“Kos kos par paani badle, Aatth kos par bani/ bees kos par pagdi badle, tees kos par dhani”– (Bhartendu Harischandra) India with 28 states and 8 Union territories is blessed with diverse culture, languages and food reflecting the rich history of various regions and cultures. Eat Right Basket is making efforts to bring this variety of tradition and taste to your kitchen with our range of ready to use spice mixes that bring a rainbow of tastes and flavours to your kitchen. Introducing to you this symphony of spice mixes that can help you create diversity and make your family enjoy home cooked food the most – Masalebhat: Adding Masalebhat to your food is an age old art of eating simple and good food. Traditionally, Masalebhath is used as a spice mix which is used to accompany and add taste to plain and simple boiled rice. Add dollops of desi cow ghee to plain boiled rice and mix it with Masalebhath spice mix. Eat it steaming hot and enjoy this simple yet nutritious food. Ingredients – This carefully crafted blend of premium spices includes coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, clove, pepper, cardamom, black cardamom, black cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, and red chilli. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to bring out the authentic taste and aroma that will tantalize your taste buds. Bisibellibhat Masala: Bisibelebath is a traditional recipe of Karnataka considered to have been developed in the royal kitchen of Mysore Raja. Bisi Bele Bhath literally means – Hot Lentil Rice Dish. This is made using generous quantity of water so that it has a gooey texture and flowing consistency. Coconut is tje key ingredient in this dish and so it is main ingredient in our spice mix as well. Ingredients – Desiccated coconut, coriander seeds, cumin, red chilli, cloves, chickpea split, black gram, fenugreek seeds and coconut oil. Add seasonal veggies to this bhath dish and tamarind water to youryour taste. Add some cashew nuts while tempering to give it a royal treatment. Enjoy home made Bisi Bele Bhath and enjoy with your family. Kashmiri Masala Tikki: Masala Tikki also known as Vaer as it is known is a spice marinade commonly used in Kashmiri cuisine. It is also used in Wazwan by the Kashmiri Chefs (Waza, in Kashmiri). Vaer is an essential ingredient in Wazwan (a multi course meal prepared during wedding functions) and imparts a distinct flavor and aroma to any recipe it is added to. In Kashmiri tradition – women would prepare these Tikkis themselves as it is considered very auspicious especially during wedding festivities. They would place it in a thaali (Plate) as Vaaer Zung along with rice, a packet of salt and some cash and hand this over as a mark of respect to the head cook or Waaza as soon as he starts cooking for the feast. This Masala tikki or Vaaer reflects and represents the essence of Kashmiri cuisine. It is made of a measured combination of spices like clove, jeera, red chilly powder, saunf powder, saunth powder, Methraa (Fenugreek seeds), a pinch of Turmeric, Garam Masala, Heeng (Asafoetida) and Rohunn (Garlic) essentially. This Masala Tikki is also particularly liked by those who do not prefer pungent Garlic flavour in their food, yet would love to have it because of its taste and medicinal property. In the fast moving life of urban families, this masala tikki comes very handy for the ones who cook. Without much ado you can make delicious feast for your friends and family, eat home cooked food and enjoy. Chaat Masala: Chaat is one of the most popular snacks of India. Different cities serve this traditional and unique delicacy in their own favourite style and combination, for eg. – Tomato Chat of Varanasi, Matar Chat of Lucknow, Papdi chaat of Agra, Ragda Patties of Mumbai, Amrood Chat of Kolkata, Sev Puri, Bhel puri in Mumbai etc Chaat Masala enhance the taste of the food served. Our Chaat masala is a perfect blend of Black salt, Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper, Fennel, Mace, Asafoetida, Mint Powder, Carom seeds and Amchoor. With its choice of spices used, Chaat Masala is helpful in digestion. Sprinkle some on any combination of cut fruits/ boiled potatoes/ Salad bowl and enjoy a healthy meal. Little bit of imagination and your kids will come running to their food plate. Sambhar Masala: Sambar is one of the most famous, traditional and healthy staple dish of all the states in south India. This is a carefully chosen mix of lentils and vegetables that provides a complete solution for a healthy and nutritious diet. It is served along with Idli, Rice, Dosa, Iddiyappam, Vada and so many accompaniments. Our Sambar Masala is prepared by a traditional kitchen and it stands apart from all the available run of the mill masalas. The key ingredients are – Chana daal, Urad daal, Tur Daal, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Red chillies, Curry Leaves, Turmeric Stick, Asafoetida, Black Pepper. Prepare your own Millet Idli Sambhar combo at home using Millet Idli/ Dosa Batter (ready to use) and Sambar Powder available at Eat Right Basket and enjoy a sumptuous meal with your family. Sabji Masala: Sabji, is a term used for preparing dry veggies in a mix of spices (particular to any region in India). Sabji or Sabzi as it is known is normally paired with chapatti or eaten in combination with any Daal and /rice. This is normally the staple food more popular in north India. Our Sabji Masala is a perfect combination of spices like- coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin seeds, clove, kashmiri red chilli, dry Mango powder, cinnamon, asafoetida, nutmeg, dry ginger, green cardamom, onion powder and black pepper, a perfect combination of various main and side spices. Use this single masala mix to prepare your veggies dish without much botheration and enjoy good food at home. Khichdi Masala: Khichdi is a nutritional superstar which is light and easy to digest Indian dish made
The Bitter Truth: Chemicals and Pesticides in Apple Farming
The famous saying – “An Apple a day Keeps the Doctor Away” – does not hold true anymore. Apples, a staple fruit in many Indian households, conceal a disturbing reality. In the pursuit of producing a shining, well rounded, thick skinned perfect Apple, orchards have resorted to heavy chemical and pesticide use in apple farming, Mindless of the fact that it is causing a health hazard to humans, environment and all living beings dependant on the orchard ecosystem. Chemicals and Pesticides: A Toxic Cocktail Commercial apple farming in India employs: 1. Insecticides: Chlorpyrifos, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids to combat pests. 2. Fungicides: Chlorothalonil and Captan to prevent disease. 3. Herbicides: Glyphosate and 2,4-D for weed control. 4. Growth regulators: Hormones to enhance growth and color. Indian research reveals alarming facts: – ICMR study (2020): 70% of apple samples from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand contained pesticide residues exceeding safe limits. – CSE report (2019): Indian apples contain higher pesticide residues than global standards. – IIT-Delhi research (2018): Chlorpyrifos, a commonly used insecticide, contaminates 90% of apple samples. Health Impacts Exposure to these chemicals has devastating consequences: – Cancer risk: Exposure to chlorpyrifos, glyphosate, and 2,4-D increases cancer risk. – Neurological damage: Chlorpyrifos and neonicotinoids harm brain development and function. – Reproductive issues: Exposure to pesticides affects fertility and fetal development. – Environmental harm: Chemical runoff contaminates waterways, harming aquatic life. The Residue Remains Apples retain pesticide residues, even after washing: – FSSAI findings: 55% of apple samples contained pesticide residues. Choose Healthier Options Mitigate exposure: 1. Buy organic: Opt for certified organic apples. 2. Local and seasonal: Support local farmers using integrated pest management. 3. Wash thoroughly: Use vinegar or baking soda to remove residues. 4. Peel: Remove skins to reduce pesticide intake. However this trick actually takes away a lot of fibre and minerals that are very useful for our body and digestion. DEMAND CHANGE Join the movement: 1. Advocate for sustainable agriculture: Support eco-friendly farming practices. 2. Encourage policy reform: Push for stricter pesticide regulations. 3. Educate others: Share the risks associated with chemical-laden apples. Protect your health and the environment. Choose organic, locally sourced apples and demand a toxic-free future. Information is sourced from following resources:: – Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) – Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – Environmental Working Group (EWG) – Pesticide Action Network (PAN) – USDA Pesticide Data Program Take action: Share your concerns and promote sustainable agriculture practices!
World Rose Day: Embracing Hope and Wellness for Cancer Survivors
22nd September is observed as World Rose Day, a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage of cancer patients worldwide. As we show solidarity with those affected, let’s delve into the status of cancer globally and explore crucial factors influencing its prevalence. Cancer Worldwide: An Alarming Reality Cancer claims over 10 million lives annually, with 18 million new cases reported in 2020 alone (WHO). The disease disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 65% of cancer deaths. The most common types – breast, lung, colon, prostate, and skin cancer – underscore the need for comprehensive prevention strategies. The Hidden Dangers: Chemicals and Pesticides Exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides significantly contributes to escalating number of cancer incidences: 1. Pesticide residues: Direct and indirect exposure to pesticide and weedicide contaminated food and water increase cancer risk, especially for agricultural workers and communities. 2. Synthetic fertilizers: Chemical runoff in soil and water harms human health and the environment including all living beings dependant on these resources. 3. Toxic household products: Chemical-laden cleaning supplies and personal care items exacerbate this exposure in many ways. Transforming to Organic and chemical free lifestyle: A Preventive Approach Adopting organic food choices and lifestyle habits can mitigate cancer risk: 1. Phytochemicals: Organic produce rich in antioxidants and fiber helps combat cancer cells. 2. Lower pesticide exposure: Organic farming methods reduce residue levels, safeguarding consumer health. 3. Healthy soil, healthy people: Sustainable agriculture promotes ecosystem balance and well-being for all living beings and nature. What can we do: On World Rose Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to cancer prevention: 1. Choose organic: Prioritize locally sourced, chemical-free produce. 2. Support sustainable agriculture: Encourage eco-friendly farming practices. 3. Raise awareness: Educate others on cancer prevention through lifestyle changes. 4. Empathize and support: Offer love, care, and resources to cancer survivors and their families. As we honour the strength of cancer patients, let’s collectively strive for a healthier, chemical-free world. By embracing organic living and advocating for change, we can reduce cancer’s devastating impact. Resources: – World Health Organization (WHO) – International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – Organic Farming Association (OFA) Share your thoughts: How do you promote cancer prevention in your daily life? Let’s inspire positive change together!
Eat Right Basket – Organic Farming and everything around it – A Journey
Dear readers, Welcome to our very own Eat Right Basket Blog. It does not matter if you are already part of the Eat Right Basket family or not, everyone is welcome here if they have good intentions and an open heart. Let us introduce ourselves first: This is the team behind Eat Right Basket which works 6-7 days a week to provide you with the most natural, organically grown food possible. Why this blog? At Eat Right Basket we know organic farming is needed to stop the pollution of our air, water and earth. Therefore, we believe everyone should be able to afford a healthy life with organic food, not just those who have the money to pay for it. Our main goal is to establish a market for organic food which is actually affordable. After all, changing from pesticide heavy industrial farming to organic farming is a big task. Not just for farmers but for the customers as well. How do you know that food labelled as organic really is organic? Is organic farming and natural food really safer than industrial produced food? Why is organic food more expensive than industrial food? These are questions we sometimes hear from interested citizens; therefore we have set up this blog to answer them. What else will you get to know? This information is very important, but we want to share much more with you. We want to introduce all the people who are involved in allowing you to receive our organic food right at your doorstep. Show you how our organic food is produced, transported, sorted etc. Explain why sometimes the weather or the traffic can foil all the careful plans we have made. Look at our responsibility towards the earth we are living on. How is climate change affecting India and the 300 million farmers and farm workers living in rural areas. And what does that mean for us as a social enterprise and you as a consumer? Why is farming in India the way it is, what policies are behind farming developments? Finally, we also want to share our Ideas and plans for the future. What is our Vision for the Eat Right Basked family and how can you get involved?! We are excited for your Feedback. If you have Questions about this blog, about Eat Right Basket in general or anything else concerning organic food, feel free to contact us. (Some Hindi Expression blessing people or similar) Eat Right Basket Team
My First Impression Entry!
Hi, my name is Julia and I am a volunteer coming from Hamburg, Germany. I have been working with Eat Right Basket for the last 8 months. During this time, I have learned many things, especially about the importance of good and healthy food. In Germany, the awareness of how important and healthy organic food is increasing more and more. Especially over the time of the pandemic, many people focused more on eating healthy and have shifted to buying organic products. Organic products can nowadays be found in nearly every store, but online shops for organic and healthy products are not yet established. Especially none that deliver fresh fruits and vegetables as well. That’s why I am so impressed by how Eat Right Basket is managing to offer affordable and healthy organic food in such a big area like Delhi-NCR. I got to experience the positive environment this company created with its employees and how valuable their products are for them. Eat Right Basket produces their vegetables, fruit, and grains in Uttar Pradesh on their own 20 acres and works with many other farmers to spread the knowledge and value of organic farming. Food is one of the most essential needs of the human body. Not only for survival but also for wellbeing. But nowadays the food becomes less and less valuable. Organic Farming is a way to Care, Feed and Eat Right. It is important for our health but even more for our nature. With all the chemicals that get through traditional farming into the ground, the earth around it gets poisoned, which has grave effects on the health of the people as well as our earth. Therefore, Eat Right Basket has stepped away from synthetic fertilizers and instead uses environmental-friendly fertilizers like cow dung. Another way Eat Right Basket uses to naturally enrichen the soil is vermicomposting. Whereby worms compost vegetables and food waste and create a natural fertilizer. Vermicomposting is a great way to recycle and reuse food scraps. In their shop and office in Noida, the many great products are stored and sold, as well as packed for home delivery. Every day new and fresh products arrive by train and are sorted carefully to ensure the highest quality for the customers. There are many natural Indian products, which I got to explore here. Especially in comparison to Germany, I admire the variety of fruits and vegetables Eat Right Basket and India, in general, have to offer. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to work with Eat Right Basket!