Gulkand Milk | Rose Petal Preserve Milk | How To Make Gulkand Milk? | Gulkand Milk Benefits

Gulkand Milk with step-by-step photos and instructions.

With the onset of summer, the heat is getting unbearable. We all look out for something to beat the heat. Instead of grabbing soft drinks, I prefer natural cooling summer drinks like fresh lime juice, tender coconut water, fresh fruit juices, kokum sherbet and my favourite ‘gulkand milk.‘

A natural coolant, gulkand in milk is one of the best summer drinks. It can be prepared instantly in a jiffy. It is so easy even kids can make it. All you need is some chilled milk and some rose petal preserve. Hence, it can be served to unexpected guests too.

It can also be given to kids who are fussy and do not like to drink milk. Gulkand is easily available in most superstores, ayurvedic stores and also online.

Last year, I shared the recipe of Gulkand (Rose Petal Preserve). It received a great response. Also, it is one of the most visited posts on my blog. Preparing gulkand at home is very easy if you have desi roses. Desi roses are edible and have many health benefits.

Do check out my Gulkand recipe below.

Gulkand (Rose Petal Preserve)

What is Gulkand?

Gulkand is a delicious, natural sweet preserve made using fresh rose petals and sugar. It is believed to have originated from Indo-Persia and is widely produced in India and many other Asian countries. ‘Gul’ means flower in Persian and Urdu whereas ‘kand’ means sweet in Arabic.

Gulkand is an ayurvedic medicine – but a medicine that does not taste like one. It is healthy, cooling and thus used to prevent and treat many ailments. Gulkand is anti-bacterial and an anti-oxidant. It is a great natural remedy for acid reflux too. Much better than antacids.

Gulkand is used to treat diseases that occur due to excess heat in the body. Its regular intake subsequently prevents sunburn.

Gulkand is a also a great mouth freshener and is an integral component of paans (betel leaf).

Which Gulkand is Best?

Gulkand prepared using the sun-cooked method is the best. It gets better as it ages. An alternate method of making Gulkand, adopted by some, is cooking the rose petals and sugar over the gas flame. This, though, gives you instant Gulkand, it will not give you the complete health benefits of the same.

The traditional method of making Gulkand is layering rose petals and sugar alternatively and sun-drying till everything blends well. That’s it. It is that simple! A ratio of 1:1 is used in the gulkand recipe, i.e. equal quantities of rose petals and sugar. Here sugar acts as a preservative. Do not use Gulkand which has excess amounts of sugar in it.

The sun-cooking method is a conventional and time-tested technique that consequently conserves the nutrients in gulkand. Also, some of the recipes make use of jaggery or honey citing it as a healthy alternative. This too is inappropriate as traditionally Gulkand is prepared using sugar. However, diabetic people should consume it with precaution.

To summarize:

1. Gulkand should be made from good-quality edible roses.
2. It should not be excessively sweet. Some brands use too much sugar.
3. Should have no added preservatives.
4. Most importantly, Gulkand should be prepared by the traditional sun-cooking method to reap its benefits.

What is Gulkand Milk?

Gulkand Milk, as the name suggests, is milk infused with gulkand. It is very delicious and has an enticing flavour. Just whip up this easy drink on a scorching summer day. Not only is it refreshing it will also give you your daily dose of good health.

Gulkand with Milk Benefits

Rose petals contain 80-95% of water content. This explains why gulkand with milk is very hydrating and cooling.

1. Gulkand is a great tonic for the body. Protects from heat strokes.
2. It purifies the blood and brings a natural glow to the face. Thus it improves skin tone.
3. Improves appetite and digestion.
4. Beneficial in acne, palpitations, nosebleeds during summers etc.
5. Regular intake of gulkand reduces fatigue, muscle pain and lethargy.
6. Gulkand with milk at night has many benefits. It promotes good sleep and improves body metabolism.
7. Gulkand with cold milk reduces heartburn and is very beneficial in gastritis and peptic ulcers. Just sip it periodically to get relief from acidity.
8. Improves eyesight and is a mild laxative. Hence, it aids in treating constipation.
9. Gives reprieve from the scorching heat and excessive sweating during summers. Makes you feel fresh and is a great stress-buster.

Note: Diabetic patients should consume gulkand with caution because of the sugar content.

Does Gulkand Milk lead to weight gain?

No. Provided you have it once a day and as a mid-meal. Do not consume after a heavy lunch or dinner.

Simple Tips

1. Use chilled milk for great taste.
2. Adjust the quantity of gulkand as per your preference.

How to make Gulkand Milk? (Gulkand Milk Recipe)

1. Take 1 cup (250 ml) of chilled milk. Add 1 tbsp of Gulkand to it.

2. Stir well to mix gulkand and milk. Your gulkand milk is ready! See how easy it is.

3. Serve chilled immediately.