Sweet Basil Seeds or Sabja Seeds are popularly called as Falooda Seeds.These are the seeds of sweet basil, also called Thai Holy Basil, which is different from holy basil, the tulsi plant revered in India. I came to know about this sabja seeds only recently though I have seen in faloodas, but havent tasted them. Summer is at its peak, so whenever I am at RS Puram I would nag hubby to go a lassi shop to drink either Sweet Lassi or Jigardhanda and surprisingly I saw these sabja seeds floating in Jigardhanda and when I enquired they said it is sabja vithai as we call seeds in tamil.I loved the texture and cooling effect it gives to any drink.So I hunted for these seeds, finally found them at Kannan Departmental Stores.Will post sweet basil lemonade soon.
Though sabja seeds is native to India, still we are not using them widely in our diet inspite of numerous health benefits.These seeds naturally have a cooling effect so can be used in
1.Any sarbath recipes
2.Falooda
3.Lemonade
4.Rooh afza sherbet
5.Icecream etc
or just add it in drinking water and consume it.
Perhaps, the gelatinous texture and high soluble fibre of the swollen basil seeds helps make a filling drink, which could help curb appetite if consumed before meals.
How to use Sabja Seeds / Falooda Seeds
Preparation Time : 10 mins | Cooking Time : 5 mins
Recipe Category: Herb / Spices | Recipe Cuisine: Indian
Recipe Category: Herb / Spices | Recipe Cuisine: Indian
Sabja Seeds – 2 tbsp
Water – as required
Method:
- Pick up and remove any husks or stones from the sabja seeds if any.Then take sabja seeds in a wide bowl. Add water.Soon it will start absorbing and growing in size.While pouring the water itself it starts to grow.After pouring water , let it aside for 10mins.
- Can you see?! it is growing in size, the seeds will all become transparent jelly like coating will be formed.
My Notes:
- Add enough water else the seeds will become lumpy.No worries you can add more if you see its very dry.Water should be a layer floating above the sabja seeds. But its better to add more first itself.
- The seeds will absorb only the water it requires and leave the rest floating. So its better to add more and strain the rest at later stage.
Health Benefits of Sabja seeds:
- Helps in digestion.
- Relieves stress and tension.
- Provides relief to cold, cough, and flu.
- If you have mouth ulcer, try chewing the seeds raw(without soaking).
- They are excellent body coolants making it perfect for summer.
Source : Indian Express
Grt health benefits
Hi Sharmi, how long does it take to get completely soaked?
10 mins -15 mins
Thanks
Do we get this in all the departmental stores?
Yes you can try and see…
After they are swollen enough u can store them in refrigerator also
If we add sugar or jaggery… then will enjoy complete taste.
where do you get jigarthanda in RS Puram?
At Chillax Lassi Shop near Rathna Vinayagar Temple….
Thanks for the information…..I have seen these seeds but never thought of trying them..sure to try.
For instant relief from sun stroke u soak these seeds in coconut water along with kalakanda and drink.
Thank you!
Sabja (Thiruneetru Pachchilai in Tamail) is natural herbal seeds. It can be soaked in plain water for some time and drunk for health. It reduces body heat. The leaves gives good smell to body when it is applied to body in paste shape.
Should we chew of swallow sabja after soaked in water ?
Yes sabja seeds are edible
Can we drink the soaked sabji seeds without chewing.which is more beneficial,drinking directly or chewing them
Yes you can