Winter’s chill can leave skin dull and dry, but a traditional North Indian drink, Kanji, offers a natural solution. This probiotic-rich fermented beverage, made from black carrots or beetroot, boosts gut health and provides antioxidants, improving circulation and detoxifying the body for a radiant, inside-out glow. Easy to make at home, Kanji is your secret weapon for luminous winter skin.

When winter sets in and the air turns crisp, your skin often ends up feeling dull, dry, and lifeless. The cold weather robs it of its natural oils and moisture, leaving you longing for that dewy, healthy glow. But what if the secret to luminous skin wasn’t in an expensive serum or spa treatment, but sitting quietly in your grandmother’s kitchen all along? Enter Kanji, a tangy, probiotic-rich fermented drink that not only boosts gut health but also brings a natural, inside-out glow to your skin.This traditional North Indian winter drink is a mix of earthy flavours, bold colours, and powerful health benefits. Made from black carrots (or regular carrots with beetroot), mustard seeds, and water, Kanji has been a staple in Indian homes for generations. It’s tangy, spicy, and slightly pungent and honestly, once you get used to it, quite addictive.Let’s dive into why Kanji is your skin’s best friend this winter and how you can easily make it at home.

Why Kanji is a winter skin elixir

Before we get to the recipe, let’s understand why this humble fermented drink is so powerful for your skin.Packed with probiotics - Fermentation creates good bacteria that support gut health. And as every skincare expert will tell you: your skin reflects your gut.

When your digestion and metabolism are strong, it shows up as clear, glowing skin.

Rich in antioxidants - Black carrots and beetroots are loaded with anthocyanins and beta-carotenes, which fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and slow down signs of ageing. This helps your skin stay firm, plump, and youthful.Improves blood circulation - The natural nitrates in beetroot help improve blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, resulting in a natural flush and glow.Detoxifies the body - Kanji helps flush out toxins, especially from your liver and digestive tract. A cleaner system means fewer breakouts, reduced dullness, and a brighter complexion.Boosts hydration and immunity - Winter can leave you feeling sluggish and dehydrated. Kanji restores balance with its vitamin C, potassium, and electrolytes, giving both your immunity and skin a gentle lift.

How to make kanji at home

Here’s a simple, no-fuss way to make this magical winter drink.Ingredients:4–5 medium-sized black carrots (or 3 orange carrots + 1 beetroot)1½ litres of filtered water1 tablespoon coarse mustard seeds (rai)1 tablespoon black salt (adjust to taste)½ teaspoon red chilli powder (optional, for a kick)½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for added glow)Method:Wash and peel the carrots and beetroot. Cut them into long, thick batons (like fries).Place them in a clean glass jar, preferably a large one that allows some space for fermentation.Add the mustard seeds, black salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric.Pour in the water and stir well using a wooden spoon.Cover the jar with a muslin cloth or a thin cotton towel and keep it in a sunny spot (like your kitchen windowsill).Let it ferment for about 3 to 5 days, depending on the weather. Stir once daily with a clean spoon.When the drink turns slightly sour and tangy, it’s ready! Strain it into another clean jar and refrigerate.You can now sip on the beautiful ruby-coloured liquid and even eat the tangy carrot sticks for an extra dose of fibre.

How to consume kanji for glowing skin

To see visible benefits, consistency is key. Here’s how to include Kanji in your daily routine:Start small - Begin with half a glass (around 100 ml) per day to allow your system to adjust to the probiotics.Best time to drink - Have it around mid-morning or early evening, on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before meals. This ensures maximum absorption of nutrients.Eat the veggies too - Don’t throw away the fermented carrot sticks. They’re loaded with fibre, vitamins, and natural enzymes that help cleanse your gut.Store properly - Keep your Kanji refrigerated once it’s ready. It can stay fresh for up to a week.Within a few weeks, you will notice the difference - smoother digestion, clearer skin, and that healthy rosy glow that doesn’t need any highlighter.

Variations you can try

While traditional Kanji uses black carrots, you can get creative if they’re not available:Beetroot kanji – Deep red, earthy, and great for boosting haemoglobin.

Carrot-orange kanji – Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.Spiced kanji – Throw in a clove or two, or a tiny bit of grated ginger for warmth and immunity.These versions not only taste great but add variety to your winter routine.

Beauty benefits beyond the skin

Kanji doesn’t just make you glow; it makes you feel alive. It energises you from within, balances your body after rich winter foods, and supports your overall wellness. Regular consumption improves digestion, reduces bloating, and even helps with hormonal balance, all of which contribute to clearer, happier skin.Plus, it’s a sustainable, low-cost way to take care of your beauty and health, something our grandmothers knew instinctively.

In a world where everyone’s chasing expensive skincare routines and glass-skin trends, sometimes the answer lies in our own roots. Kanji is proof that true beauty begins inside with good food, good health, and a little bit of patience.So this winter, let your skincare routine begin in the kitchen. Make yourself a jar of Kanji, sip it under the morning sun, and let your skin soak up the glow the natural, Indian, old-school kind that no serum can ever replace.