What is garden cress seeds, halim, halim ke beej?

Garden cress) is a fast-growing, edible herb that is botanically related to watercress and mustard, sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. It is a green, cool-season perennial plant used as a leafy vegetable, typically used as a garnish. Undisturbed, the plant can grow to a height of two feet with minimal maintenance. When mature, garden cress produces white or light-pink flowers, and small seed pods. It has long leaves at the bottom of the stem and small, bright-green, feather-like leaves arranged on opposite sides of its stalks at the top. The seeds are tiny, slightly long and reddish brown in colour and are called halim in Hindi, aaliv in Marathi and asario in Gujarati.

How to select garden cress seeds, halim, halim ke beej

When buying cress seeds, ensure they are crispy and have not turn soggy because of the presence of moisture. Further they should also be free of stone or debris or dust.

Culinary Uses of garden cress seeds, halim, halim ke beej in Indian Cooking

garden cress, Halim used in Indian drinks

We have made a tasty Halim recipe drink by soaking garden cress seeds in lemon juice. The lemon juice not only makes the drink tasty but also gives a good amount of vitamin C, which improves the absorption of iron from this Halim Recipe.

garden cress, Halim used in Indian desserts

Yes, we have used garden cress seeds to make the famous Indian ladoo. Halim Ladoo recipe is a traditional Maharashtriansweet made with iron-rich garden cress seeds. Other ingredients like jaggery and almonds also add to the iron quotient of these delicious ladoos.

garden cress, halim used in Indian parathas

Aliv or garden cress seed is a real treasure-trove of nutrients, and a must have in every kitchen. This little-known Indian food is one of the best vegetarian sources of iron, and is worth including in the diet, whether as a powder or in seed form.

This delicious Aliv Nutri Paratha recipe is a great way to start off. With a scrumptious stuffing of paneer and coloured capsicums, it is nothing short of a mouth-watering treat.

How to store garden cress seeds, halim, halim ke beej

Garden cress seeds are best stored in a ziplockbag or air tight container in the refrigerator. They usually stay fresh for 3 to 4 months when refrigerated.

Health benefits of garden cress seeds, halim, halim ke beej

1. Reduces Fatigue - Cures Anaemia : A tbsp. of these seeds offer 12 mg of iron, which is difficult to source it from any other ingredient from such a small quantity. 60% of iron requirement is fulfilled by consuming a tbsp. A simple concoction of Halim Water once a day or at least 3 to 4 times for 1 to 2 months can help increase your hemoglobin levels and cure anemia to some extent. Add a tsp of lemon juice to this water as lemon juice abounds in vitamin C, which further enhances iron absorption. Try it out…

2. Acts as Galactogogue - Increases Breast Milk Production : Being rich in iron and a galactagogue (a food which enhances breast milk production), it’s beneficial for lactating moms. It’s considered a post-partum food, which is served to nursing mothers usually in the form of ladoo. This recipe of Halim Ladoo is a must-try for new mums feeding their bundle of joy.

Click here to know more about the Health benefits of Garden Cress, (Halim).

These tiny seeds are a bundle of nutrients. They abound in many nutrients right from iron to calcium and protein to B vitamins. Let’s peep into its nutrition facts in detail.

Nutritive Information for Garden Cress Seeds (Halim):

1 tbsp of garden cress seeds is about 12 grams

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Energy - 55 calories

Protein –3 g

Carbohydrate – 4 g

Fat – 2.9 g

Fiber – 0.9 g

Vitamins:

0.07 mg of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) = 5.9% of RDA ( (about 1.2 to 1.6 mg for men)

0.07 mg of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) = 5.2% of RDA (about 1.4 to 1.9 mg for men)

1.7 mg of Vitamin B3 = 14.3 % of RDA (about 12 mg)