What Exactly Is 'Black Milk'?
Forget what you know about traditional milk. Adah Sharma’s 'Black Milk' is a plant-based beverage that gets its deep, dark hue not from any artificial colouring, but from its main ingredient: black sesame seeds (kala til). The actress recently shared
a video of herself enjoying the drink, sparking curiosity among her followers about its contents and benefits. She revealed that someone had suggested the drink to her for glowing skin. This homemade milk is a simple blend of toasted black sesame seeds, cashews, and dates, all ground with water to create a smooth, nutrient-dense liquid. It’s a dairy-free, vegan-friendly alternative that aligns perfectly with Sharma’s vegetarian and largely vegan lifestyle.
The Power Trio: Black Sesame, Cashews, and Dates
The magic of this drink lies in its core components. Black sesame seeds are the star, celebrated for being rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. They also contain antioxidants and healthy fats, which are beneficial for everything from bone health to combating inflammation. Cashews lend the drink a creamy texture and are a good source of healthy fats and protein. Dates, the natural sweetener in this recipe, provide quick energy along with fibre and essential minerals like potassium. Sharma highlighted that the drink is rich in calcium, iron, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, which are known to be great for skin and hair health.
How to Make Adah Sharma’s Black Milk at Home
Making this intriguing drink is surprisingly straightforward. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide based on the recipe shared by the actress.1. Toast the Seeds: Start by dry roasting a handful of black sesame seeds in a pan over low heat. Wait until they start to crackle, which indicates they are toasted, then remove them from the heat to cool. This step enhances their nutty flavour.2. Blend the Ingredients: In a grinder or high-speed blender, combine the cooled, toasted sesame seeds, a few cashews (about 8-10), and a couple of pitted dates for sweetness.3. Grind to a Paste: Add a pinch of salt and a little water, then grind everything into a smooth purée.4. Strain and Serve: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a muslin cloth, squeezing it to extract all the liquid. The liquid that strains out is your 'Black Milk'.It can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a more refreshing drink.
A Zero-Waste Bonus: A DIY Face Pack
One of the most interesting parts of Adah's recipe is her tip for what to do with the leftover pulp after straining the milk. Instead of discarding it, she suggests using the remaining sesame and cashew paste as a face pack. According to her post, applying the remnants to your face can help achieve glowing skin. While the benefits of applying this specific mixture to the skin aren't scientifically proven, the ingredients themselves have nourishing properties. Black sesame is known in Ayurveda to be beneficial for skin and hair, and this tip offers a creative, zero-waste approach to beauty.
Is This Drink for You?
Adah Sharma's Black Milk is an excellent option for those looking for dairy-free milk alternatives or a nutritious, homemade beverage. It's particularly suited for individuals following a vegan or plant-based diet. The combination of ingredients offers a host of potential health benefits, from boosting mineral intake to providing a natural source of energy. However, like any food, it's not a magic potion. While black sesame, cashews, and dates are healthy, they are also calorie-dense. Enjoying this drink as part of a balanced diet is the best approach. It’s a wholesome addition, but claims about it single-handedly transforming your skin should be taken as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
