What are the benefits of Basil Seeds and how to use them?

Do you love the gelatinous texture of lemonade or the nutty flavour of falooda? If yes, then you should thank Basil seeds. Seeds are a great additionto meals and basil seeds are no exception. This unsung hero has been used for centuries, offering a host of health benefits while also adding a unique flavour and texture to any dish. Often overlooked as just a garnish, tiny Basil seeds offer a world of taste, texture, and health benefits that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds.

Let's explore the world of basil seeds together and discover why they should be added to your pantry today!

What are Basil seeds?

Basil seeds are small, black seeds that come from the sweet basil plant, Ocimum basilicum.

Basil seeds in Hindi are known as sabja seeds or tukmaria seeds. These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients and have been used in traditional medicine for ages. They have a unique texture and flavour, making them a popular ingredient in many recipes and drinks.
When dry, basil seeds are small and hard, similar in size to poppy seeds. However, when soaked in water, they absorb the liquid and expand to become gelatinous and translucent, with a slightly crunchy texture. This transformation makes them an interesting ingredient to work with in cooking and baking.
One of the most notable characteristics of basil seeds is their ability to absorb water. They can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, which makes them a popular ingredient in drinks and beverages. When added to water, they create a refreshing, slightly sweet and slightly tangy drink that is believed to have a cooling effect on the body.
In addition to their health benefits, basil seeds have a unique flavour that adds depth and complexity to many dishes.

Culinary uses of Basil Seeds:

Basil seeds are a common ingredient used in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. They have a mild and nutty flavour and are often used as a thickener or added for texture to dishes. Here are some culinary uses of basil seeds.

1. Drinks.
   These seeds can be used to make refreshing drinks, such as basil seed lemonade, basil seed iced tea, or basil seed fruit smoothies. When soaked in water, the seeds become gelatinous and add a unique texture to the drinks.
2. Desserts.
   Basil seeds are commonly used in Asian desserts, such as satisfying falooda and chia seed pudding. They can also be added to ice cream, chilling ice dish(gola), and other frozen treats for a unique texture.
3. Salad Dressings.
   Sabja seeds can be added to salad dressings to give them a thicker and more viscous texture. They can be paired with other ingredients like honey, vinegar, and olive oil.
4. Baking.
   They can be added to bread dough or cake batter for a crunchy texture. They can also be sprinkled on top of baked goods, such as muffins or scones, for added crunch.
5. Soup garnishing.
   Whole basil seeds can be used as a garnish on salads or as a crunchy topping on soup. Simply sprinkle the seeds on top of the soup before serving to add a pop of texture and flavour.

Benefits of Basil seeds:

Basil seeds are an excellent source of nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. They are a good source of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Let’s check basil seeds aka sabja seeds benefits. 

1. Rich in nutrients.
   Basil seeds are a good source of many nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
2. May help with digestion.
   Sabja are known to have a cooling effect on the body, which can help with digestion. They are powder packed with soluble fibre, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
3. May help with weight loss.
   Basil seeds can help you feel full and satisfied due to their high fibre content. This can lead to reduced calorie intake and potentially aid in weight loss efforts.
4. May improve heart health.
   The fibre and omega-3 fatty acids found in sabja seeds may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in the body.
5. May have anti-inflammatory properties.
   Basil seeds contain compounds such as eugenol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This may help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
6. May help regulate blood sugar levels.
   Tukmariya seeds have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This may be due to their high fibre content and ability to slow down the absorption of sugar in the body.

Summing it up:

Whatever you call them, Basil seeds, tukmariya or sabja seeds, these tiny seeds are an exciting and delicious way to add extra flavour, texture, and nutrition to a large variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lemonade or want to make your morning smoothie more nutritious, the wonderful taste and texture of basil seed drinks can open up new culinary frontiers that you never expected. With so many different ways to use them, it's no wonder that these tiny little powerhouses have become increasingly popular over the years.