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Rice and Rice Products

Rice is a grassy cereal grain that is the most consumed staple grain in the world. Even though this grain is native to Asia and Africa; it has been cultivated in many other regions of the world. Rice is a monocot, which grows predominantly in tropical places as it requires high amounts of water for cultivation. With varied grain sizes, colours, flavours and textures, rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, and moderate amount of vitamin B. For easy preparation, soak rice in water for thirty minutes before boiling with water. Rice and rice flour are used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Pulses and Daals (Lentils)

Pulses, beans, and peas are part of the legume family. They grow in a pod with 1-12 seeds. Daals are split pulses. These tiny seeds are rich in fiber, folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients. As these tiny seeds are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, they make an excellent substitute for meat. These pulses and daals are available in three forms: whole, split with skin on and split without skin.

Cereals and Millets

Cereals are any cultivated grass harvested for their edible part – grain, which is composed of germ, endosperm and bran. Whole grain forms of these cereals are rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Therefore, they are a staple crop in many cultures across the globe. Wheat, rice, corn, rye, oats, barley, and millets are various types of cereals, which form a staple source of energy in many regions of the world. Millets are also small grains that grow in semiarid regions of the world and are packed with dietary fiber, protein, several B vitamins, minerals like Manganese and are rich in carbohydrates.

Atta, Flour and Sooji

Atta is finely milled wheat flour to make flat breads. Whole wheat flour is milled from hard wheat. There are several types of flour which are milled by pulverizing other cereal grains like rice, corn, millets, rye and oats. Sooji or rava, also known as semolina is a coarsely ground wheat grain. Rice, rye and other millets also are milled coarsely and are referred to as rava in some regions of India.

Masalas and Spices

Masala is a term widely used for a blend of various spices. Dry spices like cinnamon, red chili, clove, cardamom, star anise, mace, bay leaf, nutmeg, coriander, cumin, mustard, etc are several spices used in making a blend of a dry masala powder. These dry masalas can be stored for a period of 3-6 months. The right proportions of the various spices bring out exquisite flavor to any dish. Widely used to make both vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, rice dishes and even sweet dishes, these masalas are a staple in every Indian kitchen.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits are the fleshy, sweet or sour edible part of a plant, which can be eaten raw. Fruits are rich in fiber, nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and promote satiety. Even though fruits are high in sugar, they are composed of complex sugars, which help in digestion and maintain healthy weight. Vegetables are also the fleshy, edible part of a plant, which are eaten cooked. They are also rich in fiber and nutrients like minerals and vitamins. A daily diet of fruits and vegetables is essential to maintain a healthy and long life. Seasonal fruits and vegetables give added benefits to the body.