Originating from the Legume family, peanuts are also known as Arachis hypogaea or groundnuts. They are grown for numerous reasons and amount to enormous levels of nutrition, especially protein. Increased demand for protein-rich food has led to more production and availability of peanut spreads or peanut pastes. Peanut butter can help fulfil nutrition requirements and […]

In Sanskrit, coconut has another name: Kalpavriksha, the Divine Tree. It is no surprise, as coconut trees essentially provide us with many benefits. We can utilise nearly every part of the coconut tree. It gives us coconut oil, coconut water and tender coconut. In addition, you can use coconut leaves as utensils and sheds for […]

Amla has eight times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berry, and around 17 times that of a pomegranate. The humble Indian gooseberry, commonly known as amla, truly deserves its superfood status. The translucent green fruit, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’ meaning “nectar of life”, […]

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. And India is the 2nd largest producer of tea in the world. Interestingly, around 80% of the total tea produced in India is consumed by the domestic population.  Black tea is one of the most common tea varieties. It is a more oxidised […]

We all are familiar with this delicious summer fruit but aren’t aware of its potential benefits. You would be happy to know that it is not only an incredibly refreshing evening snack of the summer but also a great nutritional source. Muskmelon, also referred to as ‘sweet melon’, got its name from its strong musky […]

Coconut water is a treasured summer drink. It helps you fight the scorching summer heat and keeps you energised throughout the day. But did you think coconut water is only a good old summer refreshment? Well, it’s about time you reconsider it.  It offers a variety of essential nutrients, including minerals and antioxidants that many […]

Taro Root or Arbi is a starchy tuber that belongs to the Araceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and India but is now cultivated and consumed in various parts of the world. The taro root plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions and is characterised by large, heart-shaped leaves. The tuberous root itself […]

Tzatziki is a Greek yoghurt dip that originated in Southeast Europe and Turkey. It is a classic Greek condiment served with the mezes or small plates as an appetiser portion of roasted meats and vegetables. The dip became a prominent appetiser around the 20th Century. Although tzatziki is readily available in the grocery stores, it […]

Commonly referred to as okra in many parts of the world, lady finger is characterised by its elongated, slender shape with a ridged texture on the outer skin. It is typically harvested when young and tender, as older pods can become tough and fibrous. Its culinary usage can be traced back to ancient times in […]

Ridge gourd, is a fruit of a sub-tropical vine that is native to Asia, particularly India, and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It gets its name from the distinctive ridges or furrows that run along its outer skin. It is a versatile vegetable that is widely used in various […]

Rohu  is a popular freshwater fish that is widely cultivated and consumed in various regions. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, specifically found in rivers and freshwater bodies in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Rohu (Labeo rohita), also known as Rui is generally known for its taste, nutritional value, and culinary […]

Bottle gourd is a vine plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is widely cultivated for its edible fruit, which is characterized by its hydrating, elongated and bottle-like shape, thus giving the plant its common name. This fruit is typically harvested when it is young and tender, as it becomes inedible and hard as it […]

Wood apple, also known as Elephant Apple or Indian Bael fruit, is a tropical fruit native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The fruit is round and has a hard shell with a woody texture, hence the name. The outer shell is rough and has a greenish-yellow color, which turns brown as the fruit […]

Indian mackerel, also known as ‘Rastrelliger kanagurta’ or ‘Bangda’, is a fish species that holds a special place in the hearts of seafood lovers, particularly in coastal regions of India, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Beyond its delectable taste, Indian mackerel offers a plethora of nutritional benefits, making it a highly sought-after choice for health-conscious individuals. […]

Kingfish, also known as King Mackerel, is a predatory fish found in warm coastal waters. It is known for its streamlined body, sharp teeth, and fast swimming speed. Kingfish are highly prized by anglers for their aggressive nature and delicious meat. They are commercially fished and sought after for sport fishing due to their size […]

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making conscious dietary choices is of paramount importance. As people become more health conscious, they are turning to natural and nutrient-rich foods to meet their nutritional needs. One such superfood that has gained popularity is Halim seeds, also known as garden cress seeds. These tiny seeds […]

The jujube, scientifically known as Ziziphus jujuba, is a fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries due to its delightful taste and numerous health benefits. Also known as the Chinese date, jujube fruits are small, round berries that range in colour from yellowish-green to deep red when fully ripe. They grow on the jujube tree, […]

Leafy vegetables hold a special place in Indian cuisine, and are widely used in a myriad of traditional dishes. Indian cooking showcases an array of leafy vegetables, each with its unique flavour profile and culinary purpose. While popular varieties like spinach and fenugreek are well-known, there is a treasure trove of lesser-known Indian leafy vegetables […]

Black sesame seeds, a staple in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, have been gaining popularity worldwide due to their incredible nutritional benefits and unique flavour. These tiny black gems, derived from the Sesamum indicum plant, have been used for centuries as both a culinary delight and a potent source of essential nutrients. From their origins […]

Sendha namak, or rock salt, is a natural form of sodium chloride which is available in the form of edible salt. Sendha namak, rock salt, lahori namak, Himalayan pink salt or just pink salt are the alternative names for the same salt with minute to no changes in composition or properties.  The colour of sendha […]

Lately, carbohydrates have been villanised in most diet-related discussions. Low-carbohydrate diets have become the norm. Carbs are associated with high-calorie foods that cause obesity. Consuming excessive amounts of carbs and the wrong kinds is actually what leads to fat storage rather than the fact that you are consuming carbs. Nonetheless, there are also several essential […]

Durian, also called the “king of fruits”, is a tropical fruit. It has large edible pods called the durian pulp. Unfortunately, durian has a slightly ill reputation for its unpleasant smell. Some countries have banned it due to its pungent smell. However, it has a creamy texture and sweet taste. Durian is full of nutrients, […]

In the realm of nutrition, there are certain superfoods that stand out due to their remarkable health benefits and versatility. One such extraordinary ingredient that has captivated palates and nourished civilizations for centuries is the humble olive. Beyond being a culinary delight, olives are bursting with an array of nutrients, making them an essential component […]

Goji berries are tiny red fruits also known as wolfberries. These tiny fruits are rich in antioxidants. They are usually available in two forms which are powdered and dried and are a healthy addition to various supplements and juice blends. Their scientific name is Lycium barbarum. Goji berries are native to Asia and have a […]

Kumquats are tangy, sour and slightly sweet citrus fruits and are the same size as grapes. They are bite-sized orange flavoured fruits rich in vitamin C and fibre. They also contain some amounts of other nutrients such as iron, B complex vitamins, manganese, copper and calcium. In addition, the edible seeds of kumquats contain healthy […]

The name rambutan originally comes from the Malaysian term for hair. Interestingly, it is due to the fruit’s hairy red and green shell. When peeled, rambutans resemble lychee and longan fruits. Its translucent white flesh is wonderfully juicy,  sweet and creamy. Rambutan has a single seed placed in the centre of the flesh. The fruit […]

Dimocarpus Longan, better known as Longan fruit, is a white-fleshed exotic fruit that belongs to the soapberry family. It is known for its similarities with the Lychee fruit. Longan is a tasty addition to puddings, sorbets, smoothies, salads, and jellies. All you need to do is peel away its outer shell for consuming longan. Longan […]

Sesame seeds or til seeds have been used in Indian and Chinese kitchens for generations. They are a powerhouse of minerals earning them a special place in Ayurveda and other traditional forms of medicine. From maintaining beauty and youth to providing sufficient dietary fibre, sesame seeds are valued by many holistic and alternative medicines for […]