What is gulkand, flavoured rose petals? Glossary | Benefits, Uses, Recipes with gulkand, flavoured rose petals |

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गूलकंद क्या है ? ग्लॉसरी, इसका उपयोग, स्वास्थ्य के लिए लाभ, रेसिपी हिन्दी में पढ़ें

ગુલકંદ, સ્વાદવાળી ગુલાબની પાંખડીઓ શું છે? ગુલકંદ નો ઉપયોગ , રેસિપી ( Gulkand in Gujrati) ગુજરાતી માં વાંચો

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What is gulkand, flavoured rose petals? uses, recipes

Culinary uses uses of gulkand, flavoured rose petals

What is gulkand, flavoured rose petals? uses, recipes

Gulkand is a traditional Indian sweet preserve made from rose petals and sugar. The word itself is derived from Persian, where "Gul" means flower (specifically rose) and "Kand" means sweet. This thick, jam-like delicacy is renowned for its distinctive flavor, rich aroma, and particularly its cooling properties, making it a cherished item in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani.

The preparation of Gulkand is a slow and meticulous process that enhances its flavor and medicinal properties. Traditionally, fresh, fragrant pink rose petals (often from Damask roses) are layered with sugar in a glass jar. This mixture is then sun-dried for several weeks, allowing the sugar to draw out the moisture from the petals and create a luscious, syrupy consistency. Some variations might include added spices like cardamom or fennel seeds for an extra layer of flavor. While traditional methods rely on sun-drying, modern adaptations sometimes involve slow cooking the petals with sugar to expedite the process.

In the Indian context, Gulkand is far more than just a sweet treat; it's deeply interwoven with cultural practices and wellness traditions. One of its most popular uses is as a key ingredient in paan, where it adds a sweet, floral note to the betel leaf preparation. Beyond paan, Gulkand is often enjoyed on its own, a spoonful after meals, or incorporated into various culinary delights. It's used to flavor milkshakes, lassis (yogurt-based drinks), ice creams, desserts like kheer, and even as a filling for parathas (flatbreads).

Across India, Gulkand is widely consumed for its purported health benefits, especially its cooling effect. In Ayurveda, it's considered excellent for pacifying Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat in the body. It's believed to help alleviate heat-related issues like acidity, heartburn, nosebleeds, and excessive sweating, making it a popular summer remedy. Its antioxidant properties, derived from the rose petals, are said to promote overall well-being, improve skin health, and even aid in digestion by acting as a mild laxative.

Beyond its cooling and digestive benefits, Gulkand is also valued for its role in enhancing skin health by purifying the blood and reducing issues like acne and heat rashes. It's also believed to have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep. For women, it's traditionally used to support menstrual health and alleviate discomfort. The versatility and therapeutic properties of Gulkand ensure its continued presence in Indian households, a testament to its enduring appeal as both a delicious preserve and a natural healer.

How to select gulkand, flavoured rose petals

The rose petals should be firm, bright red in colour and free from any blemishes or dark spots. Packaged gulkand may also be bought from the market but you would need to check the best before date.