Things to Remember About Indian Food

Indian food is rich with interesting ingredients and cultural influences. It’s also fascinating to learn more about its history. Many in the UK crave it when they don’t feel like cooking.

According to ChefOnline, many people feel it “is likely to crave a hefty Indian dinner after a long day when cooking dinner sounds worse than serving time in prison.” Below are some top facts many don’t know about the best Indian takeaway they love.

1. Six Different Types of Tastes

The Indian food industry claims that all its dishes are made up of six different rasas: sweet, salty, bitter and sour. According to this theory, each of these tastes has its own distinct way of being consumed.

2. There Are Many External Influences

Throughout its history, India has been exposed to various cuisines worldwide. Some of the country’s most popular food items, such as the samosa, are imported products. Other popular Indian dishes, such as the gulab jamuns and the jalebis, are influenced by other cuisines.

3. India is the Land of Spices

The country is known for its large production of spices and is the world’s largest exporter of spices. India has a greater variety of spices than any other nation.

4. They Have a Historic Staple Diet

Indians have been consuming the same food categories for thousands of years. The staple food items commonly consumed in the country, including rice, pearl millet and lentils, were part of the Indian diet during the time of the ancients.

5. Salt and Pepper Have a Long History

India has been producing salt for thousands of years and is located in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Archaeological evidence has shown that black pepper is an integral part of Indian cooking. The southern state of Kerala was known for its black pepper exports, which were made during the ancient era when the spice was referred to as “black gold” in various parts of the world.

6. Three Main Categories of Food

According to India’s ancient medical system, the three main food categories are Satvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. The former is characterised by the abundance of natural and minimally processed food, which is considered to affect the mind and body positively. On the other hand, the latter type of food is very processed and toxic, and it can drive an egoistic streak.

7. India Has a Thriving Culture

India has been brewing its own alcohol since 3,000 BC. It has a variety of local liquors that are considered to be part of the country’s cultural traditions. Some of these include the toddy, a type of alcohol commonly consumed in South India, and the millet-based beers made in the northeast.

8. Borrowed Modern Staples

Some common ingredients used in modern Indian cooking, such as tomatoes, potatoes and spices, were not originally from the country. Instead, Portuguese traders introduced these items to the country’s cuisine during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Indian food commonly eaten in the UK includes a wide variety of dishes. There’s something for everyone in Indian cuisine, and it’s not just limited to the traditional favourites.

Disclosure: This is a featured post.