Basil Seeds (Sabja)

Basil seeds, known locally as sabja or tukmaria, are famous for their cooling properties and their remarkable ability to swell up when soaked in water. That swelling creates a gel-like coating around each seed that gives drinks and desserts a lovely tapioca-like texture. Anyone who has had a good falooda or sharbat will know exactly what these seeds do.

Beyond their culinary uses, sabja seeds have long been used in traditional Indian medicine for their cooling effect on the body, their ability to aid digestion, and their support for blood sugar regulation. They are genuinely one of the most functional ingredients in the Indian pantry.

At Noha Harvest we source clean, properly dried basil seeds that swell evenly and quickly when soaked.

Good to know

• Swell rapidly when soaked to create a gel coating
• Traditionally used for their cooling effect on the body
• Supports healthy blood sugar levels after meals
• Good source of fibre, omega-3 and plant minerals
• Calorie-smart with high satiety value

How people use them

• Soaked and added to falooda, sharbat and milkshakes
• Mixed into lemonade for a cooling summer drink
• Added to yoghurt and smoothies for texture and nutrition
• Consumed soaked in water first thing in the morning
• Used in ayurvedic wellness drinks and tonics