I Tried Harad Murabba for the First Time: My Honest Review of This Ayurvedic Wonder
You know that friend who's always recommending weird health foods?
For me, that's my neighbor. She's the one who got me into amla murabba, bamboo murabba, bel murabba – basically my entire murabba journey started because of her.
Last month, she showed up with a small jar that looked different from the others. Dark brown pieces, thick syrup, and a smell that was... unusual.
"Harad murabba," she said. "Try it. It's medicine."
Medicine? I was skeptical. After all the delicious mango and apple murabbas I had tried, this looked serious. It didn't have the bright colors of bamboo or the familiar look of amla. It looked old. Traditional. Intimidating.
But I've learned something on this journey – when my neighbor recommends a murabba, I try it.
So I did.
And guys? This one is different. This one is something else entirely.
Here is my completely honest experience trying harad murabba, why it might be the most health-focused murabba I've ever tried, and whether it's actually worth eating.
What Is Harad Murabba? (The "What Is This Fruit?" Question)
Okay, let's start with the basics because I had no idea what harad was before this.
Harad, also called harar, honey, or honey in some regions, is a fruit that comes from the plant Terminalia chebula . In Ayurveda, it's considered incredibly important – some texts call it "harad" because it's believed to "har" (remove) all diseases . It's one of the three ingredients in the famous triphala powder (along with baheda and amla) .
The fruit itself is small, yellowish-green when fresh, and turns dark brown when dried. It doesn't look like something you'd want to eat raw – because honestly, raw harad is bitter, astringent, and not pleasant at all.
But when you turn it into murabba? Something magical happens. The long cooking process with sugar transforms it into something completely different. The bitterness mellows, the astringency softens, and you're left with a sweet preserve that still carries all the health benefits of the original fruit .
Some people search for "harad ka murabba in english" – it's the same thing. Harad murabba. Terminalia chebula preserve. Yellow myrobalan preserve . But honestly, just call it harad murabba. That's what everyone knows it as.
Why I Was Nervous to Try Harad Murabba
Let me be honest about my hesitation:
1. My neighbor called it "medicine"
That's not what you want to hear when you're expecting something sweet. Medicine means bitter. Medicine means "good for you but tastes bad." I was worried.
2. The color was intimidating
Compared to the bright green of bamboo murabba or the amber of bel, harad murabba is dark brown. Almost black in some lights. It looks serious.
3. I read about raw harad
A quick search told me raw harad is super bitter and astringent. I imagined that taste lingering even in the murabba.
4. The health claims were overwhelming
Constipation, cough, cold, asthma, arthritis, immunity, digestion – the list went on and on . When something claims to do everything, I get suspicious.
But my neighbor insisted. She said, "Just try one piece. With warm milk at night. That's how you're supposed to eat it."
So I did.
My First Bite: The "This Is Actually Good" Surprise
That evening, I warmed up some milk, opened the jar of harad murabba, and picked out one piece.
First bite:
Okay. I was wrong.
It was sweet – definitely sweet – but not in the same way as mango or apple murabba. The sweetness felt deeper, richer, almost like jaggery but different. And underneath the sweetness, there was this complex flavor – slightly tangy, slightly earthy, with a hint of something I couldn't identify.
The texture surprised me too. The harad pieces were soft but still held their shape. When I bit into them, they gave way easily but didn't turn to mush. There was a slight chewiness that I actually enjoyed.
And the combination with warm milk? Perfect. The sweetness of the murabba mixed with the creaminess of the milk created something comforting and satisfying.
I ate one piece. Then I wanted another. But my neighbor had told me – one piece at night is enough. So I stopped.
The next morning, I noticed something. My stomach felt... light. Clean. I won't get into details, but let's just say things were regular. Very regular .
I understood why she called it medicine.
What Harad Murabba Tastes Like (A Real Description)
Describing harad murabba is hard because it doesn't taste like any other murabba I've tried. But here is my best attempt:
Sweetness: Deep and rich. Not the sharp sweetness of sugar alone – it's almost caramel-like, with layers.
Flavor profile: Complex. You get sweetness first, then a slight tanginess, then a mild earthiness, then a hint of something almost medicinal (in a good way). The spices – usually cardamom, sometimes others – add warmth .
Texture: Soft but with structure. The harad pieces hold their shape and have a slight chewiness that's satisfying.
Aftertaste: Clean. No bitterness, no lingering weirdness. Just a mild sweetness that fades slowly.
With milk: This is the game-changer. The murabba dissolves slightly in warm milk, infusing it with flavor. The combination is genuinely delicious.
Verdict: It's not the "fun" murabba you eat by the handful. It's the "thoughtful" murabba you eat one piece at a time and actually feel something afterwards.
The Health Benefits (What I Learned)
Okay, this is where harad murabba really stands out. After trying it for a few weeks (and doing some research), here are the benefits I learned about:
1. Digestive Health (The Big One)
This is what everyone talks about. Harad is known in Ayurveda as a powerful digestive aid. It helps with chronic constipation, hard stools, and irregular bowel movements . The Amrutam blog calls it "an amazing medicine that destroys internal stomach diseases" and says it helps remove old, stuck waste from the intestines .
Did it work for me? Honestly, yes. After a few days of eating one piece at night with warm milk, my digestion felt noticeably better. Regular, easy, no bloating.
2. Respiratory Health
Harad murabba is also used for respiratory issues – common cold, cough, even asthmatic problems . It's believed to help clear congestion and support lung health.
3. Immunity Booster
Multiple sources mention that harad murabba boosts immunity . It's rich in vitamin C – one product listing shows 21.5mg per 100g, another shows 32mg . Plus antioxidants that help protect the body.
4. Joint Pain and Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of harad may help with arthritis pain and swelling . A dietitian quoted in OnlyMyHealth confirms this – harad has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and stiffness in joints .
5. Skin Health
Harad murabba is also said to be good for the skin . The antioxidants and vitamin C probably help with this.
6. Other Benefits
The list goes on:
Helps with intestinal worms
May help with kidney stones
Good for allergies
Helps with nausea and vomiting
Promotes hair growth (due to iron, manganese, selenium, copper)
Supports nervous system
Important note: I'm not a doctor. These are traditional uses and claims from various sources. If you have specific health conditions, talk to a healthcare provider before starting .
How Harad Murabba Compares to Other Murabbas
After trying so many varieties, here is how harad stacks up:
Vs Aam Ka Murabba (Mango):
Mango is fun, fruity, instantly likable. You eat it because it tastes amazing. Harad is serious, medicinal, acquired. You eat it because it's good for you – and then you realize you actually like the taste.
Vs Amla Murabba:
Amla is the health-focused one that actually tastes good. Harad is the health-focused one that takes some getting used to. Amla has that familiar tanginess; harad has its own complex flavor.
Vs Bamboo Murabba:
Bamboo is light, refreshing, easy to eat anytime. Harad is heavy (in a good way), grounding, best eaten at night. Bamboo is for summer afternoons; harad is for winter evenings.
Vs Apple Murabba:
Apple is comfort food – familiar, sweet, no surprises. Harad is an experience – unfamiliar, complex, surprises you every time.
Vs Bel Murabba:
Bel is unique and takes getting used to. Harad is even more unique and takes even more getting used to. Both are Ayurvedic heavyweights.
Verdict: Harad murabba is not the one you start your murabba journey with. It's the one you graduate to. The one you eat when you want something that actually does something for your body.
How to Eat Harad Murabba (The Right Way)
After experimenting and asking my neighbor (and reading traditional recommendations), here is how to eat it properly:
1. With warm milk at night (The Classic Way)
This is how it's traditionally eaten . One piece of harad murabba with a glass of warm milk before bed. The milk balances the strong properties of harad, and the combination is genuinely delicious.
2. One piece after meals
If you're dealing with digestion issues, one piece after lunch or dinner can help . Some brands even specify "daily use 1 piece per day" on their packaging .
3. With water in the morning
Some people take it with warm water on an empty stomach for digestive benefits .
4. Don't overdo it
This is not a snack you eat by the handful. One piece a day is plenty. It's strong medicine, not casual candy.
5. Be consistent
The benefits build over time. My neighbor told me to try it for at least a month to really feel the difference. Some sources recommend 2-3 months for full benefits .
Where to Buy Harad Murabba
After finishing my neighbor's jar, I had to find more. Here is what I learned:
Patanjali:
Patanjali harad murabba is available at Patanjali stores and online . The Statesman mentions it as one of their key murabba products, made from organic harad fruit rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants .
Bhagirathi:
On Flipkart, Bhagirathi HARAD MURABBA (500g) is available for around ₹255 . It has good ratings (4.3 stars from 12 ratings) and mentions benefits for constipation, acidity, respiratory issues, and more .
Add me:
Add me Harad Murabba (1kg vacuum pack without syrup) is available on JioMart . It's vacuum packed for freshness and claims to boost immunity. The nutrient content per 100g: Energy 319 kcal, Fat 0.53g, Carbs 77.64g, Protein 0.88g, Vitamin C 21.5mg .
SANSU HEALTH CARE:
Available on Flipkart in 500g plastic bottle . Claims to be good for digestive system and works as a gastric tonic . Has a 3.8 rating from 16 ratings .
Sunrise Homemade:
Organic fresh harad murabba (800g in mason jar) with honey, claims benefits for constipation, acidity, respiratory problems, brain and nervous system .
Harnarains International:
Available on IndiaMART in 900g jars, B2B bulk purchase . Claims benefits for hair growth, digestion, immunity, nervous system, joint pain .
Local Ayurvedic shops:
This might be your best bet. Small, trusted local shops often have good quality harad murabba. Ask around.
What to look for:
Ingredients – should be simple: harad, sugar, maybe spices. Avoid artificial colors
Harad pieces – should be visible and hold shape, not mush
Syrup – should be clear, not cloudy
Brand reputation – check reviews
Price – compare. Bhagirathi 500g is ₹255 , Add me 1kg is around ₹770 (though price on JioMart shows ₹77,000 which seems like an error)
How to Make Harad Murabba at Home
If you want to try making it yourself, here are methods from various sources:
Method 1 (Traditional Urdu Recipe):
Clean 1 kg harar and soak in water for 2-3 days until soft
Boil in fresh water for 1-2 minutes, then remove
Lightly fry in ghee, then drain on cloth to remove oil
Prepare sugar syrup with 1.5 kg sugar
Add fried harar to syrup, cook until thick
Add Kewra essence and 10 green cardamoms (peeled)
Cool and store in jar
Eat at night with milk
Method 2 (Hindi Recipe):
Clean and dry harad
Boil in water until soft
Prepare sugar syrup in separate pan
Soak boiled harad in syrup for 24 hours
Ready to eat
Method 3 (Winter Special Black Harad Recipe):
Wash black harad and soak for 1 hour
Roast lightly in pan
Boil water in another vessel, add soaked harad
Add sugar and stir continuously
Cook until harad softens and mixture thickens
Add lemon juice and black salt
Ready to eat
What to Look for in Good Harad Murabba
After trying a few different ones, here is what matters:
1. Quality of harad
The harad pieces should be tender and well-cooked, not tough or fibrous.
2. Balance of sweetness
Good harad murabba should be sweet but still let the harad flavor come through. If it's just sugar, it's not good quality.
3. No artificial colors
Real harad murabba is dark brown naturally. Avoid anything with artificial coloring.
4. Texture
The pieces should be soft but hold their shape. No mush.
5. Spices
Cardamom is traditional and adds wonderful flavor . Some recipes add other spices.
6. Freshness
Check manufacturing and expiry dates. Maximum shelf life is usually 18-24 months .
The Verdict: Is Harad Murabba Worth It?
After trying harad murabba for a few weeks, here is my honest opinion:
Do I like harad murabba? Yes. But differently than I like other murabbas.
Is it delicious? In its own way, yes. But it's not "snack on the couch" delicious. It's "thoughtful evening ritual" delicious.
Do I feel different eating it? Honestly, yes. My digestion has been noticeably better. I sleep well after my warm milk and harad piece at night. Whether it's placebo or real, I don't care – it's working.
Who should try harad murabba:
People with digestion issues (constipation, irregularity, bloating)
Anyone interested in Ayurvedic health foods
People who want to support their immunity naturally
Those dealing with respiratory issues
People with joint pain or arthritis
Anyone who wants to try the most traditional, medicinal murabba out there
People who have already tried other murabbas and want to go deeper
Who might not love it:
People who only want sweet treats with no "medicinal" taste
Anyone expecting mango or apple flavors
If you try low-quality harad murabba (too sugary, poor harad quality) – don't judge the whole category
Would I buy it again? Yes. I now keep a jar in my kitchen. It's not for everyday snacking, but for those evenings when I want something warm, comforting, and genuinely good for me.
A Note for Beginners
If you want to try harad murabba for the first time:
Start with one piece at night with warm milk – this is the traditional way and the most pleasant introduction
Don't expect instant love – the flavor is complex and might take time to appreciate
Give it a week – try it consistently for a week and notice how you feel
Buy from a trusted source – quality matters a lot with harad murabba
Listen to your body – one piece is enough; don't overdo it
My neighbor told me: "Harad murabba is not for your tongue. It's for your body. Your tongue learns to like it because your body feels good."
She was right. Again.
What I Want to Try Next
My murabba journey continues. Here is what I am looking for now:
Different brands of harad murabba – to compare quality
Fresh harad fruit – just to see what it looks like raw
Making my own harad murabba – using the Urdu recipe I found
If you have tried different harad murabba brands or make your own, tell me in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Harad murabba taught me something important.
Not all food is just food. Some food is medicine disguised as food. Some food has been used for thousands of years because it actually works. Some food doesn't need to be instantly delicious – it just needs to make you feel better, and over time, that feeling becomes something you crave.
I didn't love harad murabba at first. But now, on nights when I skip it, I miss it. I miss the warm milk, the one sweet piece, the feeling of doing something good for my body before sleep.
It's not the most exciting murabba. It's not the prettiest or the sweetest or the most fun. But it might be the one that stays with me the longest.
If you're curious about harad murabba, buy a small jar. Try it with warm milk at night for a week. Pay attention to how you feel. You might surprise yourself.
And if you already love harad murabba? Tell me how you eat it. Tell me if you've noticed benefits. Tell me which brand you trust. I'm still learning, and I need all the advice I can get.
Have you tried harad murabba? Did it surprise you too? Comment below and let me know!
About the author: Former skeptic of "medicinal" foods, current believer in harad murabba. My neighbor has been right about every murabba so far. I've stopped questioning her recommendations.
P.S. – The warm milk thing is real. Try it. Even if you don't love the murabba immediately, the warm milk with a little sweetness is worth it on a cold night. And who knows – you might end up loving both.