What are fermented foods?

Fermented foods have gained popularity for their beneficial probiotics. Fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut have become prevalent in many households. For centuries, fermented food has been a part of the human diet where it was used to preserve food, eliminate toxins and add flavour.

The process of fermentation involves bacteria and yeast that break down sugars. It is an anaerobic process where microorganisms like bacteria or yeast break the food components like sugar and glucose. 

What is Kanji?

Kanji is a traditional Indian fermented beverage that is made during winters. It is made from kali gajar, a variety of carrots available in winters only. It is widely made in North India where this seasonal local kali gajar is made into a fermented drink. 

The ayurvedic remedies made a comeback during the pandemic for boosting immunity. Kanji is an ancient superfood that boosts immunity and many people resorted to this fermented drink during the winters.

This magical potion cures everything from constipation to cramps to cold and flu. 

Health benefits of kanji:

1. Boosts immunity:

Kanji is your best bet during this pandemic as everyone is looking for foods to boost immunity. It possesses medicinal properties that protect against bacterial and viral infections and provide protection against cold and flu. The vitamin C in kanji enables the activity of white cells responsible for protecting the body from harmful diseases.

2. Improves digestion:

Kanji can provide relief to people who suffer from nausea, heartburn, acidity, constipation and bloating on a daily basis. Due to fermentation, kanji has abundant probiotics which promote healthy gut bacteria. Kali gajar is rich in dietary fibre that improves the overall digestive health of the body.

3. Makes skin look youthful:

Kanji has antioxidant anthocyanins which help the body protect against damage caused by oxidants. They play a role in neutralising and removing the oxidants through the bloodstream. 

This antioxidant also provides glowing skin and prevents degeneration of cells. It also slows down the ageing process and makes the skin look youthful. The vitamin C content in the drink promotes collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and younger-looking skin. 

4. Improves poor vision:

A carotenoid vitamin- lutein present in black carrots have the properties of protecting eye health. Anthocyanins can also help to enhance the vision by improving circulation and fight against age-related macular degeneration. 

5. Beneficial for heart health:

Kanji cleanses the blood, keeps blood vessels healthy, protects arteries against oxidisation and keeps the overall cardiovascular system healthy. Black carrots have higher antioxidant content than red carrots that helps in lowering bad cholesterol. 

How to make kanji?

It’s simple to make this miracle drink with a few basic ingredients and the winter special kali gajar.

Ingredients:

Medium-sized black carrots 5-6

Small beetroots 2

Water 8 cups

Red chilli powder 1-1 ½ teaspoon

Mustard powder 3 tablespoons

Black salt as required

Method:

1. Rinse the carrots and beetroots and chop them into long pieces.

2. Mix all the ingredients in a glass or ceramic jar.

3. Cover the jar with a lid or a muslin cloth and keep it in the sun for 3-4 days.

4. Check the taste of kanji, if it tastes sour, then it is ready to drink and is fermented.

5. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it. 

Black carrots are an excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese, which can protect against chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Having black carrots in the form of kanji can protect the body from all these diseases.