What Exactly Is 'Black Milk'?
Forget everything you know about traditional milk. Adah Sharma's 'Black Milk' is a plant-based drink that gets its dramatic, inky hue from one primary ingredient: black sesame seeds, or 'kala til'. Several recent posts show the actress preparing and drinking
this unique beverage, which she suggests is beneficial for skin and hair. The drink is a simple, dairy-free blend of toasted black sesame seeds, cashews for creaminess, dates for natural sweetness, a pinch of salt, and water. The ingredients are blended into a smooth purée and then strained through a muslin cloth to create a rich, dark liquid. This combination creates a beverage that is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients derived from its whole-food ingredients.
The Power of Black Sesame Seeds
The star of this drink is undoubtedly the black sesame seed. These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses, celebrated for their health benefits for centuries, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine where they are considered a longevity food. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and dietary fibre. What really makes them stand out is their rich mineral content. Just a small serving provides a significant amount of copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Notably, black sesame seeds are incredibly rich in calcium, containing much more than their hulled, white counterparts, making them a fantastic food for bone health. Their deep colour comes from a high concentration of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Wellness in a Glass
The combination of ingredients in Black Milk offers a range of potential health perks. Adah herself mentioned benefits for glowing skin, which can be linked to the healthy fats and vitamin E in the seeds that help moisturise and repair the skin barrier. The healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with compounds like sesamin, contribute to heart health by helping to manage cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The high iron content is beneficial for preventing anaemia, while the presence of calcium and magnesium is vital for strong bones. Furthermore, the fibre in the seeds supports good digestion and helps the body eliminate toxins. With cashews adding extra creaminess and healthy fats, and dates providing natural, unrefined sweetness and more fibre, the drink is a well-rounded, nourishing treat.
How to Make Black Milk at Home
Crafting your own Black Milk is simple. Following the method shared by Adah, you can easily replicate this wellness drink. Start by dry-roasting half a cup of black sesame seeds in a pan until they begin to pop and release a nutty aroma. In the same pan, you can lightly toast a small handful of cashews (about 8-10). Let the seeds and nuts cool down completely. Once cooled, add them to a high-speed blender with two pitted dates, a small pinch of salt, and about two cups of water. Blend on high for a minute or two until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. To get a silky texture, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a muslin cloth, squeezing to extract all the liquid. Your homemade Black Milk is now ready to be served, either chilled or at room temperature.
