Golden milk, despite its catchy name, is not some newfangled concoction dreamed up by the beverage industry to capitalize on the recent popularity of its main ingredient – turmeric – in the West.
The hot beverage, also popularly known as a turmeric latte, actually comes from a centuries-old Ayurvedic recipe out of southern Asia.
Long a staple in Indian cooking, turmeric and its health benefits are just now being touted in the West. Not only does the bright-orange spice give golden milk its colour, but it also contains curcumin, a plant substance said to have cleansing and therapeutic properties.
Golden milk: a centuries-old Ayurvedic health drink – Golden milk, also popularly known as a turmeric latte, comes from a centuries-old Ayurvedic recipe out of southern Asia. (Photo credit to “Aileen Kapitza / minzgruen.com / dpa” mandatory.) Photo: Aileen Kapitza/minzgruen.com/dpa-tmn
The fresh ginger that also goes into golden milk boosts the immune system, while cinnamon and honey add just enough sweetness to turn this medicinal drink into a delicious elixir against what ails you.
Ingredients (makes one large cup):
300 millilitres milk (dairy or otherwise), 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon honey (or real maple syrup), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 centimetre fresh ginger
Preparation:
1. Heat milk in a pot at a low temperature, making sure it does not boil. Peel and dice the ginger, then add to the milk.
2. Stir in turmeric and cinnamon. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup. Strain, then stir until frothy. Drink warm.
-dpa
