Traditional Tamil Nadu drink — Banana flower juice — iron-rich, prescribed for anaemia.
Ingredients
- banana flower juice
- 4 cups water
- Jaggery or honey to taste
- Spices as needed
Method
About this drink: South India has a wonderful tradition of functional beverages — designed to cool the body, aid digestion or boost immunity. This version features banana flower juice. Traditional Tamil Nadu recipe. Banana flower juice — iron-rich, prescribed for anaemia
Prepare banana flower juice: Finely chop banana flower. Blend with water. Strain through muslin cloth.
Sweetener: Traditional South Indian drinks use palm jaggery, rock candy or regular sugar. Dissolve sweetener in 2 tablespoons warm water.
Blend or mix: Blend all components until smooth and homogeneous.
Add spice: Add traditional South Indian drink spices — dried ginger, cardamom, fennel seeds, pepper or medicinal herbs as appropriate.
Strain: Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
Add ice or chill: Add ice cubes or refrigerate 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust: Adjust sweetness, spice and consistency.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint, cardamom powder or a pinch of saffron.
Serve: Most South Indian drinks can be stored as concentrates in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.