Pink tea, which translates to ‘gulabi chai’, is a Kashmiri beverage perfect for the winters. It is also called ‘noon tea’ where noon means salt in the Kashmiri language. Kashmiri tea and ‘shir chai’ are the other names for this drink. The Kashmir Valley is its place of origin; however, it is also quite popular among Tibetans and across northern India. This pink drink is an integral part of Kashmiri breakfast and supper, and it is often garnished with chopped almonds and pistachios and savoured with different types of bread. In Pakistan, the noon chai is served with sugar and nuts and consumed in winter and on special occasions. Pink Kashmiri tea looks interesting, tastes amazing, and helps you stay in the pink of health! Here we tell you the Kashmiri noon chai recipe and the health benefits of consuming this traditional beverage of Kashmir.
Pink Tea Ingredients and Recipe
Kashmiri noon chai is traditionally prepared using a type of green tea leaves, milk, salt, and baking soda. Usually, pink tea is cooked in a samovar, a metallic container that originated in Russia and is traditionally used to heat and boil water. Are you wondering why the Kashmir tea is pink in colour? Well, baking soda gives it the distinct pink colour. The reaction between the gunpowder tea and soda, at a high temperature, results in the drink turning deep red or maroon. When milk is added, the tea turns pink.
To prepare Kashmiri noon tea, water is boiled, then tea leaves or tea powder is added to this water, and the mixture is simmered for a minute. Then, a pinch of baking soda is added and the drink is stirred. Next, some more water along with cardamom powder is added, and the mixture is boiled until it turns dark pink or red. This process is repeated by cooling the mixture and reboiling it, which gives a deep red colour to the beverage. Next, the flame is reduced and milk is added, after which the tea starts turning pink in colour. This mixture is brought to a boil, salt is added, and the tea is served warm.
Health Benefits of Kashmiri Pink Tea
Kashmiri traditional noon chai benefits the health in several ways. It is advisable to consume pink tea twice daily to reap the maximum advantages of this beverage. It is a soothing drink that provides warmth during the cold and is a refreshing drink for the summers. Apples, cinnamon, and honey can be added to this tea to enhance the taste and also improve its health quotient. Here’s more on the benefits of Kashmiri pink chai.
- The vitamin C content of pink tea helps boost immunity
- Consuming pink tea helps in weight loss. Polyphenols in the tea lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and aid in burning fat. The soluble fibre in the drink as well as ingredients such as honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon are helpful for weight loss.
- Malic acid in apples helps improve digestion, and the sodium bicarbonate contained in the noon chai further promotes digestive health
- Pink tea is said to relieve constipation
- Cardamom and baking soda in the pink tea help prevent heartburn and bloating
- Magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and sodium also help strengthen the bones
- It is said to help reduce stress and anxiety due to L-theanine, an amino acid component present in Kashmiri noon chai, thus it proves to be a mood booster
- Pink tea is good for the heart and it is said to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Consuming pink tea can help regulate blood sugar levels. This is due to the natural sugars in the form of fructose, antioxidants, and other healthy compounds present in this Kashmiri beverage.
- Kashmiri gulabi chai is low in calories, which is why it is a healthy drink
- It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties; hence, it is good for the skin.
Nowadays, you can get Kashmiri pink tea in the form of an instant mix. The instant tea comes as a tea powder infused with spices and is sold under various brands. The tea mixes come in different flavours and in sweetened and unsweetened variants. Mostly, hot water or warm milk has to be added to the tea mix to get the pink tea ready.
This rich, creamy drink with a sweet fragrance, which is also offers health benefits, can be enjoyed any time of the day. Thus, the Kashmiri traditional noon chai is indeed a great addition to your daily menu.
