1 week ago

Kanji and Chaas Offer Traditional Alternatives to Kombucha

Want a healthy gut? Opt for kanji and chaas instead of kombucha · livemint.com

Some Indian foods and drinks are made using helpful microbes.

This process is called fermentation.

Kanji and chaas are traditional fermented choices that can be considered instead of kombucha.

Idli and dosa batter also ferments, which can make it easier to digest and gives it a special texture.

Many Indian regions have fermented rice dishes made from leftover rice.

These include pakhala bhaat, poita bhaat and panta bhaat.

Other examples include ragi ambali, gundruk and axone.

Together, these foods show how Indian kitchens have long used fermentation in practical ways.

Key facts

Featured alternatives: Kanji and chaas are presented as alternatives to kombucha.
Fermented batters: Idli and dosa batters undergo fermentation that improves digestibility and texture.
Fermented rice dishes: Pakhala bhaat, poita bhaat, panta bhaat, pazhaya sadam and pazhankanji use fermented leftover rice preparations.
South Indian drink: Ragi ambali is a fermented cereal-based drink described as cooling and filling.
Himalayan example: Gundruk is a fermented greens dish from Sikkim.
North-Eastern example: Axone is made from fermented beans in Nagaland.
Pickles: Many pickles are prepared through microbial transformation, although not all pickles are fermented.

livemint.com · 1 week ago