Kalpasi, alternatively known as Dagad phool or black stone flower is a kind of lichen. This blackish purple mystery flower is often blended with other spices to make delectable masalas. It is a common spice used in Chettinad cuisine such as Chettinad masala and some …

  Turmeric is a flowering plant Curcuma Longa of the ginger family. It is the oldest medicinal spice often called “golden spice” due to its distinctive bright yellow colour. Fresh turmeric root has a striking appearance to fresh ginger.  It is used as a colouring …

  Tamarind is a sweet and sour pulp extracted from the pod-like fruit of the tamarind tree. It is available as deseeded/seeded blocks and paste. It is extensively used in Indian cuisine, especially in south Indian cooking as a souring agent and to flavour curries, rice …

  Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It is an orange-red dried stigma obtained from the flower of Saffron crocus and has intense bittersweet honey flavour. Since ancient times it has been revered for its medicinal benefits, this spice is largely cultivated …

  Nutmeg is a pit of the fruit obtained from the nutmeg tree. It has a rich warm and sweet flavour, It is available as a whole and as ground. Generally, it is used in few sweet dishes and in some spice blends to impart its …

Mustard is one of the essential ingredients used for tadka (tempering spices) for its smoky and nutty flavour. Mustard oil is used in few recipes.  

Marathi Moggu is a type of caper. These are dried unopened flower buds of the Silk Cotton tree. It has a similar appearance as cloves. The word ‘moggu’ literally translates to bud. Generally marathi moggu is roasted and ground along with other spices in many …

Mace is a lacy layer covering nutmeg kernel obtained from fruit of nutmeg tree. Mace has delicate warm and sweet flavour. Available as blades or powdered form. Mace is a common spice used in Biryanis.  

Jaggery is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice, mainly used in desserts as well as in few curries and beverages. Jaggery is also used as healthy substitute  for sugar. It has a rich flavour somewhere between caramel and molasses. Available in blocks and powder. …

Green cardamom has a strong flavour and aroma. Traditionally known for its use in Indian sweets and chai (tea) as a whole pod or as powdered. It is also used in some savouries and spice blends.