Gond Katira: A natural summer superfood

Gond Katira, also known as Tragacanth gum, is a natural gum obtained from the sap of certain Middle Eastern and Asian legumes. Often found in crystalline or flake form, it has been used in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic remedies for centuries. Though largely tasteless and odorless, Gond Katira turns into a gel-like substance when soaked in water, making it a versatile ingredient in summer drinks and desserts.

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Health benefits 

Natural body coolant

One of Gond Katira’s most well-known benefits is its cooling properties. When consumed in the summer months, it helps regulate body temperature and prevent heat strokes or dehydration.

Hydration boost

Thanks to its high water-absorbing capacity, Gond Katira helps the body stay hydrated, making it a perfect addition to drinks like sharbats, faloodas, and lemonades.

Digestive aid

Gond Katira has mild laxative properties and is known to soothe the digestive system, helping to relieve constipation and bloating.

Energy enhancer

Rich in natural fibers and nutrients, it provides a slow release of energy, keeping you active and refreshed throughout hot summer days.

Skin health

Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin conditions and may contribute to clearer, healthier skin when consumed regularly.

Strengthens immunity

Gond Katira contains antioxidants and essential minerals that help in boosting overall immunity, making it a helpful dietary addition for general wellness.

Why It’s great for summer

• Helps prevent heat exhaustion and sunstroke

• Naturally keeps the body cool and hydrated

• Pairs well with chilled milk, rose syrup, and sabja seeds

• Easy to prepare: just soak overnight and add to your favorite summer drinks

How to use Gond Katira

Soak 1-2 teaspoons of Gond Katira in a glass of water overnight.

By morning, it will swell into a jelly-like substance.

Rinse to remove any impurities, and it's ready to be added to different type of Sharbats

Lemon or rose-based drinks

Gond Katira is a hidden gem when it comes to natural summer remedies. Not only does it help beat the heat, but it also provides several health benefits without any side effects. Easy to prepare and delicious when combined with summer drinks, it’s a refreshing way to stay healthy, cool, and energized during the hottest months of the year.

Here are simple and refreshing recipes using Gond Katira in sharbat, falooda, chilled milk, and lemon/rose-based drinks—ideal for summer:

1. Gond Katira rose sharbat

Ingredients:

1 tsp Gond Katira (soaked overnight)

1 glass chilled water

2 tbsp rose syrup (Rooh Afza or any rose-flavored syrup)

Ice cubes (optional)

Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

Soak Gond Katira in water overnight. It will swell and become jelly-like.

In a glass, add rose syrup, soaked Gond Katira, and chilled water.

Stir well. Add ice cubes if desired.

Garnish with mint leaves and serve cold.

Benefits: Super hydrating and soothing for the stomach!

2. Gond Katira Falooda

Ingredients:

1 tsp Gond Katira (soaked overnight)

1 tbsp falooda sev (cooked and chilled)

1 tsp soaked sabja (basil) seeds

2 tbsp rose syrup or any flavored syrup

1 glass chilled milk

1 scoop vanilla or rose ice cream (optional)

Chopped dry fruits (optional)

Instructions:

In a tall glass, layer rose syrup, soaked Gond Katira, sabja seeds, and falooda sev.

Pour chilled milk slowly.

Top with ice cream and sprinkle dry fruits.

Serve with a spoon and straw for a perfect summer dessert!

Benefits: A delicious and filling cooler packed with energy and hydration.

3. Gond Katira Chilled Milk

Ingredients:

1 tsp Gond Katira (soaked overnight)

1 glass cold milk (boiled and cooled)

1 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

A pinch of cardamom powder

Crushed almonds and pistachios (optional)

Instructions:

Add soaked Gond Katira to a glass.

Pour cold milk over it.

Mix in sugar/honey and cardamom.

Add nuts on top and serve chilled.

Benefits: Nourishing, cooling, and great for digestion.

4. Gond Katira Lemon Drink

Ingredients:

1 tsp Gond Katira (soaked overnight)

1 glass chilled water

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp sugar or honey

A pinch of black salt or cumin powder (optional)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Mix lemon juice, sugar, and water until well combined.

Add soaked Gond Katira and stir gently.

Sprinkle a pinch of black salt or cumin for a tangy twist.

Add ice cubes and serve immediately.

Benefits: Combats heat exhaustion and refreshes instantly!