The magic of a handmade product is heartfelt for both the maker and the consumer. Truth be told, conscious buying means supporting the local people. Our effort of finding food labels that you can choose to set your kitchen pantry continues. Here is the list of seven such food labels (see Part One for the previous 11).

Zizira

Every piece of land offers a different taste and aroma. And as a food explorer, we must try what the other states have to offer. The spices grown in this part of India stands out for the similar reason. Established in 2015, Zizira is a passionate tale of saving local crops by reaching out a close network of farmers. Based in Meghalaya, the label and their dedicated team promise to bring forth chemical-free spices, exquisite teas, honey and more. They also offer a local turmeric variety that is pure and true to its original flavour, the all-natural and nourishing Lakadong turmeric. @zizira_explorers; Ph: 8119840256

Sue’s Homemade Preserves

Sue uses her naturally grown orchard goodies (located in Pauri, Uttarakhand) to handcraft food products that involve no chemicals or artificial flavours. Imagine a countryside table setting with the most delicious, seasonal, and fresh gourmet jars of plum preserve, grape jelly, tomato Kasaundi, Garhwali lime pickle and more—all from Sue’s hand-picked farm produce. Sue works with an undying passion to use traditional recipes with a twist of her own. Ph: 9958215553

Spirit of The Earth

At Spirit of the Earth, you can find heritage rice varieties from West Bengal, Orissa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, and Bihar, all under one roof. Grown in the fields near the bank of river Kaveri in a village called Manjakkudi in Tamil Nadu, the artisanal rice harvested here come in different colours—red, white, brown, black. To know which one would suit your health, go to the website, read the benefits of each rice, and select the one that suits your concerns. For instance, I wanted a rice variety for my baby and zeroed in on the Navara, a native version of red rice. @spirit_of_the_earth_2017; Ph: 044-24987977

Ammiji’s

The last time I went to Amritsar, I saw the famous Papad Wadiyan being sold in the streets near the beautiful Golden Temple. Having missed buying those, it was a pleasant surprise to see someone who’s passionate about the local goodies and want them to reach people. Ammiji’s, a small food business that started out with the founder’s grandmother’s (who is nearing 90) Classic Chai Masala, now sells homemade pickles, chocolate caramel spread, Chyawanprash, Kaadha, Phaalsa berry sherbet and of course, Papad Wadiyan. Labels like these beautifully treasure traditional recipes. We totally needed this, especially during the lockdown times, didn’t we? Ph: 8287508020.

Gouri’s Goodies
Here’s a solution for your evening food cravings and pre-workout nutrition. Mumbai-based Gouri Gupta’s delectable creations are something you want to stock up on for a quick fix for your hunger pangs. Apart from cereal mixes, the label offers energy bars and ladoos that are made with the finest ingredients and contain no artificial flavours. Gouri’s website also has some healthy recipes that one can create at home. After all, healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Ph: 9820645789

Hill Wild

Hello, chocolate lovers! Hill Wild offers chocolate variants like King Chilli, Plum, Black Rice, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Wild Apple that are made with naturally grown ingredients and come at nominal prices. Established in 2017, in Ukhrul district, Manipur, Hill Wild was founded by Leiyolan Vashum and Zeinorin Stephen, who boost their regional produce and hand-crafted techniques and create delightful chocolate bars. Try these chocolate beauties and include them in your gifting lists for this Rakhi. @hillwild; Ph: 8256968904

Naturally Yours

Founders Vinod Kumar and Priya Prakash established Naturally Yours, a decade ago in Mumbai, with a vision to enhance the lives of the local farmers and offer healthier pantry essentials. For us, their gluten-free pasta (red lentil, chickpea, quinoa) and healthy noodle varieties (multi-millet, red rice, buckwheat) stand out. These products do come with a high price tag, but if you are in for relishing junk food without any guilt, go ahead and eat clean. @naturallyyours6; Ph: 8767801982

Note: All pictures have been taken from the respective brands’ social media pages.