Cold & cough15 min
Chukku Kaapi, Kerala Dry-Ginger Coffee
A thin, warm Kerala drink of dry ginger, coriander seed, holy basil and jaggery. Caffeine-free and comforting for a scratchy throat; not a treatment.
Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.
A Kerala drink that is not coffee
Chukku kaapi is a traditional Kerala herbal drink, called coffee only by name. It is made from dry ginger (chukku), coriander seeds, tulsi and jaggery, simmered in water. It has a warm, peppery taste and no caffeine.
Simmer the spices for ten minutes, strain and sip warm, either plain or with a little jaggery. This is a comfort drink for the cold season and not a treatment for cough or infection.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dry ginger powder
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 4–5 tulsi leaves
- 1 tsp jaggery
How to prepare
- Simmer ginger, coriander and tulsi in 2 cups water for ten minutes.
- Strain and stir in jaggery.
How to use
- Sip a small cup warm.
- Have once or twice a day in the cold season.
Helpful habits
- Crush coriander seeds lightly before simmering.
- Skip jaggery for an unsweetened version.
Precautions
- Avoid in pregnancy except in culinary amounts.
- Acid reflux may worsen with ginger.
- A comfort drink, not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does it contain coffee?
- No, it is a herbal drink.
Can children drink it?
- A few sips, well diluted, for older children.
Can I use fresh ginger?
- Dry ginger is traditional for this drink.
