It is flavored with a spice mix known as jal-jeera powder.

It is sometimes served as an appetizer, as it is intended to "startle" the taste buds.

Jaljira spices generally consist of cumin, ginger, black pepper, mint, black salt, some fruit powder (usually either mango, or some kind of citrus zest), and chili or hot pepper powder.

[1] At one time, the powder was ground on stone slabs, and stored in clay pots.

Jaljeera is popular in northern India because it is thought to have cooling properties, against the temperature of the region.