Gulkand (Rose Petals Jam) And The Health Benefits Of Gulkand
Homemade Gulkand
Homemade Gulkand
About Gulkand (Rose Petals Jam)
"Gul" means rose and "kand" means sweet.
Thus, Gulkand is a sweet preserve made of rose petals. It can be called Rose Petals Jam as well. Gulkand is native to India and Pakistan. It is an Ayurvedic tonic and a delicious and healthy food that can easily be prepared at home.
Gulkand is one of the ingredients used in Paan - the traditional Indian mouth freshener and digestive. It is a fact that, like wine, it becomes better as it ages.
Traditionally, gulkand is made from the rose petals of the desi or the wild rose plant. However, due the predominance of the hybrid rose varieties, it is diificult to find the desi variety everywhere. Not to worry, it can be made from the hybrid variety of roses too. But the traditional one is the best.
The flowers of the wild roses are red or pink and neither as big nor as showy as the hybrids though they exude a unique smell which is deep and sweet.
Rose petals being separated for making gulkand
Method To Make Gulkand At Home
Making gulkand at home is not difficult at all. Just ensure the roses are pesticide free or organic. If you cannot get the desi variety of roses you can use the hybrid roses. Use only dark red or pink roses for their petals. Also, ensure the petals are fresh and tender.
Ingredients
1 part Rose Petals, washed and dried overnight.
1 part Granular sugar or candy sugar.
1 sterilized and dry wide mouthed glass jar with lid.
Method
Put a layer of petals about an inch thick and top it with equal quantity (by weight) of granulated sugar.
Keep adding a layer each of rose petals and sugar, till the jar is full.
Close the lid tight and keep the jar in full sun. In the evening keep the jar inside.
Every morning keep the jar in full sun the whole day and take it inside in the evening. Shake the jar well once a day.
Carry on this process for a week to two weeks till the entire mixture has become one mass with a corresponding darkening of color.
Since the rose petals disintegrate due to heat, the amount of time in which gulkand gets ready will depend on the how strong the sunlight is.
In colder areas with weak sunlight, pounding the rose leaves before putting them in the jar will help disintegrate the petals faster and complete the process sooner.
Note - Optional Additions
"Vark" or thin edible silver leaves found at Indian grocers.
Praval pishti - processed coral, which is a heart and brain tonic.
Cardamom powder - good for urinary, respiratory and stomach problems.
Godanti Bhasma - a natural form of calcium
Added to increase the benefits of Gulkand.
Health Benefits Of Gulkand
Gulkand is cooling so is beneficial in alleviating all heat related problems like tiredness, lethargy, itching, aches and pains, reduces burning sensations in the soles and palms.
It treats mouth ulcers, makes teeth and gums strong and also reduces redness and inflammation of the eyes.
It reduces women's problems like leucorrhea and heavy menses.
It improves appetite, betters digestion, corrects digestive issues.
It is an excellent tonic, reduces stress, strengthens the heart, liver and central nervous system.
Gulkand reduces acidity and reduces heat in the stomach, treats ulcers and swelling in the intestine.
It corrects skin issues like pimples, blemishes etc.
It corrects sperm defects in males like less or weak sperms.
It protects from sunstroke, controls nose bleed in summer. Eat 2 tsp gulkand before going out in the sun.
It is a mild laxative and strengthens the 7 dhatus (fundamental elements or tissues, namely, plasma, blood, muscles, fat, semen, bone and bone marrow) of the body.
Normal dose of gulkand is 1 tsp 2 times a day, morning and evening.
Gulkand can be taken on its own or added to milk, lassi or juices. It can also be added to rose tea.
However, since it contains sugar, those with diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming it.
