After setting up our base in the Himalayas, we explored enough to bring to you something new every season. This summer we are adding another taste and flavor to our non-vegetarian pickle menu. We “Thakur & Verma” at “Masala Monk” are bringing to you our new favorite – Mutton Pickle.
This Mutton pickle is prepared using free-range White Himalayan Goat(Gaddi bread), that grazes in the upper Himalayan regions (Kangra, Kullu, Spiti and Lahaul) during the summer season. Along with perfect climatic conditions in those regions, these goats also munch on high-altitude grasslands and rare medicinal herbs(mostly unapproachable by humans). The meat of gaddi goat is very high in demand as it is extremely nutritious, balanced, and full of essential minerals.
With the arrival of winters, these herds of goats come to the lower Himalayan regions. The shepherds then sell off their few goats to local butchers, as the meat has a really high demand in the market. We found one such butcher and are procuring this premium high-quality goat meat to bring to you this mutton pickle, straight from the foothill of the Himalayas.
We have put together the free-range goat meat with the herbs and spices(15+) that we have sourced from local manufacturers in the Himalayan region. Along with being sour, spicy, and tangy, this pickle is rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, magnesium, potassium, etc.
Note: Contains no artificial preservatives
Ingredients:
Free-Range White Himalayan Goat Meat(Gaddi), Vinegar, Salt, Ginger, Garlic, Red chili, Mustard Oil, Cumin, Carom seeds, Fennel flower, Fenugreek seeds, Mustard Seeds, Coriander seeds, Turmeric, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Asafoetida.
Net Weight:
200gms
Storage:
Once opened, store in a cool & dry place. Always use a clean and dry spoon to scoop the pickle out.
Shelf Life:
12 months from the date of manufacturing
Shipping:
We have a processing time of 7 to 14 days on all our products, however, it may take 3-4 weeks for final delivery depending on your location and Pin code.
Galgal, also known as Hill lemon, is commonly found in the northwestern foothills of the Himalayas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. With the arrival of winters, the vegetable markets get filled with large yellow oval-shaped citrus fruit, which weighs around 400-500gms. This winter, we Thakur & Verma at Masala Monk, managed to procure the fresh and organic Galgals from locals at Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, and pickled them with locally sourced Gur, spices, and herbs, to bring to you “Galgal-Gur Pickle”.
Hearing ‘galgal” brings nostalgia in every pahadi home. It brings a sense of joy. Waiting for the perfect winter season, carefully plucking them from the trees, cutting it in small pieces and enjoying it in various forms. Pickle being one of them.
This specific variety of Galgal grows at heights around 2000-3500 ft of elevation. Galgal is rarely cultivated. It is rather collected from the wild. Hence, it is one of the most organic fruits used in pickles around himalayas.
This Galgal-Gud pickle is a perfect blend of tanginess and sweetness of Galgal and Gur when cooked slowly with handpicked spices in 100% premium grade “Kachhi Ghani” mustard oil. The pickle was prepared in our home kitchen and is stored in glass jars in direct sunlight to mature in its taste and texture. After being sundried for months, the Galgal-Gur pickle is infused with amazing hints of spices and herbs and is now ready to get dispatched from the foothill of the Himalayas. Sweet, spicy, and bitey, Galgal-Gud pickle is a seasonal delicacy of the Himalayas, and every bite of it brings the hint of the mountain to your table. This pickle can be enjoyed with almost every dish across India, whether it is a main course or a morning snack.
To maintain authenticity of this pickle, we have sourced, processed, cooked, packaged and shipped this pickle from the upper Dhauladhar range in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. We are sure you’ll be ordering more once you taste it. So, grap yourself this limited stock season delicacy of Himalayas!
Ingredients :
Galgal(hill forest lemon), Vinegar, Salt, Ginger, Garlic, Red chilli, Mustard Oil, Cumin, Carom seeds, Fennel flower, Fenugreek seeds, Mustard Seeds, Coriander seeds, Turmeric, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Black pepper.
Net Weight:
400gms
Storage:
Once opened, store in a cool & dry place. Always use a clean and dry spoon to scoop the pickle out. If the pickle is not matured to your liking, please keep the jar in direct sunlight for a couple of days.
Shelf Life:
12 months from the date of manufacturing
Shipping:
We have a processing time of 7 to 14 days on all our products, however, it may take 3-4 weeks for final delivery depending on your location and Pincode.
Every year, just at the onset of spring, locals in the upper himalayas scramble up the mountain to secure the first bloom of wild rhododendron flowers. Every mountain home gorges on rhododendron chutney with pride in the following days. They make a few more rounds of this trip during a narrow window of 3-4 weeks, when the flowers bloom before falling to the ground.
Rhododendron, also known as Buransh in hilly regions of India, is a red/pink colored flower grown in the wild forests of the upper Himalayas in India. It originated in the himalayan valleys of Kashmir, Assam, Manipur in India and in some regions of Bhutan. As it grows only above 6000 feets of elevation, it is rarely cultivated. Its organic origins give this flower a rare place in the heart of pahari people.
India is known for its vast biological diversity and rich traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda), which forms a strong base for the exploration of various plants for general health care. Rhododendron is one such plant that is acquiring a special place in the cultural as well as the economic life of the people. It is one of the naturally occurring plants which possess various health benefits, such as prevention and treatment of diseases associated with heart, dysentery, diarrhea, detoxification, inflammation, fever, constipation, bronchitis and asthma. The young leaves are used to alleviate headaches. It contains more than two dozen essential minerals and vitamins. All these benefits also make Rhododendron the state flower of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, apart from being a national flower of Nepal.
At our kitchen, we sat down with an interesting challenge of preserving this flower in such a way that it can reach a lot of Indian homes, without adding any artificial preservatives. We came up with an interesting jugalbandi of sun dried Rhododendron flower petals with cherry tomatoes and tangy imli. Smoked with mustard oil(kachhi ghani) and a blend of organic spices, our chutney was finally ready to be shipped. To maintain control over all our processes, we have sourced, processed, cooked, packaged and shipped this pickle straight from the upper Dhauladhar range in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. We are sure you’ll be ordering more once you taste this. So, grab yourself this limited stock seasonal delicacy of Himalayas!
Ingredients :
Rhododendron petals(Buransh), Tomato, Tamarind, Himalayan rock Salt, Ginger, Garlic, Red chilli, Mustard Oil, Cumin, Vinegar, Carom seeds, Mustard Seeds, Coriander seeds, Turmeric, Bay leaves, Cinnamon.
Net Weight:
200gms
Storage:
Once opened, store in a cool & dry place. Always use a clean and dry spoon to scoop the pickle out. If the pickle is not matured to your liking, please keep the jar in direct sunlight for a couple of days.
Shelf Life:
12 months from the date of manufacturing
Shipping:
We have a processing time of 7 to 14 days on all our products, however, it may take 3-4 weeks for final delivery depending on your location and Pincode
It is used to make medicines. Popularly known as ‘bay laurel’, the herb was used by Greeks for crowning heroes with bay leaf wreaths. The award of the ‘sweet bay leaves’ can only be useful for few people. So, let’s find out how beneficial is the consumption of bay leaf during pregnancy?
Bay leaves are full of antioxidants, iron, and potassium, which are heart healthy. Moreover, their historical use speaks a lot about their antioxidant, anti-fungal, and healing properties.
Bay leaves are well-known for treating cancer, stomach issues, diabetes, pain, and much more. Most of all, they have a sedative effect that may cause excessive drowsiness.
Let’s dive into the benefits of bay leaves and how to use bay leaves during pregnancy:
1. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
Early research concludes that adding a ground bay leaf to your diet twice a day alongside diabetes medicine helps in reducing blood sugar levels before meals.
2. Improves Cholesterol
Patients having abnormally high cholesterol or blood fat level (dyslipidemia) benefit from bay leaf tea. The research concluded that having bay leaves tea for 10 days may help improve good cholesterol levels (HDL or high-density lipoprotein).
However, there is no evidence if bay leaves improve the other lipid levels.
Bay Leaf Tree
3. Prevent Kidney Diseases
Bay leaves are good for kidney health. Studies have shown that bay leaves prevent kidney stones and other kidney issues. The study revealed that bay leaf helps in the reduction of urease in the body and possibly helps in toxin removal as well as ease urination.
4. Good for Stomach Health
Bay leaf tea has a positive effect on the stomach. The organic compounds of sweet bay leaf relieve an upset stomach. In fact, a cup of bay leaf tea is great for relieving flatulence, intestinal discomfort, and abdominal cramps.
5. Promotes Sleep
Bay leaves contain sedative compounds that promote relaxation and drowsiness. Bay leaf tea is an excellent natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep problems.
Therefore, taking bay leaf tea an hour or two before going to bed may help you enjoy a restful sleep.
However, if the bay leaf is taken along with sleep-inducing medicines, it can cause over-drowsiness and extra sleepiness.
6. Relieve Anxiety
Cinnamon and bay leaf tea acts as a natural treatment to relieve anxiety and stress. The ingredients leave a mildly soothing and calming effect on the nervous system.
7. Good for Skin
Ground bay leaf treats acne, inflammation, and other skin irritations. It is also one of the well-known natural remedy for treatment of boils, dandruff, etc.
Although bay leaf has incredible benefits, there is a lack of research and evidence on the health benefits of bay leaf.
How to Add Bay Leaves to Your Diet?
In general, bay leaf, as well as bay leaf oil, is quite safe to add to food. Ground bay leaf is also safe if taken in moderate amounts. Mostly bay leaf is cooked as a whole for adding a little flavor to cuisines and teas, which is very safe.
However, taking bay leaf as a whole is very unsafe as it cannot be digested. The leaf cannot be digested, therefore, it can possibly get stuck in the throat or pierce the intestinal lining.
Bay leaves during pregnancy
Is it Safe to Eat Bay Leaf During Pregnancy?
Bay leaf is heart-healthy, great for digestion, and reducing stress. Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy can cause a lot of emotional stress.
Pertaining to the use of bay leaves in cooking is safe during pregnancy. However, bay leaves shouldn’t be taken as an herbal supplement due to their several possible side effects. Moreover, there isn’t any scientific data on the benefits of the use of bay leaf during pregnancy, so it’s better to avoid it.
Eating bay leaf as a whole is unsafe during pregnancy or otherwise. The leaf is indigestible and passes through the digestive lining intact. It can get lodged in the throat or cause piercing in the intestinal linings.
How Many Bay Leaves Should I Use?
If you really want to add bay leaves to your diet, it’s best to use only about 2 to 3 bay leaves. Otherwise, its taste can overtake the entire dish.
Cinnamon and bay leaf tea benefit in terms of their soothing and relaxing effect. You can also use a cinnamon and bay leaf tea for pregnancy after consulting your doctor.
Final Verdict
There is not enough research on the benefits of bay leaf for pregnant or breastfeeding moms. It’s best to take bay leaf tea after consulting your doctor.
Apart from that, Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Moreover, bay leaf can also slow down your brain functions, which if combined with sleep medicines or anesthesia during surgery, can prolong recovery and the healing process.
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To know how Bay Leaf can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here
Jaggery is not just for the kitchen. Your skin can also benefit from jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery include its antioxidants and many different nutrients, which help fight free radicals and slow the aging process. The use of jaggery for skin care and hair care have led to many secret ingredients that we would have never thought of in the past. This is good, since natural remedies, as well as home remedies, always surpass modern cosmetic solutions in terms of durability and effectiveness.
The jaggery or gur popularly known as ‘medicinal sugar’ can be beneficial when it comes to treating infections. In addition to being your first resort for overall wellness, you can use jaggery, the pure unrefined sugar as a substitute for your dessert.
Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:
There are a lot of countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere that use jaggery as a sweetener. Various cultures have been using sugar for different purposes for thousands of years, but the earliest form of indigenous jaggery can be found among India’s Indus Valley Civilization (3200 BC – 1700 BC). It is a type of non-centrifugal cane sugar that is consumed in the Indian subcontinent. It is made by concentrating freshly extracted sugarcane juice to form a sticky, viscous liquid with hints of caramel flavor in the background.
Traditionally, jaggery concentrated form of sugarcane syrup or date or palm sap with molasses and crystals which is golden brown to dark brown in color. They are solid or semi-solid in form and contains 20% moisture content.
Sugarcane for jaggeryJaggery – Crystals & PowderedDate Palm for jaggery
Top 5 Beauty Benefits of Jaggery
Jaggery is a 100% natural ingredient without any side effects. Below are 5 ways it can be beneficial for your skin:
1. Treats acne and pimples
A tasty way to stay young and beautiful is to drink jaggery, the cousin of sugar. You can reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne, and pimples by consuming a medium-sized ball of jaggery every day. Moreover, jaggery can also prevent impurities from accumulating and can give you blemish-free skin. Overall, it’s a good treatment for many skin problems.
Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:
Iron in jaggery helps prevent hair loss. Having enough iron in your body stimulates the production of hemoglobin, which, in turn, promotes better blood circulation to the roots of your scalp, reducing hair fall and promoting hair growth. Jaggery’s iron content also makes hair smooth and shiny when used as a hair mask.
The average amount of hair that grows per month is an inch. deficiency of iron can slow this growth. As gur contains significant amounts of iron, regular consumption of jaggery promotes hair growth. If you want to see the difference, you should do it every week.
3. Reduces skin wrinkles
The anti-aging properties of jaggery helps to prevent wrinkles. Sesame seeds and essential herbs are often mixed in jaggery to treat premature aging in Ayurveda. With its antioxidant properties (selenium found in jaggery), jaggery fights free radicals in the body and helps delay the aging process. In addition to protecting the cells from aging, jaggery contains other essential nutrients that are effective against many age-related ailments.
4. Moisturizes skin
The moisturizing effects of jaggery are attributed to glycolic acid. All you need to do is make a paste of two teaspoons of honey, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of jaggery. You can apply the mixture to your face and let it dry. Once it has dried, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:
Jaggery contains a range of minerals and vitamins that act as a natural cleanser for your skin and body. It removes toxins from your body and keeps it glowing, hydrated and healthy. Due to its high antioxidant content, it helps remove harmful toxins and impurities from the blood, giving the skin a radiant appearance.
Jaggery
Final verdict
In addition to its health benefits, jaggery offers beauty benefits. It adds up a lot of benefits to your skin. With the bundle of nutrients and medicinal properties, it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Jaggery is cheaper and easily available in the supermarkets near you. So, feed your sugar craving by replacing sugar with jaggery to add sweetness to your skin and health.
