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Different varieties of Rice

Indian Meal-

Any Indian meal is incomplete without some fragrant rice served on the dinner table. Rice is a quintessential part of various people’s diet because of it being quite filling in nature and also because it provides energy to the body.

Every household has their own preferred variety of rice that they cook and eat daily but there are also some kinds of rice that are specially prepared during special occasions or festivities.

Let us check out some famous varieties of rice with their texture :-

1) Basmati Rice –

Basmati Rice is the most popular type of rice in India and also around most Asian countries. This type of rice is used in many households to prepare delicious and fragrant dishes.

This rice is known for being long grain and comes with a pleasant aromatic smell. It is available in white and whole grain options and is readily available in most grocery

stores.

2) Brown rice –

Brown rice is preferred mostly by health conscious people. It has a mild nutty flavour that adds a distinct and pleasant aroma to any dish. Brown rice is long grain, mildly fragrant and is loaded with vitamins and minerals.

3) Jasmine rice –

Jasmine rice is used to give an authentic feel to any Asian dish. It is long grain and has a soothing floral aroma. Even though Jasmine rice is cultivated in Thailand, the dishes made from it are relished all over the world.

4) Bamboo rice –

Bamboo rice is a short grained rice with a floral aroma and is made from bamboo shoots. This is an uncommon variety of rice and is therefore not readily found in grocery stores. People enjoy eating Bamboo rice because of its nutritious value, great taste and flavourful aroma.

5) Sona masuri rice –

Sona masuri is a famous rice in India. It is easily digestible and has a texture similar to basmati rice. It is low in calories and therefore helps in weight management. This rice is used to cook dishes such as sweet Pongal, biryani, idlis and fried rice.

6) Black rice –

Black rice is also known as forbidden rice because of it being more expensive than the other varieties of rice available in grocery stores. It is high in antioxidants and contains more protein than any other rice.

It is also popular because the phyto nutrients present in it to help cleanse the body of disease causing toxins.

7) Mogra rice –

Mogra rice is another variety of rice that is extremely popular in India. This rice has a distinct flavour, appears fluffy when cooked and is used to prepare traditional Indian dishes such as biryani, pulao etc.

The rice has an innate ability to boost skin health, increase metabolism, aid in digestion and help weight loss.

8) White rice –

White rice is the most versatile variety of rice and is popular worldwide because it can adapt to any kind of cuisine and any form of cooking. It is easy to cook, light on the stomach, keeps your gut healthy and is a powerhouse of energy.

Apart from the above-mentioned varieties of rice, there are many other types of rice such as wild

rice, sushi rice, purple Thai rice, Bomba rice and more. If you are a rice lover, then you’ll be amazed

by how similar, yet so unique and different these rice varieties are.

If you are looking for some good quality rice for your daily diet, then do checkout the varieties from Viya.

#indian rice

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Cooking oils and their benefits

Cooking oils-

Various options of cooking oils are available in the market these days. People choose their preferred

oil depending on different factors such as small point, combination of omega-3, 6 fatty acids, taste

and whether it has zero cholesterol or trans fat.

Let us look at a few of the popular varieties of oil available in the market :-

1) Groundnut oil –

Groundnut oil can be used in different forms of cooking such as frying,

grilling or seasoning. It has a high content of mono and polyunsaturated fats that are known

to lower LDL or bad cholesterol in the body.

Groundnut oil is also a good source of vitamin E that helps to protect the skin from acne, pimples, scars or rashes.

2) Mustard oil –

The characteristic flavour of mustard oil brings a unique taste to any dish it is

added to. It has a high smoke point and is therefore considered ideal for frying.

Mustard oil has antibacterial properties that help to protect the skin, apart from helping in digestion and

circulation.

3) Olive oil

- Olive oil can be used very well for salads and appetisers. It has a strong presence

of vitamins, minerals and proteins that are good for hair and skin.

The presence of monounsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 give it anti inflammatory properties too.

4) Sunflower oil -

Sunflower oil is considered healthy mainly because of its polyunsaturated fat

content. It has a very light flavour and therefore doesn’t overpower the taste of any dish it is

added to.

It also helps body cells to retain water because of the presence of Omega 6 and

vitamin E that makes it an antioxidant.

5) Canola oil -

Canola oil is popular because of its extremely high smoke point of 242 degrees

Celsius. This oil is perfect for frying, grilling or sautéing.

Canola oil also has a good content of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids that help to maintain cholesterol levels in the body. Similar to sunflower oil, canola oil is ideal for Indian cooking as it does not overpower the taste of the

dish.

Indian cooking is incomplete without the sizzle of oil. You just need to pick the right oil and simply

focus on the quantity.

Viya Imports has a wonderful variety of cooking oils to choose from. Browse

through our website for more information

#Indian Cooking Oils

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Explore the world of Indian chutneys

Chutneys in Indian cuisines-

Chutneys are a quintessential part of Indian culture, traditions or cuisine.

Just the way we have a variety of languages across the different states of India, the same way each state and community has its own way of preparing chutneys. As per our rich history, the cooks of the kings used to blend

various spices and herbs to prepare culinary delicacies for the royal family.

The European traders took inspiration for these recipes from the Indian cooks and named them ‘sauces’ in their country. Many people find food to be tasteless without a chutney as an accompaniment. Whether it is a

normal meal or a snack item such as pakora, samosa, dosa, aloo tikki or more, chutneys have the

innate ability to enhance the flavour of one and all.

Here are a few of the best chutneys popular across India :-

1) Coconut chutney –

We are all familiar with coconut chutney. It is prepared by blending coconut, spices, green chillies, ginger etc. These spices are mixed with lemon juice and curd to enhance its richness. Coconut chutney can be relished with dosa, idli, uttapam etc.

2) Tomato chutney –

Similar to coconut chutney, tomato chutney also goes well with South Indian cuisine. But along with this, it also goes extremely well with Bengali cuisine. The unique blend of tomatoes with dry spices gives a spicy and tangy flavour to it.

3) Garlic chutney –

Garlic chutney is one of the most popular chutneys which is enjoyed because of its unique flavour. You can add sugar to this chutney to balance out the pungent flavour of the garlic. Cumin seeds, onions and vinegar can be added to enhance the taste and richness of the chutney.

4) Tamarind chutney –

Tamarind chutney is a quintessential part of Indian cuisine and is widely used in Indian weddings or parties. Cutlets, papdi chaat, dahi bhalla etc, taste exceptionally delicious because of the tangy and slightly sweet tamarind chutney. This chutney can also be used over dhoklas.

5) Mint chutney –

Mint chutney is a necessary part of street food across India. Street food or snacks are incomplete without mint chutney. It is prepared by blending mint leaves, garlic, ginger, green chillies, lemon and dry spices. Mint chutney is popular all across India and goes well with paranthas, chaats, samosas, dhoklas, vada pav etc.

6) Coriander chutney –

Similar to mint chutney, coriander chutney is also a very important part of Indian cuisine. It is a simple blend of coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, lemon and dry spices, and goes extremely well with moong dal pakoras, street food, pani puri etc.

Indian meals are incomplete without a delicious and flavour some chutney accompanying them. A

wide range of chutneys are prepared to accompany snacks and main course dishes throughout

Indian households.

If you are looking for some tasty chutneys or sauces, then do get in touch with Viya Imports or browse through our website for more information about our products.

#indian chutneys

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Natural Mouth Fresheners

It may be uber cool to chew gum or pop in an over the shelf mouth freshener to help you feel fresh but isn’t it a good idea if instead of these excessive sugar loaded gums or sweets, we can actually enjoy some natural mouth fresheners that are not only fresh but are full of nutrients as well.

Let us take a look at these aromatic mouth fresheners that are natural and loaded with goodness :-

1) Fennel (Saunf) – From ancient times, Ayurveda has recommended the usage of fennel seeds or saunf as a mouth freshener. This natural product is a storehouse of minerals such as copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium and more. Fennel is also rich in vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex, C and E.

2) Green cardamom (Choti Elaichi) – Choti Elaichi is a popular flavour enhancer and apart from being added to various dishes, it is also used as a mouth freshener. It is known to clear the respiratory tract by clearing up the mucus buildup in bronchi and lungs. Cardamom is excellent for kidney patients as well because it flushes out toxins like uric acid, creatinine and urea.

3) Rose petal marmalade (Gulkand) – Rose petal marmalade or gulkand is a wonderful ingredient added to paan or betel leaves. It is known to freshen the breath and satiate sugar cravings too. Gulkand is extensively used by people to help them stay safe from the excessive heat in the summer months.

4) Roasted coriander seeds (Dhaniye ke daane) – Roasted coriander seeds are one of the most popular ingredients found in almost all Gujarati Mukhwas. These seeds are a storehouse of vitamins C, B complex, minerals like iron, copper, calcium, zinc, potassium and lots more.

Listed above are just a few mouth fresheners that are sure to give you multiple reasons to smile. These can be easily procured from the kitchen or from your nearby grocery store. If you are looking for these desi mouth fresheners, then do check out the products by Viya Imports.

#Indian Mouth Freshners

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Reasons To Include Dairy Products In Your Daily Diet

Many people know that dairy products are an important source of nutrients for growing children but they’re also a great source of protein, calcium and vitamins for people of all age groups. Dairy products are loaded with essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, D, B12 etc.

Dairy products are surely not a food to be feared but you only need to make sure you are eating the right product in the correct quantity. If you are looking for excellent quality dairy products to include in your daily diet, do checkout the Viya Imports product range on your next visit to the supermarket.

#dairy products

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Indian pickles and chutneys

India is recognised for its rich culture as well as its wide range of foods. Chutneys and pickles are essential ingredients in Indian cuisine. To consume their cuisine, every home has a variety of chutneys and pickles. During the summers, it is not uncommon to see various fruits and vegetables cut and set out on plastic sheets or cotton bed sheets on the terraces of Indian homes, left to dry in the soft winter sun. Be it chillies, lemon or carrots, we mix them with spices, dry them and make pickles. In India, pickles are generally produced by women, and each one has its procedure with specific directions that must be followed. It usually starts with drying chopped fruits and vegetables in the sun. Other than pickles, chutneys are another thing that we Indians love to have with our food. There are myriads of tasty and spicy Indian chutneys. The most fascinating aspect of chutney is how it has changed throughout time. It might surprise you to learn that the majority of well-known chutneys are Anglo-Indian concoctions.

Pickles and chutneys are two of the most popular dishes among Indians. The recipes for pickles and chutneys have evolved, but our love for them has remained constant. Sweet and spicy chutneys, as well as tangy pickles, enhance the flavour of all of our dishes. It would not be inaccurate to say that many people's meals are incomplete without pickles and chutneys. Are you looking forward to buying pickles or chutneys? You can buy Viya chutneys and Pickles which offer a great taste like homemade pickles and chutneys.

#pickles #chutney #pickle and chutney

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7 Essential Spices Used In Indian Cooking

All Indian households are known to have s grandmom’s box of secret spices which when added to any curry would add tremendous goodness to the taste, thereby making it the most sumptuous and delectable dish ever. The mystery box can be called a pandora of spices sourced from all over India and these spices can truly be called the heartbeat of Indian cuisine. Indian spices are known to add aroma and enhance the flavor of whichever dish they are added to. Among the wide array of spices popular in India, there are 7 essential spices that are an absolute staple for Indian cuisine.

With the addition of these popular Indian spices, any curry can get an enhanced flavour and aroma. These spices have been known to make people all over the world fans of Indian cooking. You can buy whole spices in raw form or powdered, As per your requirement. If you are looking for best quality spices in and around your neighbourhood, do visit us. We are just a click or walk to a store away.

#spices #cooking