A tea lover will never miss out on the chance to try Kashmiri Kahwa tea, a beverage from the snow-capped valley of India. A popular beverage in Kashmir, the essence of Kahwa tea is warm, comforting and unique. Moreover, it’s the health benefits of Kahwa that have led to its global popularity. As we learn more about Kashmiri Kahwa Tea, let us also gain insights about the health benefits of consuming this aroma-infused beverage. 

What Is Kahwa Tea?

Known for centuries, the Kashmiri Kahwa Tea is a preparation which offers holistic wellness to the consumers. The recipe for the tea originated in the valley of Kashmir and later spread to the rest of the country. The infusion consists of a blend of Kashmiri whole spices. These include cardamom, cinnamon, saffron and cloves that are brewed in warm water for a while to acquire the distinct fragrance and flavour. The common version of Kahwa tea comprises a sweet essence, which you can achieve with a hint of honey or sugar. Finally, the tea is served with some roasted walnuts or almonds on the side. Preparing the Kashmiri Kahwa Tea is a fine tradition of enjoying a warm beverage and nuts with guests and family. This is a part of the Kashmiri culture and is practiced even today. 

Cultural Significance And Importance Of Kashmiri Kahwa Tea 

Kashmiri Kahwa Tea is not just well-known in the Indian Valley but also renowned around the entire country because of its enriching cultural influence and significant health benefits. It’s been a century since Kahwa tea became a part of the beverage tradition in Kashmir. Often served as a welcome drink at gatherings, evening meet-ups and with breakfast in the morning, the beverage stands as a sign of hospitality, and the cordial nature of the host. Reflecting a warm and friendly culture in Kashmir, the tea symbolizes the cultural values of the inhabitants. 

With a blend of whole spices and other ground ingredients, the tea is extremely flavourful and also known for its medicinal attributes. Saffron is a common ingredient for tea, which is rich in antioxidants. This gives the beverage anti-inflammatory properties. Cardamom used in the Kahwa Tea is also good for digestion problems, while also relieving signs of nausea due to height. Hence the Kahwa Green tea is not just an ordinary beverage with fine flavours but also has health benefits to cite. The tea is often served as a starter to the meal. It especially creates an appetite when one indulges in something heavy like traditional Rogan Josh curry, Tabak Maaz, and Gushtaba. Being light, the tea rightfully complements the bold flavours of Kashmiri spices in curries and kebabs. 

Kahwa Tea Health Benefits

The Kashmiri Kahwa Tea, a green beverage, has several benefits of regular consumption. These include boosting heart health, providing immunity, protection against cold and acting as a stress buster. Being rich in antioxidants, the perks of Kahwa green tea are endless. 

We have listed Kahwa Tea benefits for you below: 

  • Improved digestion: Both cinnamon and cardamom used in Kahwa green tea are good for digestion due to their antioxidant properties. Further, it also aids in reducing stomach aches and ailments. 
  • Faster rate of metabolism: Kahwa is recommended for regular consumption as it hastens the rate of metabolism. This prevents the feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal. 
  • Enhances immunity: The presence of antioxidants in Kahwa tea ensures the elimination of free radicals from the body and boosts immunity. Moreover, consumption of these whole spices confers strength to the body to ward off infection and diseases. 
  • Provides warmth against cold: Kashmiri Kahwa tea is prepared by brewing whole spices, which creates warmth in the body to sustain oneself at high altitudes like Kashmir. 
  • Relieves anxiety and stress: The calming essence and aroma of saffron, cardamom and cinnamon create a soothing impact on the mind. Through promoting mental clarity, relieving stress and reducing anxiety, one generally feels refreshed after the consumption of a cup of Kahwa. 
  • Ensures weight management: By boosting metabolism, the fat-burning process in the body is subsequently enhanced. This helps in weight management for dieters, and hence Kahwa green tea is often prescribed to handle obesity and ensure weight loss. 
  • Causes detoxification in the body: Through detoxification and proper digestion, the harmful toxins from the body are eliminated promptly. This ensures better heart health and prevents the accumulation of unwanted waste in the body. 
  • Creates radiant skin: Kashmiri Kahwa tea consumption regularly has shown added benefits like the manifestation of clearer and more radiant skin. The presence of saffron further impacts the complexion and slows down signs of ageing. 
  • A caffeine-free beverage: One who is sensitive to caffeine or wishes to avoid beverages with the same can opt for Kahwa tea as a healthy and conscious alternative to caffeine-rich beverages. 
  • Boosts energy: The presence of spices and saffron in the Kahwa recipe confers its properties of energy boosting and making one feel refreshed after a couple of sips. 

Kashmiri Kahwa Tea Recipe: Ingredients

To make Kashmiri Kahwa Tea at home the authentic way, you need to have the following ingredients in your kitchen: 

  • Whole Spices: Usually, cardamom and cinnamon are used for making Kahwa tea. You can add a couple of cloves for enhanced flavour. 
  • Green tea leaves: Use green tea from a reputable brand like Halmari Tea,  preferably organic green tea, which is high in antioxidants. The selection of fine tea leaves plays a massive role in flavouring and health benefits. 
  • Nuts: Sliced almonds are often added for garnishing to the Kahwa Tea. Slivered walnuts can also be used for the preparation. 
  • Rose petals: For a hint of fragrance, rose petals can be added while brewing. Dried rose buds can also be used. 
  • Sweeteners: Generally, honey is added to Kashmiri Kahwa tea to make it sweet. However, sugar cubes can also be used when the former is not available in the house. 
  • Saffron: The presence of saffron gives additional flavour and antioxidants to your Kashmiri green tea. 

Kashmiri Kahwa tea is prepared in copper pots, which are also known as samovar in Kashmir dialects. These are large pots which were used in households in the olden times to prepare tea for the guests and host alike. However, you can also use a steel pan for the preparation. 

Start with steeping the green tea leaves in warm water, but not too hot, such that it is steaming. Brewing green tea leaves in boiling water can ruin the delicate flavours of the leaves. Normally, the temperature of the water is kept around 80 to 82°C. Once the water reaches the optimal temperature, the tea leaves are added and steeped for 4 to 5 minutes. 

Quick Steps To Making Kahwa Tea At Home 

The following are the steps to make Kahwa tea at home:  

  • Use a pestle and mortar to grind the whole spices like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Lightly grind them without crushing them into a powder completely. 
  • Crush a few thin slices of almonds or walnuts too. Rinsing the almonds before grinding them makes them tender and easy to crush. 
  • Add a few cups of water to a pan and then warm it up. 
  • Pour in the crushed spices and allow them to brew in the water. Include a few rose petals and saffron if you like. 
  • Add some sugar crystals or honey and bring the water to an optimal temperature. 
  • Once the water is hot, switch off the gas oven and add the green tea leaves. 
  • Cover the pot and allow the tea leaves to steep for a few minutes. 
  • Use a strainer to remove the ingredients and serve the clear Kahwa tea in a cup.
  • You can do the garnishing with crushed nuts on top. Often, saffron is added at the end during serving rather than while brewing. 

Quick Expert Tips 

Here are some quick tips to make a regressing cup of Kashmiri Kahwa tea: 

  • Maintaining optimal brewing time: Whether you are brewing or steeping green tea leaves, they should not be done for more than 2 to 4 minutes, as this can turn your beverage bitter.
  • Choosing a trusted brand: Purchase Kahwa green tea from trusted brands in the market, like Halmari Tea, to ensure quality standards. 
  • Using sugar instead of honey: Often, when honey is brewed for a long time, it turns toxic. To avoid such an issue, you can simply use sugar crystals or cubes. 

Conclusion 

If you are fond of tea, then do not miss out on something as authentic and healing as Kahwa tea. The fine blend of whole spices, brewed with saffron and green tea leaves, creates a drink that is rich in flavours and holds numerous health benefits. By knowing the right way to make Kashmiri Kahwa Tea, you can enjoy a refreshing cup of beverage any time you want. Not only an essential part of the culture but also showcasing medicinal values, Kahwa green tea from Halmari Tea can ensure holistic well-being.