Tukmaria, known in English as basil seeds or sabja seeds, are the tiny black seeds of the sweet basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) and are one of the most fascinating and nutritionally remarkable ingredients to have gained widespread attention in recent years. When soaked in water for just a few minutes, these small seeds transform dramatically — swelling to several times their original size and developing a transparent, jelly-like coating of soluble fibre that gives them a uniquely satisfying, tapioca-like texture and remarkable thickening properties. Lioncroft's Tukmaria Basil Seeds are carefully cleaned and prepared for immediate use in drinks, desserts, and wellness preparations.
Tukmaria seeds have been used for centuries in Indian and Southeast Asian traditional medicine as a cooling ingredient, and they feature prominently in the falooda — the beloved Indian milkshake dessert — as well as in sherbets, rose milk drinks, and cold beverages of every kind. Their neutral flavour means they absorb the taste of surrounding ingredients, making them a versatile addition to fruit drinks, coconut milk desserts, and sweet soups. Nutritionally, basil seeds are an impressive source of soluble dietary fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based calcium. Their high fibre content supports digestive health and promotes satiety, making them popular in weight management diets. Lioncroft's Tukmaria Basil Seeds are a genuinely extraordinary ingredient that brings both nutritional benefit and textural magic to your kitchen.
