Sabja Seeds

Sabja seeds or falooda seeds or tukmaria or basil seeds

Sabza seeds is known by the names sabja seeds or falooda seeds or tukmaria or basil seeds.

The seeds look similar like black sesame seeds and are a bit smaller comparatively and you need to soak them in water. 2 minutes of the seeds in water and you can see it absorbing the water and become jelly like. You can eat it as it is with a spoon. While the outer layer will be soft and smooth like jelly, the center will be crunchy like when you eat seeds. They are most commonly used in making falooda, added to sherbets, milkshakes and other drinks. Basil seed does not have taste of their own but they give a good texture to the dish and make it healthy too.

Basil seeds have many health benefits:

• They are cooling and thats why they are added to many cooling drinks like falooda, rooh afza, nimbu pani and sherbets.
• They are good for sore throats, cold and respiratory disorders.
• Very good for digestion especially in a hot climate.
• Basil seeds are a natural laxative which helps to cure constipation that is caused by excess body heat during summer.
• They prevent heartburn and also relieves a bloated stomach which results from incorrect eating habits, also reduces nauseous feeling and controls vomiting.
• It is known to cure for urinary tract problems which are once again normal during peak summer time.
• It is an excellent natural body coolant.
• The seeds have a diuretic action and flush the kidneys.
• Sabja seeds have a calming effect on the brain. They relieve stress, tension, mental fatigue, depression and migraine. They also aid in enhancing the mood.
• Chewing sabja or tukmaria seeds cure mouth ulcers and other infections of the mouth. They also help fight plaque and cavities.

How to use?
Soak them in water for 30 mins. Once they absorb the water, a translucent gelatin like coating is formed around them. Strain and then use these soaked seeds in drinks, coolers, sherbets, ice creams, falooda or kulfis. Remember to add enough water, otherwise the soaked seeds become lumpy when they start swelling.

Try having 1tbsp of sabja seeds this summer for the cool cool effect.