Jaljeera

Most products I had described in this series either no longer exist in the market or have returned to the market and are no longer popular. But there is one product from my childhood which was never discontinued from the market and still has a loyal fanbase. This product is 'Jaljeera'.

I got introduced to Jaljeera when I was 5-6 years old. A few of my relatives had come to my home. One of them was a granduncle who was in his 70s. After dinner, granduncle felt a little discomfort. Dad served him Jaljeera which made him feel better. I had assumed that Jaljeera was a medicine. A few days later I had gone to my aunt's home. She was making pani puri for us. While making the spicy chutney for pani puri, she added Jaljeera. I asked my aunt if anybody has digestive issues. She laughed and told me that Jaljeera is mainly used to make spicy tangy drinks and can also be used as a digestive. She made a quick glass of Jaljeera and served it to me. I took one sip and started coughing (I had not expected it to be spicy). But I liked the tangy taste of it.

Jaljeera was one of our household items. One time, my relatives came unannounced at my home and my mom wasn't at home. I had quickly made Nimbu pani for the guest and added a pinch of Jaljeera. All the guests loved it. They praised my culinary skills. It was a proud moment for me.

As a teenager I would always prefer Jaljeera over other soft drinks and aerieted drinks. I would not like the sweet aftertaste of soft drinks. Hence I would stick to my savory beverage, Jaljeera. There have been numerous tines that I had given Jaljeera to my frineds too. Whenever they would feel bloated or heavy after meals, they would come to me and ask for Jaljeera. In my friend group, I used to be the one who would have medicines and healthy alternatives. Somehow Jaljeera had become my identity and personality.

Over the years my love for Jaljeera has still not faded. On special events and occasions I still prepare Jaljeera. Sometimes it is for socializing. Sometimes as a digestive after a heavy meal. Sometimes for tangy spicy taste. Sometimes just to sit back and relax. Sometimes to experience the memories all over again. If there is one thing that connects me to the pleasant childhood memories, then it had to be Jaljeera.

I believe most people from my generation are moving towards healthier alternatives. Instead of store bought drinks, Jaljeera is a better and healthier alternative. Considering the potential to act as a digestive and carminative, Jaljeera is far better than other soft drinks. Hence in the recent past, I have seen a rise in consumption of Jaljeera. At a recent event, I saw that their speciality drink was presented as Jaljeera is short glasses.

Trendy or not, Jaljeera had been a taste from my childhood which still remains my favourite. It had given me plethora of memories. Jaljeera is not just a drink for me, it is a companion from the childhood that had stayed loyal by far.