Tukmaria or holy basil seeds boost the nutritional value of this refreshing Cucumber Peach Smoothie to make a delicious nutritious drink. Tukmaria are also often used as an aid to weight loss.
Chia seeds, now classified among the top superfoods, is widely used in a lot of recipes from smoothies to desserts and even in cakes as a binding agent. But this post is not about the already famous chia! So no, I didn’t get the title wrong! It’s about a similar seed which are basil seeds. The latter look very much like chia seeds and also swells in water to form a gelatinous coating.
Tukmaria (basil seeds) are more popular in the Mediterranean and Asia where they are mostly used in juices and desserts. They are popular in Mauritius too, where I grew up.
Unlike chia, basil seeds haven’t yet made the hit among the ‘superfoods‘. I kind of chuckle at these food classifications anyway. The thing is these superfoods are actually normal food consumed by some communities around the world as part of their usual diet until some company decides to make them the next big thing and start praising about their amazing benefits to make a business out of it… Well, then prices go up…
Chia does have its benefits, I’m not denying that but I am more so referring on the overpricing of superfoods in general…
Back to the basil seeds then, I’ve been used to having these tiny seeds in flavoured milk since I was a kid, what we call ‘Alouda’ in Mauritius (Falooda in other parts of the world). I have a recipe of Alouda on the blog – scroll way down.
Despite the fact that tukmaria is a regular part of my diet, I have never really researched on its benefits or side effects. Apparently there are no reported side effects from consuming basil seeds (unless if you might be allergic to them…).
As for their benefits, according to this website, they aid in digestion, can treat cold, cure respiratory diseases, can relieve stress and are good for treatment of skin infection. They can also aid in weight loss when consumed soaked in some water before meals.
Well, in any case, I remember basil seeds to be a very fun thing to eat or drink as a kid. Their jelly coating would make them slip around the teeth and I would make it a challenge to bit through the tiny seeds!
Tukmaria Cucumber Peach Smoothie
While I still do enjoy tukmaria in flavoured milk (now non-dairy), I now also include them in my smoothies. They add some protein, since I’m allergic to nuts and various seeds. The basil seeds don’t seem to give me any trouble.
And they are cheap! So just grab some and try them out. I get them at the local Asian store.
Tukmaria Cucumber Peach Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup green cucumber, cut into small pieces (peel if not organic)
- 1 sweet ripe peach, peeled
- 1 – 2 dates, pitted (or 1 – 2 tablespoons maple syrup)
- 2 – 3 mint leaves
- Enough coconut milk to dilute, I use the carton coconut milk that is suitable for tea, not the canned ones. Other non-dairy like oat or almond milk is also fine
- 1 teaspoon dry tukmaria, or basil seeds (you may substitute with chia seeds)
Instructions
- Cover the tukmaria with about 4 – 5 tablespoons water and allow them to soak.
- Stir them a bit, then you can discard any seeds or dirt that remains floating at the top.
- The seeds will soak up the water and swell with a jelly coating around them.
- Blend all other ingredients together, except the tukmaria, until smooth.
- Stir in the tukmaria (do not blend, leave them whole).
- The smoothie is ready to be served.
I had never heard of basil seeds as a food stuff (apart from as a way of getting basil!) – does the smoothie end up a bit like bubble tea?
Hi Joey, yes it's similar to bubble tea, except for bubble tea they usually use tapioca pearls. But the feel is pretty similar.
Looks delish, and I agree w/ you about the superfoods. There are a lot of 'superfoods' out there! I would really love to try this. Where do you get your basil seeds?
I get them at my local Asian / Indian store here. I haven't seen it in health shops over here, probably because they are not that popular (yet!)
Ok. Thanks for sharing! I think I'll take do a search online and see if I find any there. I always like to try new (natural healthy) foods. 🙂
Def as well think it's ridiculous how big corporations have to capitalize on everything and call them superfoods. Everything is a "superfood" just to make a buck. It's a shame and really silly, even quinoa availability and prices now are becoming an issue now..Sigh..<br />Anyways, this looks awesome! I've never tried basil seeds before and they really intrigue me. I shall