Paneer Phool, an Indian rennet
 
Botanical and Common Names
 
Withania coagulans is popularly known as Indian Rennet (Paneer Dodi) a common herb found in India, Nepal, and Afghanistan. Paneer Dodi is famed as an elixir of health, as all parts of the plant right from the flower, fruit, seed, leaves, stem, root, and bark are known to exhibit indispensable health-benefiting properties.
 
Nutritional Content
 
Paneer Phool, or Indian rennet, has been traditionally used in herbal preparations and has a rich nutritional profile. While the exact nutritional breakdown is subject to variations, it generally contains a variety of antioxidants and bioactive compounds that have health benefits.
 
Flavour Description
 
Indian rennet has a distinctive taste. It has a slightly sour flavour, which makes it an excellent choice as a coagulant in cheese production, particularly for paneer in traditional Indian cooking.
 
Benefits and Side Effects
 
Indian rennet is known for its unique enzymatic properties that allow it to curdle milk efficiently, contributing to its popularity as a natural coagulant in cheese production. Beyond this, it has several potential health benefits linked to its traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine, including aiding digestive health and showing promise in various medicinal uses.
                            It's generally considered safe for consumption, but as with all herbal products, individual responses may vary. People with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should consult a healthcare provider before use.
 
Recipe Suggestions and Home Remedies
 
Paneer phool or Withania coagulans is an important culinary and medicinal ingredient. Here are some recipe suggestions and home remedies using paneer phool.
 
Paneer Phool Paneer: For homemade paneer, bring 1 litre of milk to a boil and add a small amount of paneer phool. Allow the milk to curdle, strain, and press to create a solid paneer block. It's a simple and natural way to create this staple of Indian cuisine.
Paneer Phool Tea: You can make a soothing herbal tea with paneer phool. Boil a teaspoon of paneer phool in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink it warm for digestive benefits.
Digestive Aid: Paneer phool is known to aid digestion. Add a small amount of paneer phool to a glass of warm milk or mix with yoghurt and consume after a heavy meal.
Natural Remedy for Diarrhea: Paneer Phool has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for diarrhoea. Boil a teaspoon of paneer phool with a cup of water until it reduces to half. Drink this decoction for relief.
Cottage Cheese: Similar to paneer, you can also make cottage cheese using paneer phool. Warm the milk, add paneer phool, let it curdle, and then strain it. This will yield soft, lumpy cottage cheese.
                               Remember that these remedies should be used as complementary treatments and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for persistent health issues.
 
Buying and Storage Guide
 
Paneer phool can be purchased from health food stores, online marketplaces, and stores that sell Indian ingredients. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
 
Usage Suggestions
 
In addition to its culinary uses in cheese-making traditions, paneer phool can be used in various herbal preparations due to its traditional medicinal uses. For instance, it can be included in herbal teas or used as a natural remedy for digestive issues. As with all dietary supplements, it's advisable to seek professional medical advice before incorporating paneer phool into your diet or health routine.