An edible tree gum, sold as hard amber crystals, that swells into soft translucent jelly beads when soaked in water. Nearly flavorless and prized as a natural coolant, it forms the chewy base layer of the Madurai cold drink jigarthanda.
Where it comes from
A traditional coolant of Tamil Nadu, central to Madurai's jigarthanda.
In the kitchen
Soaked and swollen into jelly beads for layered cold drinks and chilled dessert beverages.