Sea Buckthorn Lemonade
Beverages • India
How to Make Sea Buckthorn Lemonade (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sea Buckthorn Lemonade, or 'Chharma Juice' in the Ladakhi region, is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing beverage that has gained popularity across India, especially in Himalayan states like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Known for its brilliant orange hue and unique tart flavor, sea buckthorn berries are native to the high-altitude regions of India and have been used traditionally for their nutritional and medicinal properties. This lemonade is a modern yet authentic adaptation, blending the traditional Himalayan ingredient with classic Indian nimbu pani (lemonade) elements for a revitalizing summer drink. In India, Sea Buckthorn Lemonade is not only enjoyed for its taste but also its health benefits, making it a favorite among wellness enthusiasts. Its refreshing profile makes it ideal during the hot summer months, especially when served at gatherings, picnics, or after a yoga session. The tartness of sea buckthorn combines beautifully with the zesty notes of nimbu (lemon), creating a drink that is both energizing and nourishing. This beverage is a testament to the rich diversity of Indian culinary traditions, blending regional superfoods with classic flavors to create a drink perfect for health-conscious individuals.
Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (approx. 250 ml))
- 1/2 cup Sea buckthorn berries (fresh or frozen) (Chharma, Ladakhi superfood)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (Nimbu ras)
- 1.5 tablespoons Raw honey (Shahad; can use jaggery (gur))
- 1/4 teaspoon Rock salt (Kala namak)
- 1/4 teaspoon Roasted cumin powder (Jeera powder)
- 8-10 leaves Fresh mint leaves (Pudina)
- 2 cups Chilled water
- as needed Ice cubes (Baraf) - optional
- as needed Stevia or erythritol (optional) (For calorie reduction) - optional
- as needed Lemon slices & extra mint (for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Wash the sea buckthorn berries thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and impurities.
3 minutes
If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes beforehand.
- 2
In a blender, combine the sea buckthorn berries and 1/2 cup chilled water. Blend until the berries are fully crushed and a pulpy mixture forms.
4 minutes
For a smoother drink, blend for an extra minute.
- 3
Strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth to extract pure juice. Discard the seeds and pulp.
3 minutes
Use the back of a spoon to press and extract maximum juice.
- 4
Add the extracted sea buckthorn juice to a large mixing bowl. Stir in lemon juice, raw honey, rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and half the mint leaves (torn).
3 minutes
Adjust honey and salt to taste, depending on your preferred sweetness and tartness.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Sea Buckthorn Lemonade is an excellent healthy beverage option because it uses antioxidant-rich ingredients, avoids refined sugar, and is naturally low in calories. The inclusion of raw honey or jaggery as a sweetener provides a slow release of energy, making it ideal for sustained hydration and wellness. Sea buckthorn’s unique nutritional profile, especially its high vitamin C content, makes this drink a great immunity booster. The use of roasted cumin and mint aids in digestion and cooling, perfect for the Indian summer.
Sea buckthorn berries are a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids, which support immune health, skin repair, and heart health. Combined with lemon juice, which is high in antioxidants and aids digestion, this lemonade is an excellent source of electrolytes and vitamins. Raw honey offers natural sweetness and antimicrobial properties, while roasted cumin and rock salt provide essential minerals and aid in digestion. Mint adds a cooling effect and supports gut health. Overall, this beverage is low in calories, contains no added refined sugar, and is free from gluten and dairy, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and vitamin C content.
- 💡Tip 2: For a visually appealing drink, muddle a few mint leaves at the bottom of the glass before pouring the lemonade.
- 💡Tip 3: If sea buckthorn berries are not available, look for pure sea buckthorn juice at local health stores in India.
Storage & Serving
Store the prepared lemonade in a glass jug in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving. Avoid storing with ice to prevent dilution.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 70.0 kcal |
