Basil Seeds (Subja)

(Ocimum cannum Sims)

$9

Basil seeds belong to the sweet basil plant, of the Basil family. In India, basil seeds are known as Sabja seeds and other names like tukhamaria, takmaria or falooda. Sometime referred to as 'hairy basil' or 'Thai basil' the seeds of this variety are collected to use in Asian desserts for their mucilaginous quality. The jelly-like texture of basil seeds is cooling in nature and also good for digestion. they are anti-oxidant and anti viral.  

RECIPE

HOT DAY LEMONADE

This lemonade is a quick and ideal beverage for summers specially to prevent dehydration in the body. This healthy drink does not cost much and is quick to make. Every country has its own variation of lemonade and this is made with Indian spices which are digestive in nature like roasted cumin powder and chaat masala powder, hence the drink is spiced. Instead of sugar we have added powdered jaggery. hence the color is golden.

  • 3.5 cups of water - chilled or at room temperature
  • 2 medium sized lemons
  • ½ tbsp of sabja or basil seeds soaked in ¾ cup water
  • organic sugar or powdered jaggery as required
  • ¼ or ½ tsp of rock salt or black salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper powder (optional)
  • ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
  • ½ or 1 tsp chaat masala powder
  • few mint leaves for garnishing
  • Ice cubes

Soak the sabja/basil seeds in ¾ cup of water for half an hour.

In a bowl add 3.5 cups water.

Halve the lemons and squeeze the lemon juice into the water. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin and chaat masala powder. add sugar or jaggery as required.

Stir well. drain the soaked sabja seeds and add soaked sabja seeds as required. The leftover soaked basil seeds can be kept in the fridge and used for another drink. Add few ice cubes and serve in tall glasses garnished with mint leaves.

Other Common Names: Subja 

Botanical Name:  (Ocimum cannum Sims) 

Health Benefits: As seedlings, basil seeds provide concentrated nutrition and fiber required by the plant for growth, including carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fat which help promote weight loss, and may be beneficial to overall wellness. They are considered helpful in reducing flatulence, cramping, indigestion, and irregularity. The seeds are commonly used to provide relief of respiratory disorders, and have mood enhancing properties. Basil seeds also have antibacterial properties and can be used topically and internally to aid in healing infections.

Botanical Name (Ocimum cannum Sims)
Common Names Subja
Flavor None significant
Contains Thai basil seeds
Application To contribute a jelly-like element to a dish, especially Asian desserts.