosa Founder, Shilpa Sankaran.

Ingredients

1 c. filtered water + 3 tbsp

3/4 cup natural sugar (jaggery* or coconut sugar) + extra for garnish

2 tsp Bilva powder*

2 tsp Chaat Masala*

3 tsp Amchoor Powder (mango powder)*

2 tsp pink himalayan salt*

lime and mint for garnish

*available at Pure Indian Foods

PREPARATION

Dissolve the sugar in water on medium heat to create the simple syrup. Bring to low, gentle boil for 1-2 minutes , then remove from heat.

Whisk Bilva Powder with 3 tsp warm water to dissolve. Mix into a smooth, watery paste.

Add Bilva mixture to syrup and whisk until completely incorporated.

Add salt, amchoor, chaat masala.

Refrigerate 1 or more hours.

SERVE

Rub lime on rim of an 8 oz glass, and dip into coconut sugar. Muddle mint with lime in bottom of glass. Add 1oz sharbat and top with filtered or carbonated water. Enjoy!