Popular Egyptian Drinks

Qamar el Din

(pronounced Amradeen)
(Apricot Leather drink)

This drink which is popular around Ramadan is made by soaking sheets of dried apricot extract in water and adding sugar.
Physician and philosopher Avicenna (known in the Arab world as Ibn Sina) rightly praised dried apricots as thirst quenchers and antidotes to diarrhea. Qamar el din aids indigestion, regulates metabolism and is packed with vitamins A, B and C, as well as calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorous.  Qamar el din is also high Folic acid, which helps fetuses grow; super for pregnant women.

- In a jug, pour 2 litres of boiling water.
- Take one sheet of Qamar el Din and break into pieces and dissolve completely    in water.
- Add sugar to suit your taste, and stir until dissolved.
- You can add more water if it is too thick.
- leave to cool, then refrigerate until serving.

 Tamar Hindi
(Tamarind)

This tropical fruit tree has one of the highest levels of carbohydrates and proteins found in any fruit.

It is the perfect beverage for diabetics, as it regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
It is also extremely rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and is high in beta carotene. Other essential minerals found in tamr hindi include potassium, phosphorous and calcium.

Tamar Hindi Drink

Ingredients
1 ½ pounds black tamer hindi
1 pound brown tamer hindi
12 cups water
10 cups sugar
juice of 2 lemons

Preparation

1. Soak black and brown tamer hindi seeds in 12 cups of water for 10 hours. Stir and crush with hands. Strain with a cheesecloth.
2. Add sugar and bring to boil, skimming foam as it appears on the surface. Add the lemon juice and let simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes until syrupy. Pour into clean bottles. Wait until cold to seal the bottles.
3. Too serve, use 1 tablespoon of syrup per glass of ice water. Store open bottles in the fridge.

Kerkadeh
(Hibiscus)

Ingredients:

1c hibiscus petals

5c water

sugar, to serve

1.Put the hibiscus in a pan with the water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. (Alternatively soak hibiscus overnight in cold water and sugar then strain and serve.)
2.Strain infusion into a serving pitcher and chill in refrigerator.
Discard hibiscus petals.
3.Serve chilled with sugar on the side.



Erq Sous
Licourice Root drink

                                               Erq Sous seller




Erq sous (liquorice root):

This is another popular drink in Arab countries, especially Egypt and Syria. Although not to everyone's taste, liquorice, better known in the form of candy than as a drink, is one of the most biologically active herbs known. Acting as an anti- inflammatory, it affects the immune, circulatory and respiratory systems.

Liquorice is a chronic fatigue combatant, mimicking the effects of natural hormones. As such, it fights off lethargy by causing fluid retention (which will make you feel less thirsty), raising blood pressure (which usually dips while fasting, due to the lack of sugar intake), and combating potassium loss.

Liquorice is also used to soothe the stomach and as an effective cough suppressant.




Khaboub
(Carob)

Another acquired taste, kharoub potentially reduces cholesterol, aids digestion and acts as an antioxidant. 

Pinitol, an active component of kharoub, has been shown to regulate blood glucose and is especially recommended for diabetics.

Carob, dried or roasted and having a slightly sweet taste, in powder or chip form, is used as an ingredient in cakes and cookies. Carob is sometimes used as a substitute for chocolate. The seeds, also known as locust beans, are used as animal feed. They are also the source of locust bean gum, a thickening agent used in numerous processed foods. In Egypt, carobs are consumed as a snack. Crushed pods are used to make a refreshing drink.