Natural Remedies

When you think of candy, the first things that come to your mind are chocolates, lollipops, or maybe even gummy bears. But have you ever heard of palm candy? If not, buckle up because we're about to take a sweet journey through the world of this delicious treat, with a twist of spice. Not only is it a natural, guilt-free snack, but it also comes with the added bonus of some health benefits (who knew candy could be healthy, right?). So, let's dive into the magic of palm candy, and you might even find yourself craving a piece by the end of this blog. What is Palm Candy? Palm candy is a sweet treat obtained from the sap of palm trees, including the date palm and palmyra palm. This candy has been a part of traditional cooking for thousands of years, especially in Southeast Asia and parts of India. The process of making palm candy is extracting the sap from the tree, boiling it down to a thick syrup, and then letting it cool and solidify into delightful chunks or even liquid form. I...

If there is a spice that claims to be a superhero in the kitchen as well as an antidote according to grandma, it has got to be black jeera-or Karutha Jeerakam, if you will-in Malayalam. Small but powerful, these black seeds have a heritage as rich as Kerala's backwaters and an allure as tempting as freshly prepared puttu and kadala curry. But let's get into the nitty-gritty of black jeera, with a healthy dollop of humor and spice! What is Black Jeera? First things first, black jeera (Nigella sativa) isn't the usual jeera one uses in his curries. Imagine the cool cousin: the small, darker, and mightier version of jeera. In Malayali homes, both in the spice rack and as a home remedy, it was a staple. This earthy flavour gives biryani and curry that extra kick! The Health Benefits: Grandma Was Right Again Malayali grandmas have always touted black jeera as a cure-all. Got a cold? Black jeera tea. Stomach upset? Add some black jeera to your rice water. Feeling lazy? Okay, even ...

If you have been inside an Indian kitchen, there have surely been a gamut of spices that make the smell come at you like an embracement. Among the listed is a rather mysterious magical and slightly gothic spice - Black Stone Flower. Don't worry it doesn't come from that your favorite fantasy novel enchanted artifact. It is quite actual spice and, man! It really deserves shining hours in your pantry Let's get started and explore the world of Black Stone Flower, unmask its mysteries, and uncover why it is the spice you did not know you were missing. What is Black Stone Flower? Black Stone Flower goes by the name Kalpasi in Tamil; it is a lichen, mainly sourced from the tropical climes of India. Dried, flaky in texture, and appearing quite the stuff of wizarding apothecaries-this spice may not take many prizes for beauty, but its flavor profile puts it into a league of winners of the kitchen. Why Does Black Stone Flower Smell like a Forest? Imagine earthy smell damp forest flo...

 Introduction: What is Black Jeera Anyway? Ever heard of karimjeerakam? If not, hold onto your chai cups because Black Jeera, or in Malayalam, karimjeerakam is not your run-of-the-mill kitchen spice. It is the superhero spice! Many people confuse regular cumin with black jeera, but this former packs a punch with an intense flavor, aroma and, of course, those jaw-dropping health benefits. Today, let's try to uncover the mystery of this small dynamo and understand why it needs a spot in your kitchen cabinet. The Malayalam Connection: Karimjeerakam In Kerala, where coconut trees sway to the rhythm of chenda melam, black jeera has been a trusted sidekick for generations. Known locally as karimjeerakam, it's used in everything from traditional Ayurvedic concoctions to "mom's secret home remedies" for just about everything. Got an upset stomach? Sprinkle some karimjeerakam. Feeling unwell? Make some ginger black tea with a pinch of black jeera. Let's just say, this ...

While discussing the topic of sweeteners, sugar would probably be in for a title fight. So, let me present you with the unsung hero of the candy kingdom: palm candy! Ancient, natural, and brimming full of unique taste along with a treasure chest full of benefits, buckle up as we take a light-hearted but very informative journey through the world of palm candy. What is palm candy?  Let's do a quick history lesson about this wonder of a sweetener. Palm candy , also known as "panam kalkandu" in some parts of India, is made from the sap of palm trees. Imagine this: a majestic palm tree, basking in the sun, casually providing us with a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Unlike its more processed counterparts, palm candy retains its natural nutrients, making it a sweet choice for health-conscious folks. The Tale of Its Taste The flavor has a caramel-like sweetness accompanied by a subtle earthy undertone. It's far less aggress¬ively sweet than white sugar, more like th...

There's always the drama and spice of the culinary world with demands for the spotlight. Then comes cinnamon, which enters in its sweet swagger; the golden diva that turmeric is. Then comes the mysterious black stone flower, lurking in the shadows, waiting to surprise you with its unique charm. Do you know of it? Not so? Buckle up! By the end of this blog, you’ll be ready to add this understated hero to your spice cabinet. And trust us, your taste buds will thank you. What is Black Stone Flower? Black stone flower, or kalpasi as it is referred to in India, is a dried lichen. Yes, you heard that right. It's not technically a flower but a kind of fungi that likes hanging around rocks and trees. Sounds exotic already, doesn't it? Its smoky, earthy aroma adds a mysterious depth to dishes, making it a favorite in Indian, Chettinad, and Mughlai cuisines. Just consider this as the introvert from spice land that is quiet, non-demanding, but, well blow your head, if given a chance. ...