Farmeroid

Kottayam, Kerala

Black pepper is a pungent, hot spice with numerous health benefits. It is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicines. Black pepper is known to have many health benefits, but it should be used only in a moderate quantity. Piperine is the active component present in black pepper which gives them its distinguished taste. It is a good source of several nutritional minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, chromium and potassium. It also have a fair share of vitamins like vitamin A and C. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of black pepper makes it a unique medicinal spice.

• Good for digestion
• Enhances nutritional absorption
• Promotes weight loss
• Provides respiratory relief

Jaggeryis atraditionalnon-centrifugal cane sugarconsumed in Asia, Africa and some countries in the Americas.It is a concentrated product ofdate, cane juice, orpalmsap(seepalm sugar) without separation of themolassesand crystals, and can vary from golden brown to dark brown in colour.It contains up to 50%sucrose, up to 20%invert sugars, and up to 20% moisture, with the remainder made up of other insoluble matter, such aswood ash, proteins, andbagassefibres.Jaggery is mixed with other ingredients, such as peanuts, condensed milk, coconut, and white sugar, to produce several locally marketed and consumed delicacies.

Unrefined, it is known by various names, includingpanela, in other parts of the world.

The palm jaggery benefits for health are

• Rich Source Of Minerals: Palm jaggery is rich in essential minerals.
• Restores Healthy Digestion.
• Rich In Nutrients.
• Energy Booster.
• Active Cleanser.
• Relieves Constipation.
• Relieves Many Common Ailments.
• Heals Migraines

It is abundantly available in Kerala during the summer season and is called by the different names like Kappa or Maracheeni. The two main tapioca dishes which are popular in Kerala are Chenda kappa (plain boiled tapioca) and Kappa puzhkku (mashed tapioca with grounded coconut). Matured tapiocas are parboiled and dried in the sun so that it can be stored for longer periods. These dried tapiocas are called by the name Unakka Kappa or Vaattu Kappa (dried tapioca). During winter seasonthese dried tapioca or Unakka kappa is normally used for the preparation of Kappa Puzhukku or Tapioca with grounded coconut mixture. Fish curry and kappa puzhukku is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Kerala cuisines.

Kodampuli, Kudampuli (Cambodge) : Freshly dried Kodampuli (Cambodge) sourced naturally from Kerala.

Kodampuli is also known as gambodge/Cambodge, fish tamarind, Malabar tamarind and mistakenly as kokum. This fruit is used to add sourness to dishes /curries in Kerala. This is also Keralas secret spice in seafood. Kodampuli is a medium sized, evergreen tree and the flowers are sessile and axillary. Its leaves are dark green, elliptic, shining to obviate. It bears sweet sour mixed fruit. The fruit may resemble a yellow pumpkin. When the fruit ripes, its plucked from the vine, deseeded and left to dry in the sun till it turns leathery

Sarkara Varatti or Banana chips coated with jaggery is a traditional sweet dish popular among the Keralites. It is also known by the name Sarkara Upperi. Its extensively prepared during Onam festival season and used as a side dish in sadyas. Chopped banana pieces and jaggery are the essential ingredients in making this snack. Good quality raw bananas are used for making Sarkara Upperi. The use of jaggery imparts a sweet taste and a dark brown colour. The inclusion of dried ginger and cardamom provides a traditional taste and a light spicy flavour. Also, coconut oil enhances the taste.

TAPIOCA CHIPS

A South Indian andSri Lankandelicacy, made from thin wafers ofTapioca/ Cassava/Kappa/Maravalli Kilangu or Kuchi Kilangu in Tamilroot fried incoconut oil, salted and often spiced with Red Chilli Powder. Widely available in northKerala, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lankaand parts of NorthIndia. High in carbohydrates, it is nevertheless a crunchy and tasty snack. The chips are crunchier than banana or more easily availablepotato chips. Common variants include the non-spicy and spicy (red chilli powder and other spices added).

The chips are also used as traditional welcome snacks

HOME MADE BANANA CHIPS

Crispy banana chips are deep fried or dried slices of bananas.They are fried in palm oil and have a crispy texture and a salty taste. Theseare the most popular chips variety in Kerala. It can be had at any time of the day and is liked by all ages. Nedran varieties among bananas are normally used for making banana chips.Good quality matured and unripe bananas are used for the preparation of these crispy and salty chips. It ispacked in airtight plastic bags to preserve its crispness and taste

Cardamom are the dried fruits of perennial herbs. An aromatic spice indigenous to south India and

Sri Lanka.Sometimes called cardamon or Elakai, are one the most expensive and highest priced spices after vanilla and saffron. Cardamom seeds have a pleasant aroma and a characteristic warm, slightly pungent taste.The word cardamom is derived from the Latin cardamomum

There are two kinds of cardamoms found in the spice world. The two main types of cardamom are True cardamom (green or small or when bleached, white cardamom) cardamom belongs to the genus Elettaria and is distributed from India to Malaysia.

Large cardamom, Nepal Cardamom or also known as the brown, greater, longer, or black cardamom belongs to the genus Amomum costatum and Amomum subulatum, which are distributed mainly in Asia and Australia.

Both forms of cardamom are used as flavorings and cooking spices in both food and drink, and as a medicine.Green cardamom is used as a spice, a masticatory, and in medicine

Cloves are used in IndianAyurvedicmedicine, Chinese medicine, and westernherbalismanddentistrywhere theessential oilis used as ananodyne(painkiller) for dental emergencies. Cloves are used as acarminative, to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach and to improveperistalsis. Cloves are also said to be a naturalanthelmintic.The essential oil is used in aromatherapy when stimulation and warming are needed, especially for digestive problems. Topical application over the stomach or abdomen are said to warm the digestive tract. Applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, it also relieves toothache.

In Chinese medicine, cloves ording xiangare considered acrid, warm, and aromatic, entering thekidney, spleenandstomachmeridians, and are notable in their ability to warm the middle, direct stomachqidownward, to treathiccupand to fortify the kidneyyang.Because the herb is so warming, it is contraindicated in any persons with fire symptoms and according to classical sources should not be used for anything except cold fromyangdeficiency. As such, it is used in formulas for impotence or clear vaginal discharge fromyangdeficiency, for morning sickness together withginsengandpatchouli, or for vomiting and diarrhea due to spleen and stomach coldness.

Clovesare the aromaticflowerbudsof a tree in the familyMyrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to theMaluku IslandsinIndonesia, and are commonly used as aspice. Cloves are commercially harvested primarily inBangladesh, Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, andTanzania. Cloves are available throughout the year.