Gulkand

What is Gulkand

Gulkand is a sweet preserve made from fresh rose petals and sugar. It originates from India and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine due to its cooling and digestive properties. The word “Gulkand” is derived from the Persian words “Gul” (meaning rose) and “Kand” (meaning sweet).

How to Select Gulkand

When selecting Gulkand, look for:

Quality of Roses: Choose Gulkand made from organic, pesticide-free roses, especially the Damask rose (Rosa damascena), which is often preferred.

Purity: Ensure no artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives are used.

Color and Texture: The rose petals should appear moist, soft, and uniformly mixed with sugar. A good Gulkand is dark pink or reddish in color.

Benefits of Gulkand

Cooling Effect: It helps to reduce body heat and is beneficial during hot weather.

Digestive Aid: Gulkand improves digestion, prevents acidity, and helps with constipation.

Detoxification: It aids in flushing out toxins from the body.

Antioxidant-Rich: Gulkand is packed with antioxidants, which protect the body from cell damage.

Energy Boost: It helps combat fatigue and provides an energy boost.

Packaging Sizes Available

400g.

Use of Gulkand

Culinary: It is used in desserts, milkshakes, paan (betel leaves), and ice creams.

Ayurvedic Medicine: Gulkand is used as a cooling tonic to balance the Pitta dosha in Ayurveda.

Home Remedies: It can be used to treat issues like heat-related fatigue, acidity, and skin rashes.

Health Benefits by Age/Gender

Men: Helps in improving stamina, reducing acidity, and combating fatigue.

Women: Helps in relieving menstrual pain, prevents skin rashes, and offers a cooling effect.

Kids: Acts as a mild digestive and can help relieve constipation.

Elders: Aids in digestion, reduces acidity, and helps in preventing heat strokes.

Taste

Gulkand has a sweet, floral flavor with a rich rose aroma. It has a mildly syrupy texture due to the sugar syrup mixed with rose petals.

How to Consume

Directly: You can consume 1-2 teaspoons directly, ideally after meals to aid digestion.

With Milk: Mix it into a glass of cold milk for a refreshing, cooling drink.

With Paan: It’s a common filling in paan (betel leaf).

In Desserts: Add to sweets, ice creams, or yogurt.

How to Store Gulkand

Store Gulkand in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not mandatory but can help extend its shelf life, especially in warm climates.

Product Life

If stored properly, Gulkand can last for about 6 months to a year.

Harvesting Time

Rose petals are typically harvested in the spring, during the early hours of the day when the fragrance and freshness of the petals are at their peak. After harvesting, the petals are cleaned and immediately layered with sugar in jars, allowing them to undergo natural fermentation.

After Harvesting

Once the roses are harvested and prepared, they are sun-dried with sugar in layers. This mixture is left for about 2-3 weeks, depending on the sunlight and weather, to naturally ferment.

After Fermentation

The fermented mixture is carefully packed and ready for consumption. This natural fermentation process ensures the product retains its nutritional value and develops the sweet flavor.