Kanji Drink: A Quick Carrot and Mustard Recipe

Kanji drink is a traditionally fermented North Indian carrot-and-mustard drink; this quick, unfermented version takes about 2 hours 15 minutes and makes about 4 cups (960 mL).

For another warm or chilled drink idea, see herbal detox tea.

What is kanji drink?

Traditional kanji drink is a tangy mixture of carrots, water, mustard and salt that develops its sour flavor through fermentation. Black carrots give it a deep color, although orange carrots can also be used.

The recipe below takes a shortcut: it chills the ingredients in water and adds lemon juice for tartness. It is not fermented, so it does not reproduce the flavor of traditional kanji drink and should not be assumed to contain probiotics.

How do you make kanji drink?

This no-cook recipe uses a refrigerated steep rather than room-temperature fermentation. The result is lightly flavored water with a sharp mustard note; it is not meant to be thick like a blended drink.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (960 mL) drinking water
• About 1¼ cups (150 g) thinly sliced black or orange carrots
• 1 teaspoon (about 2 g) crushed mustard seeds
• ¼ teaspoon (about 1.5 g) salt, optional
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Wash the carrots thoroughly and slice them thinly.
2. Combine the carrots, crushed mustard seeds, optional salt and water in a clean, covered pitcher or jar.
3. Refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
4. Strain the liquid into a clean container and stir in the lemon juice.
5. Serve chilled. Keep the remaining kanji drink refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours of making it for the best flavor.

To adapt the ingredients to your preferences, use the ai detox recipe generator.

Keep the pitcher covered while it chills, and do not leave the prepared drink at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Discard it if it becomes slimy or develops an unexpected smell or other signs of spoilage. The lemon makes the drink intentionally tart, so tartness alone is not a useful spoilage test.

Does kanji drink help with detox?

Kanji drink can help you stay hydrated, but there is no evidence that it removes toxins or provides a special detox effect. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste, while sweat removes only trace amounts.

Fermentation can produce microorganisms, but that does not establish a health benefit for every traditional kanji drink. This quick version is not fermented, and its mustard and carrots are steeped rather than eaten as a full serving of vegetables. Do not count on it as a probiotic or a substitute for a varied diet.

How much kanji drink should you have, and when?

There is no established amount or best time to drink kanji drink for detoxification. If you enjoy the flavor, try a small glass of about ½ cup (120 mL) with a meal or whenever it suits you.

Adjust the amount to your taste and comfort rather than following a detox schedule. Plain water also supports hydration, so there is no need to drink kanji drink if you do not like it.

What are the possible side effects of kanji drink?

Mustard can cause an allergic reaction in people with a mustard allergy; avoid this recipe if that applies to you. Lemon and mustard may also bother some people who are sensitive to acidic or spicy foods.

If you need to limit sodium, leave out the optional salt. Stop drinking it if it causes discomfort, and seek medical advice about persistent symptoms. Get urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the throat.

Frequently asked questions about kanji drink

Ingredients and names can vary between households and regions. These answers cover a few common variations.

<script type="application/ld+json"> {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Recipe","name":"Quick Kanji Drink (Unfermented)","description":"A chilled carrot and mustard drink with lemon, inspired by traditional fermented kanji.","prepTime":"PT15M","totalTime":"PT2H15M","recipeYield":"About 4 cups (960 mL)","recipeIngredient":["4 cups (960 mL) drinking water","About 1¼ cups (150 g) thinly sliced black or orange carrots","1 teaspoon (about 2 g) crushed mustard seeds","¼ teaspoon (about 1.5 g) salt, optional","1 tablespoon (15 mL) fresh lemon juice"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Wash the carrots thoroughly and slice them thinly."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Combine the carrots, crushed mustard seeds, optional salt and water in a clean, covered pitcher or jar."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a stronger flavor."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Strain the liquid into a clean container and stir in the lemon juice."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Serve chilled. Refrigerate the remainder and drink within 24 hours of making it for the best flavor."}]} </script>