No, I'm not talking about Horlicks, Bournvita or boost neither i'm talking about gatorade, red bull or any energy drink packed in fancy bottles.....I'm referring here to a soothing drink with its pale golden tinge imparted by the saffron along with the mild flavour and aroma of spices...THE KAHWA TEA!!! During one of my recent trips to an extremely cold place in India I wondered why i was offered this tea every place in town & at any hour of the day(quiteliterally) and i totally loved it though i'm not a tea person at all. The locals swear by it as it instantly rejuvenates both the mind & body. The traditional cuppa has few green tea leaves(that grows there itself & not imported from any exotic place), Saffron(again local), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves & more indian spices & some nuts & dried fruits such as cherries, apples, raisins, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, dried apricots or dates along with some honey. It is traditionally prepared in a brass kettle known as samovar(seethe pis below). The samovar has a central cavity where hot coal is placed while the surrounding space is reserved for boiling the water and other ingredients for the tea. Benefits of Kahwa: 1) Improves digestion- helps to clean the digestive system. 2)Burns Fat- also prevents the deposition of cholestrol in blood vessels. 3)Builds Immunity- excellent source of vit B12 to recharge the body's defence system. 4)Remedy for cold- helps to get rid of phlegm that buids up during the cold( and i wondered why i didn't had a running nose even in -15 degrees????) 5) Energy Booster- It relieves headaches, cheer you up and is a rich source of antioxidants.
The bottom line is to try out the local food & drink at the places you travel as apart from being nutritious, it supports the local economy & benefits the environment.