Nabīdh of dates — date-scented water
Dates soaked in cool water overnight, which sweeten and gently perfume the liquid. Drunk young, barely sweet and slightly tangy — unfermented, refreshing, it is the table water of Medina.
Dates soaked in cool water overnight, which sweeten and gently perfume the liquid. Drunk young, barely sweet and slightly tangy — unfermented, refreshing, it is the table water of Medina.
In the evening, I would toss a handful of dates into a waterskin of water, and let the night do its work. By morning, the water had taken on their sweetness — we drank it that day, and the next day at the latest, never beyond: for after that, the drink turns and becomes forbidden. It was our refreshment, more pleasant than plain water, wiser than what intoxicates. Drink it while it is young and blessed.
- •Dates (tamr) or raisins (zabīb) — a handful (sugar and flavor)
- •Fresh water — a waterskin (base)
Nabīdh of dates — date-scented water
Dates soaked in cool water overnight, which sweeten and gently perfume the liquid. Drunk young, barely sweet and slightly tangy — unfermented, refreshing, it is the table water of Medina.
Why this dish? Nabīdh was prepared for the Prophet in Aisha's house: dates soaked overnight, drunk the next day before the drink fermented. It was a daily gesture from her own home, reported in hadiths on beverages.
In the evening, I would toss a handful of dates into a waterskin of water, and let the night do its work. By morning, the water had taken on their sweetness — we drank it that day, and the next day at the latest, never beyond: for after that, the drink turns and becomes forbidden. It was our refreshment, more pleasant than plain water, wiser than what intoxicates. Drink it while it is young and blessed.
Ingredients (period version)
- Dates (tamr) or raisins (zabīb) — a handful (sugar and flavor)
- Fresh water — a waterskin (base)
Ingredients
- Pitted dates — 6 to 8 (natural sweetener)
- Cold water — 1 liter (base)
- A few cardamom pods (optional) — 2 (flavor)
Method
- In the evening, place the dates (and cardamom) in a pitcher of cold water.
- Let infuse in a cool place overnight, without heating.
- In the morning, gently press the dates in the water to release their sweetness, then strain.
- Drink within the day, chilled; do not keep beyond 48 hours to avoid fermentation.
How it was made : Unfermented nabīdh was the daily sweet drink; its freshness was emphasized because, left too long, it became alcoholic and thus forbidden. Leather or clay vessels, kept cool and shaded, slowed this transition.
The contemporary twist : Serve over ice with a slice of lime and mint: a 'cold brew' date infusion for summer tables.
Sources : Sahīh Muslim, book of drinks (al-ashriba), nabīdh prepared in Aisha's house · Legal sources on the consumption deadline for nabīdh
Aisha · Charactorium