Organic Ashwagandha Powder

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a well-known plant in Ayurvedic medicine, and records of its use date back more than 3,000 years. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera and belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same as the tomato, eggplant, nightshade, tobacco, and even the potato.
It is an herbaceous shrub, woody at the base, that reaches up to a height of about 170 cm and grows wild or can be cultivated. Also known as the "King and Queen of Herbs" or "Winter Cherry" it is increasingly known and appreciated for its properties.

The Plant

Withania somnifera is a woody herbaceous shrub. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same as the tomato, and like the tomato it has small green-yellow flowers and oval leaves. The fruits vary in color from red to yellow-orange depending on ripeness and look like small tomatoes. The plant is covered with a down that gives it a grey-cerulean glow.
Ashwagandha originates in North Africa, the Middle East and especially in India, where, due to its properties, it is considered the most popular plant and therefore called "Indian Ginseng."

History

Ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit ashwa meaning "horse," the origin of this name comes from the fact that from the root of this plant was able to give people the strength of a stallion. Another theory states that the literal meaning of the word ashwagandha is "horse smell" because the fresh roots of the herb have an unpleasant odor.
The name of the somnifera species comes from Latin and can be translated "sleep-inducing," this would refer to its ability to improve the quality of sleep. There is evidence to suggest that the root of this plant was used many years ago by the Indian population. In fact, in addition to being used as a food, the root is mainly exploited in folk and Ayurvedic medicine.

Flavor and texture

The powder that is made from the Ashwagandha root has a bitter taste and an unpleasant odor, but it has good solubility, which is why it is recommended to take the powder mixed with other foods to make it more pleasant to take.
Important is the method of processing, ashwagandha powder must be processed at low temperatures to preserve all its nutrients intact.

How to take ashwagandha powder?

Organic ashwagandha powder is considered an excellent way to incorporate this root into one's diet.
It goes well with fruit juices, chocolate, yogurt or milk much more... Ashwagandha powder can be dissolved in drinks, in smoothies or added to cake and cookie doughs or in savory recipes. Ashwagandha tea is another way to consume the root and you can add some manuka honey to enhance the flavor.

Recipes with ashwagandha

Ashwagandha powder has a very distinctive taste and can be taken in a variety of ways:

• in smoothies or juices
• in yogurt and milk
• together with muesli or other dried fruits and oilseeds
• as an ingredient in homemade desserts
• in salads or as a dressing
• for broths or soups
• in herbal teas or teas