Ultimate Guide to Paruthi Paal – Instant Cottonseed Drink

Paruthi Paal, a traditional cottonseed drink from Tamil Nadu, India, has gained popularity for its remarkable nutritional benefits ^[1]. This instant beverage, rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, offers a unique and delightful way to nourish your body.

Derived from the humble cottonseed, paruthi paal powder is a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine, providing a range of potential benefits for overall health, including relief from cold and cough symptoms, and even aiding in labor pains ^[1].

What is Paruthi Paal?

Paruthi Paal is a traditional and nutritious drink from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, made from cottonseed milk ^[1]. Cottonseed, a byproduct of cotton cultivation, is a rich source of protein, essential fatty acids, and carbohydrates ^{[1] [2]}. The process of making Paruthi Paal involves the following steps:

1. Soaking and blending cottonseed to extract the milk ^[1]
2. Boiling the milk with other ingredients like:
3. Rice or millet ^[1]
4. Jaggery (a healthier sweetener compared to refined sugar) ^[2]
5. Cardamom ^{[1] [2]}
6. Coconut milk ^{[1] [2]}
7. Dry ginger ^{[1] [2]}

Paruthi Paal is considered a ‘triple-nutrient’ drink as it is high in protein, essential fatty acids, and natural sugars, making it an energy-rich beverage ^{[1] [2]} . The name ‘Paruthi Paal’ is derived from the Tamil words ‘Paruthi’ meaning ‘cotton’ and ‘Paal’ meaning ‘milk’ ^[2].

Paruthi Paal can be prepared by mixing 1 tablespoon of the instant mix with 120ml of warm or cold milk, and then filtering it. It can also be consumed raw with hot water for those who are lactose intolerant.

Ingredients and Preparation:

The key ingredients required to prepare Paruthi Paal are:

• Paruthi Kottai (Cotton Seeds) – 2 cups ^[2]
• Raw Rice – 1 cup ^[2]
• Jaggery – 1 cup ^[2]
• Thick Coconut Milk – 1 cup ^[2]
• Cardamom Powder – 1 tsp ^[2]
• Dry Ginger Powder – 1 tsp ^[2]

Alternatively, the ingredients can be:

• Paruthi Kottai or Cottonseed – 200-250g (yields 1 liter of milk) ^[3]
• Raw Rice – 2 tablespoons, soaked and ground to a paste (or substitute with rice flour + 1/2 cup water) ^[3]
• Karupetti or Palm Jaggery – 1 cup, dissolved in a little water to form a syrup ^[3]
• Powdered Dry Ginger or Chukka – 1/2 teaspoon ^[3]
• Powdered Chitthirathai or Dry Lesser Galangal – 1 teaspoon ^[3]
• Cardamom Pods, Powdered – 2-3 ^[3]
• Coconut Milk – Extracted from 1 whole grated coconut ^[3]

The preparation steps involve:

1. Washing and soaking the cotton seeds and rice overnight for easier grinding ^[2]
2. Grinding the soaked cotton seeds and rice into a smooth paste ^[2]
3. Straining the milk from the ground paste ^{[2] [3]}
4. Cooking the milk on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened ^[2]
5. Adding jaggery and cooking for 4 more minutes ^[2]
6. Adding cardamom powder, dry ginger powder, and coconut milk ^{[2] [3]}
7. Serving warm ^[2]

The main ingredient, cottonseed milk, is extracted by soaking and blending cottonseed and then straining the milk, which contains 23.1g protein, 22.9g fat, 43.2g carbohydrates, 7.3g moisture, and 3.5g minerals per 100g ^{[1] [6]}.

Nutritional Benefits of Paruthi Paal powder:

Paruthi Paal is a nutrient powerhouse and a healthy drink, offering a wide range of health benefits. It is considered a ‘triple-nutrient’ drink as it is a rich source of protein, essential fatty acids, and natural sugars, making it an energy-boosting beverage. Known for its high protein, essential fatty acid, and sugar content, Paruthi Paal stands out as a triple-nutrient beverage and an energy drink. It is celebrated for its health benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants, offering protection against heart-related issues, preventing stomach ulcers, and having positive effects on overall health. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of this traditional drink:

• Rich in Antioxidants, Fiber, and Good Carbohydrates: Paruthi Paal is packed with antioxidants, fiber, micronutrients, and good carbohydrates that provide instant and long-lasting energy.
• Excellent Source of Protein, Fats, and Minerals: Cottonseed, the primary ingredient, contains an impressive 23.1g of protein, 43.2g of carbohydrates, 22.9g of fat, 7.3g of moisture, and 3.5g of minerals per 100g ^[6].

• Promotes Bone Health: Paruthi Paal is a good source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
• Supports Overall Wellness: This traditional drink can also support hormonal balance, provide essential nutrients, and promote overall wellness, making it a valuable addition to a woman’s diet.

The combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals in Paruthi Paal makes it a nutritious and energizing beverage that offers numerous potential health benefits.

Traditional Health Benefits:

Paruthi Paal is revered for its numerous traditional health benefits, as highlighted by the following points:

• It is considered a natural remedy for colds and coughs, particularly when prepared with ginger, cardamom, and almonds ^{[1] [2] [6]}.
• Paruthi Paal is believed to ease labor pains due to the stimulating effect of cotton root on uterine contractions ^{[1] [6]}.
• It is thought to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps, making it beneficial for women with PCOS/PCOD ^{[1] [2] [6]}.
• The low carbohydrate content of Paruthi Paal is believed to help regulate menstrual cycles ^[6].
• Paruthi Paal is traditionally used to heal stomach ulcers due to its soothing properties ^{[1] [6]}.
• The antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of Paruthi Paal are attributed to the protective compounds present in cottonseed oil ^{[1] [6]}.
• Paruthi Paal is believed to maintain healthy blood pressure levels due to the mono- and poly-saturated fats in cottonseed ^{[1] [6]}.
• The high vitamin E content in Paruthi Paal is thought to improve neurological health and memory ^{[1] [6]}.
• Paruthi Paal’s low-glycemic index and high magnesium content are believed to help prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) ^[6].

Modern Applications

Paruthi Paal has found diverse modern applications beyond its traditional use as a beverage. It can serve as a healthy alternative to tea, coffee, and other beverages, offering a unique and nutritious option.

During World War II, when edible sources were scarce, various products were made from cottonseed and served to soldiers ^[6]. This showcases the versatility of cottonseed and its potential for innovative applications.

Today, a range of edible products are developed from Paruthi Paal, including:

• Chocolates
• Cheese
• Curd
• Cottonseed soup
• Tamucurd (a type of curd)
• Yogurt
• Sausage
• Biryani
• Paruthi halwa (a sweet dessert) ^[6]

Furthermore, cottonseed milk finds applications in the cosmetic industry, where it is used for:

• Moisturizing lotions
• Skin creams
• Herbal medicine
• Conditioners
• Shampoos ^[6]

The versatility of Paruthi Paal and cottonseed milk opens up opportunities for exploring new products and applications in various industries, from food and beverage to personal care and beyond.

Conclusion:

Paruthi Paal, a traditional paruthi paal cotton seed drink from Tamil Nadu, India, has emerged as a remarkable source of nourishment. Its unique blend of protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals make it a nutrient-dense beverage with numerous potential health benefits. From providing relief from cold and cough symptoms to aiding in labor pains and regulating menstrual cycles, Paruthi Paal has long been revered for its traditional healing properties.

While rooted in ancient wisdom, Paruthi Paal has also found modern applications, serving as a healthy alternative to other beverages and inspiring a range of innovative products, including the Paruthi Paal-Cotton Seed Instant Latte Mix. This latte mix highlights its benefits as an antioxidant drink, cold and cough remedy, and energy drink, emphasizing its traditional significance in South Indian culture and its role in promoting overall wellness, including supporting hormonal balance and providing essential nutrients. As we continue to explore the versatility of this humble cottonseed drink, it stands as a testament to the wealth of knowledge embedded in traditional practices and the potential for rediscovering and adapting them to contemporary needs.

FAQs:

Can I consume Paruthi Paal every day?

Yes, incorporating Paruthi Paal into your daily diet is beneficial. It serves as an excellent energy drink, deeply rooted in South Indian culture and medicinal practices. This beverage is particularly noted for its high calcium content, essential for strong bones and the prevention of diseases like osteoporosis.

Does Paruthi Paal help with cold and cough symptoms?

Indeed, Paruthi Paal is not only refreshing but also packed with essential nutrients. The lipids found in cottonseed are known for their antioxidant properties. Moreover, Paruthi Paal is traditionally used for its healing effects, making it a popular choice for alleviating symptoms of the common cold and cough.

What makes Paruthi Paal beneficial for breastfeeding mothers?

Paruthi Paal, a term that translates to cotton milk, is rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, and sugars, making it a nutrient-dense energy drink. Its cooling effect on the body and its nutritional profile make it an excellent beverage for nursing mothers, helping them to treat cold and cough effectively.

What ingredients are used to make Paruthi Paal?

The traditional recipe for Paruthi Paal includes a blend of cottonseed milk, ginger, cardamom, and almonds. This mixture is particularly favored in Tamil Nadu as a remedy for cold and cough, highlighting its medicinal value alongside its nutritional benefits.

References

[1] – https://journalofethnicfoods.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42779-019-0035-1
[2] – https://www.yummytummyaarthi.com/paruthi-paal/
[3] – https://www.paticheri.com/2020/12/12/paruthi-paal-or-cottonseed-milk/
[5] – https://www.recipes18.com/all/recipe/paruthi-paal/
[6] – https://krishijagran.com/health-lifestyle/paruthi-paal-cottonseed-milk-the-nutritious-health-drink-of-tamil-nadu-india/