QARSHI HERBAL TEA JOHAR JOSHANDA 30s

Description

Johar Joshanda is a household name across Pakistan and among Pakistani families abroad, the sort of thing kept in a kitchen drawer as a matter of course. It is a Unani herbal preparation, which is a traditional system of medicine, and we describe it here purely as a hot drink. We make no health or medical claim for it of any kind.

On taste it is unmistakable: bitter, strongly herbal, with a heavy liquorice note that carries the sweetness. Tear a sachet into a cup, add hot water, stir and let it stand a minute. Most people drink it plain and hot; some add honey or a squeeze of lemon. It is traditionally reached for in cold weather, which is a matter of custom rather than anything we would assert about it.

Is it bitter? Distinctly, yes, with a lot of liquorice carrying the sweetness. It is closer to a decoction than to a tea and it is not a subtle drink.

Do I need to add sugar? Usually not. The liquorice makes it taste sweet already. Honey is the common addition if you want it sweeter.

Another herbal infusion on the shelf is the Samaara turmeric infusion, and the wider tea and coffee aisle carries the black and green teas. Vegetarian. Keep the sachets in their box somewhere dry until you tear one open. Order online at Panjab Supermarket for same-day delivery across Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Leidsche Rijn, Vleuten, Maarssen, Zeist, Bunnik, IJsselstein, Vianen, and Culemborg. Free delivery on orders over 49 euros.