In recent weeks, home cooks and caterers in India have faced a significant health scare as regulators discovered carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in spices from 11 companies. This revelation follows a crackdown on over 50 pani puri stalls in Chennai due to cancer-causing chemicals found in their ingredients. Consequently, there has been a shift towards traditional cooking methods and homemade spice blends, eschewing store-bought mixes.
Raji Ramprasad, a 63-year-old entrepreneur from Chennai, reflects on a time when spices were freshly prepared at home. Raji, who learned cooking from her mother and grandmother, now runs ‘Spiceroot India,’ an online venture offering traditional South Indian condiments. Despite her success, she prioritizes quality over expansion, personally curating each order due to increasing responsibilities at home.
Similarly, Chennai-based homemaker K. Sarala Sharma, originally from Rajasthan, is known for her unique spice blends, which cater to various regional tastes within her family and friends. Sarala emphasizes the need for home chefs to make their own spice mixes, highlighting the fresh taste and health benefits.
Urban farmer Geetha Sridhar from Coimbatore underscores the visual and quality differences between homemade and commercially sold spices. Geetha sources organic ingredients and prepares her own mixes, despite the time-intensive process, arguing that the effort results in superior, healthier spices without artificial additives.
This turning back to traditional practices underlines the importance of culinary skills and the benefits of homemade spice blends in light of recent health concerns. Whether for taste or health, these home-based entrepreneurs and cooks champion the art of preparing spices from scratch, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/spices-masala-food-safety-readymade-mixes-sambar-idli-kaara-podi-garam-masala-indian-raji-ramprasad-sarala-sharma-geetha-sridhar-cooking-eating-out-dining-restaurant-healthy-cookery-food/article68413373.ece
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