Black Pepper is one of the oldest and best-known spices in the world. Indigenous to India pepper is popularly known as the King of Spices. From time immemorial, India has always reigned supreme in the production & export of this most exotic and renowned spice in the world.
Cloves are valued for their pleasant aroma and flavour that they add to the food and appreciated for their invaluable oral health benefits. These grow as reddish small flower buds on the trees of Myrtaceae family. These trees grow 8 to 10 meters high and it takes nearly six long years for them to start flowering.
The cardamom is widely used spice in Asian continent for its renowned flavour and aroma. Cardamom contains many medicinal properties and provides great taste and fragrance when added to refreshing drinks. Hailed as the ‘Queen of Spices,’ cardamom is one of the most expensive spices on the planet.
Black mustard seeds have a well deserved reputation for their pungent spicy aroma and flavour. It has health and medicinal benefits. It is said to help to cure the common cold, painful joints and muscles, Arthritis so on and so forth.
The bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used as a herb in cooking. It comes from the bay tree (Laurus nobilis), which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Bay leaf is also used in folk medicine.
An indispensable culinary spice, it comes in various shapes and colours. Chilli is the dried fruit of an annual sub-herb. It is also called as capsicum, paprika, sweet pepper, red pepper, pimento, cayenne pepper etc depending upon the manner in which it is prepared and used.
Turmeric is a deep, golden-orange spice known for adding color, flavour and nutrition to foods. Turmeric is also known as “Indian saffron” because of its brilliant yellow color. India produces nearly all of the world’s turmeric crop and consumes 80% of it.
Honey is dark golden in colour, produced in the honey sacs of various bees from the nectar of flowers. Besides acting as an excellent ingredient in cooking, the healing properties of honey also make its greater use in medicines also. Honey is known to balance blood sugar levels.
Aloe (Aloe vera) is an important and traditional medicinal plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties.
Shikakai, also known as Acacia concinna in scientific term. Shikakai which means “fruit for hair” is a part of the traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It is an herb especially used for controlling hair fall and dandruff.
Soap Nut (Reetha), also known as soapberry, is a dried fruit that comes from a tea bearing the same name. It originates in the tropical areas of India. Antiallergic and antibacterial in nature, Reetha is a versatile Ayurvedic herb. Its skin is highly valued in the rural areas as natural shampoo and is now being increasingly used in shampoos, face washes, etc. It is also mildly antiseptic and has detoxifying effects.
Areca nut also called “Supari,” is a well-known and widely eaten tropical food. The betel nut is an integral part of the daily or ritualistic Pooja. It is the seed of a palm tree that grows in Southeast Asia and is called Areca catechu. It is great in health and taste to make yourself healthy.
Basmati, meaning ‘Queen of Fragrance’ is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice which is traditionally grown in India. Indian Basmati Rice is famous for its fragrance and delicate flavour.
Finger Millet, also known as Ragi is an important millet grown extensively in various regions of India and Africa. It is considered one of the most nutritious cereals. Finger millet is an excellent source of natural calcium which helps in strengthening bones. It ranks sixth in production after wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and bajra in India.
Wheat grains are a rich source of carbohydrates and provide a considerable amount of plant-based protein along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. The grains are milled to produce flour, which is the main ingredient in bread, pasta, crackers, pastries, and many other foodstuffs
Jowar Millet also known as Sorghum. It is a fiber-rich millet is cultivated extensively in India and it contains higher protein content. Jowar or sorghum is prized as a healthy alternative to refined flour or all-purpose flour.
Green gram is also known as Mung Bean a protein rich staple food. It contains about 25 percent protein, which is almost three times that of cereals. It supplies protein requirement of vegetarian population of the country. It is consumed in the form of split pulse as well as whole pulse, which is an essential supplement of cereal based diet.
Yellow corn is also known as Maize is dried and ground into flour for baked goods, tortillas, cereals and used as a crust/crisping agent for dishes both savory and sweet. Corn is also used for oil, as a sweetener in foods and beverages and as a base for beverage alcohol.
Soya beans are an edible bean variety. It is a rich source of protein. It is also rich in magnesium, iron, copper and Vitamin B complex. It helps to improve blood circulation and management of diabetes. Can be used in the preparation of salads and sundal.
