A drink is consumed in the Hijaz and other Muslim countries:
Sehlab is a popular drink in many countries such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, the Levant and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially Madinah in the latter.
Sahlab.. The Winter Drink
Sahlab is a popular drink in Madinah. The drink is originally made from the roots of a wild plant that belongs to the orchis genus of perennial herbs, a sub-group of the orchidaceae family. It is extracted from the tubers of some orchid plants, the finest quality of which grows in Turkey and Iran.
Warm and Healthy Winter Drink
The sahlab drink has many benefits because it contains proteins, colloids, volatile oil and minerals. It is a nutritious drink. Sugar also provides a certain number of calories. It is taken as a soothing agent in cases of infection. Adding nuts to the drink increases its nutritional value. Sahlab is sold in the market in the form of sachets of flavored powder. It is also sold as roots.
A Hot Drink
First, milk is boiled. Then, the mixture of starch, sugar, vanilla and blossom water are added. The mixture is left on the stove until it thickens and its savory aromatic smell spreads. Finally, it is decorated with cinnamon powder and fine nuts and served hot.
Where Can I Try Sahlab?
In winter, you will not have to search for the drink in Madinah because you will find it readily available in cafes, modern luxury restaurants and stalls in parks, walkways and shopping centers.