On cloudy days, we like to create our own sunshine in a cup – Zanzibari golden milk. And the best part is, not only is it fast and easy to make, this recipe can also be changed to suit dairy alternatives!
Just follow our ingredients and directions below! If you want to give it a try, Ujamaa’s own Golden Milk set can be found here.
In Zanzibar, the ingredients used in the recipe are believed to hold many health benefits, and when combined together to create the Golden Milk, it is believed the mixture can support brain function, improve memory, prevent cell damage and help digestion! In Zanzibar, the Golden Milk is usually enjoyed in the morning with breakfast (usually consisting of a delicious chila) or in the evening as a warm drink before bed.
Organic spices used in the Ujamaa Golden Milk recipe
- Kibeni Women Cooperative Turmeric, which is grown in the small village of Kibeni at the Northern tip of the island of Unguja. This turmeric is produced by an inspiring group of women on small plots of land near their homes. One of their only sources of income, their turmeric yields have been steadily declining as they cannot afford to buy organic compost to fertilise their lands due to low local prices of turmeric.
- Mitakawani Village Ginger and Cardamom, which are grown in a small village far removed from any tourism and completely reliant on spice farming. Both the spices are grown by women on small plots of land. After harvesting, they are dried in the sun and then pounded to a powder in a rhythmic motion using a traditional wooden mortar.
- Kidichi Cooperative Cinnamon and Black Pepper, which is grown in the forests on the old private estate of the Sultan of Zanzibar, now divided amongst local small hold farmers who work together as a cooperative.
Ingredients
*1 cup of milk (or dairy alternative)
*1 crushed Mitakawani Village Cardamom
*1/4 teaspoon of our Kidichi Cooperative Cinnamon
*1/4 teaspoon of Mitakawani Village Ginger
*1 tsp of Kibeni Women Cooperative Turmeric (I actually added a bit more later on because I like it a bit stronger)
*A pinch of our Kidichi Cooperative Black Pepper
*Sweetener of your choice
Instructions
1. Put your milk in a pan (on medium heat)
2. Mix in the turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper and stir constantly
3. Stir until the milk starts to simmer and add your sweetener
4. Take your milk off the heat and sieve it straight into your cup
Tip: Some people add a bit of coconut oil to the mixture to elevate the taste. If you do try this, please let us know what the outcome is!
And there you have it – your sunshine in a cup – known to boost the immune system and improve your mood!
If you do give it a try, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or email us your results!