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. You may have seen that, Gulkand is frequently used as a filler for gujiya and modak in Indian desserts like laddoos and barfi. With its cooling and digesting qualities, it plays its role as a sweet delicacy and becomes a significant component of Ayurvedic traditions. How? Let’s read it below!
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 more. Let’s get a better picture of Gulkand’s health benefits!
Improves your digestion and stomach health
Gulkand is said to help with digestion. Gulkand is said to help with digestion. Gulkand controls bowel movement and helps in getting rid of bloating. Gulkand helps in reducing inflammation and lessens 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 the acidity and heartburn
One of Gulkand’s primary benefits is its ability to reduce acidity naturally. It reduces the acidity burning sensation to a great extent. That’s why people take it after a heavy lunch and it calms the stomach lining. Gulkand can prevent acid reflux, making it a natural alternative to antacids. People with stomach discomfort will feel relief with its use.
Improves your skin health
Gulkand antioxidants are great for the health of your skin. It draws blood out of the body and lowering body temperature from the inside out, it lessens inflammation, acne, and pimples. The anti-inflammatory qualities of this natural product also help to lessen swelling and redness.
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. It has natural laxative properties. This can help to eliminate waste and at the same time, its cooling properties prevent the toxins from accumulating from overheating.
Good for women’s reproductive health
Gulkand is beneficial to women’s reproductive systems. Yes, you won’t believe that it reduces period pain, balances hormones, and improves PMS symptoms. Three things together! It also lessens the discomfort associated with being overheated throughout the menstrual cycle.
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.
It has ability to improve digestion and metabolism. It helps in nutrient absorption and prevents buildup of cholesterol and fat. Gulkand help the body in regulating metabolism which aids in healthy weight control.
Gulkand Benefits for Skin
This organic rose petal is preserved with incredible benefits for skin health. Its strong antioxidants purify our body and present us with a clearer and 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 from the core. It minimizes imperfections and makes our complexion better. Gulkand moisturizes skin from the inside out and keeps it smooth and supple throughout the time. Amazing isn’t it? Still not over, this natural remedy can leave the skin feeling refreshed and regenerated from morning till the night.
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. 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.
Also Read: 20 Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss
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, collect 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.
- Now time to cook the mixture on low flame.
- Take a saucepan, transfer the rose petal – sugar mixture and add 1/4 cup of water.
- Cook over low heat. Keep stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Keep the mixture simmer on a low heat for about 10-15 minutes. It will thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Transfer the Gulkand to a clean, dry jar and seal it tightly.
- It is done. Gulkand will stay for months if stored properly.
How to Use Gulkand
Gulkand is a delightful rose petal preserve used in cooking preparations, sweet dishes mainly. This is not only tasty but has numerous health perks. Gulkand can be used in various ways to enhance flavor and taste. Here we are presenting some simple ways to use Gulkand:
- You can use gulkand as a spread on toast, parathas, or rotis.
- 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.
References
- The Pharma Innovation Journal – Effect of gulkand on physico chemical properties of the flavoured milk prepared by using Gulkand
- Researchgate – Effect of addition of gulkand and rose petal powder on chemical composition and organoleptic properties of Shrikhand
