Gond Katira: A natural way to cool down in India's scorching summers

Gond katira is a natural way to cool down during India's scorching summers. This year, when India experienced its longest heatwave, locals turned to cool drinks like never before. Gond katira is a type of gum that comes from the dried sap of more than 2,000 plant species of the Astragalus genus. It is sold as small, uneven, translucent crystals. To turn it into a jelly, you need to soak the crystals in water for at least four hours. Gond katira has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy. It can cool the body, improve skin texture, and boost immunity. It is mentioned in old medical books and is used in traditional medicine in India. Gond katira is also an ingredient in some cough lozenges in the US and UK.

Gond katira is mainly produced and exported by Iran and Turkey, but it is a traditional household ingredient in India. People add it to drinks like lemonade, milkshakes, and yogurt to stay cool. Some people also eat the soaked jelly on its own. Gond katira is especially popular in places with very hot summers. For example, in Vijayawada, where the temperature can reach 49C, people drink gond katira to stay cool and hydrated. Gond katira is becoming more popular among young people in India. This is partly because of social media, where people share recipes and talk about its health benefits.

Gond katira is sold in small grocery stores and spice markets. It is a very useful ingredient that can help people stay cool in the hot summer months. It is also a part of street food in many parts of India. For example, in Punjab, it is included in lemonade sold in street carts. In Madurai, it is used in a popular beverage called jigarthanda. As temperatures continue to rise, gond katira can provide an easy and affordable way to cool down. It is a very useful ingredient that can help people stay cool in the hot summer months. It is also a part of street food in many parts of India. As temperatures continue to rise, gond katira can provide an easy and affordable way to cool down.