Kaji Nemu Shorbot
A refreshing Assamese summer cooler made from the fragrant kaji nemu, a local citrus prized for its unique aroma and gentle tang. Sweetened lightly with sugar and finished with a pinch of black salt, this shorbot is bright, revitalizing, and ready in minutes. Perfect for hot afternoons or as a welcome drink during festive meals.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Juice the kaji nemu.
Cut each kaji nemu in half and squeeze the juice into a pitcher using a citrus squeezer or your hands. Strain out any seeds but keep the pulp for texture.
TIPRoll the lemons on the counter with gentle pressure before cutting — this breaks the membranes inside and yields more juice. - mix · ~1 min
Dissolve the sugar.
Add sugar, salt, and black salt to the pitcher. Pour in 1 cup of cold water and stir vigorously until the sugar completely dissolves.
TIPIf the water is too cold for sugar to dissolve, use room temperature water first and then add the remaining cold water and ice. - mix · ~1 min
Combine and chill.
Pour in the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
- serve · ~1 min
Serve over ice.
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the shorbot over the ice. Serve immediately while cold and fresh.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roll kaji nemu firmly on the counter before juicing to maximize juice yield.
- 2Strain the juice to remove seeds, but keep the fine pulp for authentic texture.
- 3Use room-temperature water for the initial sugar dissolve, then add cold water to chill.
- 4Adjust sugar and black salt gradually to balance sweet, sour, and savory notes.
- 5Serve immediately over ice; this shorbot loses its brightness if stored too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-infused
Muddle a few fresh mint or basil leaves in the pitcher before adding liquid for a cooling, aromatic twist that complements the citrus.
spicedSpiced
Add a tiny pinch of roasted cumin powder or chaat masala along with the black salt for an earthy, tangy complexity.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like jaggery or stevia and reduce to taste for a less sweet, more rustic shorbot.
sparklingSparkling
Substitute 2 cups of the plain water with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing lemonade-style drink.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Kaji nemu is packed with natural vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Hydrating and Low-Cal
This shorbot is primarily water and lemon juice, making it a light, hydrating drink with minimal calories when sweetened moderately.
Digestive Aid
Black salt is traditionally known to stimulate digestion and relieve bloating, making this an excellent after-meal refresher.
Natural Electrolytes
The combination of lemon, salt, and water provides a simple source of electrolytes, ideal for rehydration on hot days.
Frequently asked questions
Kaji nemu is a fragrant Assamese lemon with a thin skin and unique aroma. Regular lemons work fine — use the same quantity and expect a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
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