We had been getting lots of queries on the best way to consume saffron. While we are not in a position to offer medical advice on the matter, we still decided to share the manner in which Kashmiris have traditionally used saffron to achieve health benefits. 

So, in comes the famous tea from Kashmir, ‘the kahwa’. The word kahwa/qahwa should not be confused with the Arabic equivalent of the word; which is a dark coffee. 

Kashmiri Khawa is an amazing drink infused with cinnamon, green cardamom, and served with a touch of saffron and garnished with chopped almonds. It is sweetened using organic honey from the valley itself. In ancient times, saffron, almonds, and Kashmiri green tea were the only 3 ingredients used. 

Refreshing and warming, kehwa is a popular beverage of Kashmir. It is especially used in the winters to keep flu, cough, infections, and similar illnesses away. Kahwa is a soul-warming classic drink that resonates with the power of Kashmiri spices.

Kahwa is one of the most exciting drinks that you will love to smell, and sip again and again. It will instantly perk you up with its nice aroma and amazing flavour. 

Kashmiris usually have it as a post-breakfast beverage or sip it before sleeping at night. Traditionally, it was made in a copper kettle called samovar and is served in tiny, shallow cups. Nowadays the kahwa is made in normal pans and vessels.

Health Benefits of Kahwa 

1. Kahwa is a very healthy drink that aids in digestion.
2. It is said to be a fat burner that helps in decreasing weight. 
3. This energetic drink also reduces the risk of heart disease by keeping the deposition of cholesterol in check.
4. It is also rich in vitamin B12 and boosts immunity due to the use of saffron in this beverage.
5. It is the best treatment for cold and cough. 
6. It improves skin health.

In our estimation, the best way to consume saffron is sipping it with a cup of kehwa, although a lot of people prefer taking it with milk. 

Kashmiri Kahwa Recipe – How to Prepare Kashmiri Kahwa?

Ingredients used for making Kashmiri Kahwa: 

1. 4 cups of water 
2. 1 large piece of cinnamon stick (dalchini)
3. 6 cardamoms (elaichi), slightly crushed
4. 15 almond kernels finely chopped
5. Few strands of saffron (kesar)
6. Honey according to taste

Procedure of Making Kashmiri Khawa

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan. 
2. Add some crushed cardamoms, one cinnamon stick, and one tablespoons of honey.
3. Cook the mixture on a medium flame for 10-15 minutes.
4. In the  meantime, put some saffron strands in one tablespoon of lukewarm water in a small bowl. Mix well and keep aside.
5. Add the saffron-water mixture to the saucepan. 
6. Put some finely chopped almond kernels to it. It is preferred to remove their outer covering. 
7. Mix well and boil on a slow flame for about a minute. Keep stirring it continuously.
8. Serve it hot immediately.

Over to You 

I hope that this post helps you create some awesome kahwa using our mogra saffron and organic honey. Do let me know about the drink in the comments below.

Visit Kashmirica to buy dry fruits online, himalayan shilajit, attar perfumes, pashmina shawls, and antique jewellery online.

You may also want to read:

• Top 15 Benefits of Walnuts {Scientific Research}
• Top 11 Benefits of Almonds {Backed by Science}
• Top 13 Benefits of Saffron [Scientific Research]