Tag: Nannari sharbat

Despite sharing a common name, Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) and Jamaican sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) are entirely different plant species from separate botanical families. This botanical distinction leads to significant variations in their flavor profiles, traditional uses, and active chemical compounds that are important for consumers to understand.

Sharbat has been enjoyed across Persia, South Asia, and the Middle East for centuries, but confusion often arises regarding specific variations. A common question is: are Nannari and sharbat the same? While Nannari is a type of sharbat, the terms are not interchangeable, as one is a specific ingredient and the other is a broad category of beverages.