The sweet scent of roses that we get in many Indian dishes, is mostly because of Gulkand. Gulkand is a sweet rose petal preserve that is widely used in both culinary and medicinal uses.
Gulkand is not used just as a fragrance enhancer, but it has various natural health perks. This blog is to uncover Gulkand’s many health benefits, nutritional values, and other fascinating facts. Stay tuned!
What is Gulkand?
Gulkand, the word comes from the Persian and Arabic word, that typically means ‘rose candy’. It is made basically with sugar and rose petals, mostly from the petals of Rosa Centifolia or Damask roses. It has a long history of uses in culinary practices and medicinal uses. Over the years, gulkand has been used to increase the aromatic and taste appeal of foods.
Gulkand has its natural importance for its many health advantages in addition to its mouthwatering flavor and alluring perfume. Gulkand is frequently used as a filler for gujiya and modak, as well as in Indian desserts like laddoos and barfi. With its cooling and digesting qualities, it exceeds its role as a sweet delicacy and becomes a significant component of Ayurvedic and culinary traditions.
Nutritional Value of Gulkand
As you know, Gulkand is a natural sweetener and contains sugar and rose petals, this ayurvedic preserve contains many nutritional components. Here is a breakdown of Gulkand’s natural properties:
| Components | Value |
| Moisture | 84.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 70.4 g |
| Fats | 0.2 g |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
| Iron | 3.7 mg |
| Fibre | 1.2 g |
10 Benefits of Gulkand
Gulkand is prepared following the traditional methods and it naturally preserves some health qualities. Gulkand is not only a delightful dessert, but it also has additional Ayurvedic advantages. It is rich in vital minerals and antioxidants and offers several health advantages. Gulkand is a useful home treatment for improving general health, including issues with the skin and digestive tract. Let’s get a better picture of Gulkand’s health benefits!
Improves your digestion and stomach health
Gulkand is said to help with digestion. By controlling stomach acid and bowel movement. It avoids problems like bloating and acidity. Gulkand’s calming qualities reduce inflammation and irritation while also making the digestive system better. If you take gulkand regularly, it may promote more frequent bowel movements and lessen constipation. Gulkand means for improving overall intestinal health.
Reduces the body temperature
Gulkand’s natural cooling properties make it an excellent therapy for reducing excess body heat. It decreases the effect of heat on nose hemorrhage, excessive sweating, and hot flashes. Because of its cooling properties, it is especially beneficial in the summer for people with a ‘pitta’ body constitution.
Relieves acidity and heartburn
One of Gulkand’s primary benefits is its ability to neutralize acidity. It reduces the burning sensation caused by heartburn and calms the stomach lining. When taken consistently, Gulkand can prevent acid reflux, making it a natural alternative to antacids for people who frequently experience stomach discomfort.
Improves your skin health
Gulkand antioxidants are great for the health of your skin. By drawing blood out of the body and lowering body temperature from the inside out, it lessens inflammation, acne, and pimples. Its anti-inflammatory qualities also help to lessen swelling and redness. Consistent use may lead to skin that is more vivid and clear.
A natural energy booster
Gulkand is an organic energy source. It gives the body an easy and quick way to absorb glucose, increasing the body’s energy levels. Because its key ingredients help fight lethargy, this is a great natural cure for persons who get tired easily or become lethargic easily, especially in hot weather.
Supports natural detoxification
Gulkand helps the body’s detoxification process by acting on the liver and intestines to help remove toxins. Its natural laxative properties help eliminate waste, while its cooling properties prevent toxins from accumulating from overheating. This improves overall health and well-being.
Good for women’s reproductive health
Gulkand is beneficial to women’s reproductive systems. It reduces period pain, balances hormones, and improves PMS symptoms. Because of its cooling properties, it also lessens the discomfort associated with being overheated throughout the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, it is believed that Gulkand enhances and raises the fertility of the reproductive system.
Keeps your stress and anxiety away
Gulkand has calming qualities that are good for mental well-being. It encourages the relaxation of the neurological system, which lowers tension and anxiety and encourages deeper sleep. Additionally, the scent of roses elevates feelings by encouraging calmness and relaxation. Gulkand is hence the best option for enhancing mental health.
Enhances memory and concentration
The revitalizing effects of Gulkand also extend to mental health. It enhances concentration, focus, and memory. Gulkand’s diet, high in vitamins and antioxidants, nourishes brain cells and improves cognitive function. For this reason, it’s a fantastic addition to the diet – especially for professionals and students.
Helps in weight management
Gulkand, despite being sweet, can help with weight control. Its ability to improve digestion and metabolism helps with waste elimination and nutrient absorption, preventing fat buildup. Additionally, the cooling and cleaning qualities of gulkand help the body’s regulated metabolism, aiding in healthy weight control.
Gulkand Benefits for Skin
Gulkand is an organic rose petal preserve with incredible benefits for skin health. Strong antioxidants present in gulkand speed up the body’s purification process, resulting in a clearer, more luminous complexion. Its cooling properties help to minimize redness, acne, and skin irritation by counteracting the body’s excess heat.
Gulkand purifies the blood, which lessens imperfections and encourages a more uniform complexion. Gulkand moisturizes skin from the inside out, keeping it smooth and supple throughout time. Furthermore, this natural remedy can leave the skin feeling refreshed and regenerated by slowing down the aging process.
Gulkand Benefits for Weight Loss
Gulkand can help with weight loss by enhancing digestion and metabolism. It reduces bloating and constipation and improves the body’s absorption of nutrients by supporting better digestive function. Gulkand promotes detoxification by eliminating toxins, which reduces fat storage and regulates metabolism. Its naturally cooling qualities lessen the desire for harmful, high-sugar foods and help curb cravings for sweets. Gulkand improves overall digestive health and regulates body temperature, making it a useful supplement to any weight-loss program. This is especially true when paired with a healthy diet and frequent exercise.
Gulkand Price
| Praakritik Natural Kesar Elaichi Artisan Gulkand – 250 g | ₹385 |
| Praakritik Natural Paan Artisan Gulkand – 250 g | ₹360 |
| Praakritik Natural Mishri Artisan Gulkand – 250 g | ₹320 |
| Jivika Naturals Desi Rose Gulkand 400g | ₹699 |
| Satmya Gulkand | ₹400 – ₹700 |
| The Mint Enfold Gulkand Truffles | ₹600 |
Gulkand Recipe
Making a gulkand recipe is quite easy, here you have to follow some easy steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh rose petals (preferably from organic roses)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons rosewater (optional)
The process to follow:
- First, prepare the rose petals. For that, you have to gently wash the rose petals to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean cloth.
- Now mix sugar and petals. In a bowl, layer the rose petals and sugar. Mix them gently so that the sugar coats the petals evenly.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit in the cool.
- Keep it in a dark place for about 24 hours. The sugar will draw out moisture from the petals.
- Cook the mixture on low flame. In a saucepan, add the rose petals and sugar mixture along with 1/4 cup of water.
- Cook over low heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Keep the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Transfer the Gulkand to a clean, dry jar and seal it tightly.
- Gulkand has a shelf life of a few months when stored properly.
How to Use Gulkand
Gulkand is a delightful rose petal preserve used in many cooking preparations. It is not only a tasty treat but also a versatile ingredient with numerous health benefits. Gulkand is used in various ways to enhance flavor, sweetness, and fragrance. Here are some simple ways to use Gulkand:
- You can use gulkand as a spread on toast, parathas, or rotis. It will enhance the sweetness and contain a natural fragrance.
- Mix in Milk. Mix a tablespoon of Gulkand into a glass of milk or warm milk for a refreshing drink
- Use in smoothies. Add Gulkand to your smoothies and enjoy its health benefits.
- You can add gulkand into desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or puddings for a fragrant flavor twist.
- You can use gulkand as a paan filling.
- Stir a spoonful of Gulkand into herbal or green tea for added sweetness and flavor.
- Use Gulkand in Indian sweets like barfi or kheer for a unique flavor profile.
