By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
Did you ever wonder:
What is Indian culture like? Learn more!
Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
Explore Indian customs.
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Desi Diet & Desi Genes
Tradition: The Wholesome Indian Diet
Traditionally, Indian cuisine was a colorful tapestry of whole grains, lentils, vegetables, spices, and an array of regional specialties. A typical meal was a harmonious blend of various food groups, each contributing its unique flavor and nutrition. It was a diet steeped in heritage and wisdom.
Transformation: The Modern Indian Diet
Fast forward to the present, and we find a transformation in Indian diets. Urbanization, globalization, and the fast-food culture have introduced diets rich in processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. The traditional thali has made way for quick, convenient meals that often lack the diversity and nutrients of their predecessors.
What are These New Foods?
Processed foods are a staple of modern diets but often contain additives, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Here are some examples of processed foods in India:
- Instant Noodles (e.g., Maggi, Top Ramen): Quick to prepare but often contain high levels of sodium and unhealthy trans fats.
- Packaged Potato Chips (e.g., Lay’s, Bingo): Fried in unhealthy oils and loaded with salt.
- Sugary Breakfast Cereals (e.g., Corn Flakes): High in added sugars, lacking fiber and nutrients.
- Sweetened Yogurts (e.g., flavored yogurt cups): Contain added sugars, reducing the health benefits of yogurt.
- Fast Food Burgers and Fries (e.g., McDonald’s, KFC): Use processed ingredients and unhealthy cooking methods.
- Instant Soups and Gravies (e.g., Knorr, Maggi): May contain excessive salt, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
- Processed Meats (e.g., sausages, hot dogs): Contain additives and high levels of sodium.
- Sugary Soft Drinks (e.g., Coca-Cola, Pepsi): High in added sugars and offer little nutritional value.
- Canned Foods (e.g., canned vegetables, ready-to-eat curries): May contain added salt and preservatives.
- Instant Packed Snacks (e.g., biscuits, cakes, pastries): High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives.
While not all processed foods are unhealthy, it’s essential to read labels and choose products with fewer additives and less added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy, is generally a healthier choice.
What About Oils?
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using modern highly processed oils such as vegetable oil and refined sunflower oil. While these modern oils may be more affordable and easier to find, they are also less healthy than traditional oils and fats. Modern oils are often high in unhealthy fats such as omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Traditional Choices
- Ghee: A good source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Mustard Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, important for heart health.
- Sesame Oil: Contains monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Coconut Oil: Contains saturated fats and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Advantages of Using Traditional Oils
- Healthy Fats: Essential for good health and protection against chronic diseases.
- Less Processed: Retain more nutrients and beneficial compounds.
- Distinct Flavor: Enhance the taste of food.
However, all oils are high in calories, so it’s important to use them in moderation.
The Impact on Health
This shift has not been without consequences. The prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease has surged. A diet once celebrated for its balance has become one that contributes to chronic health issues.
Epigenetics: Your Genes &Future
Now, let’s connect the dots between diet and genetics. Check our discussion on epigenetics, the science of how lifestyle choices affect gene expression? Well, here’s the twist: your dietary choices play a significant role in this genetic symphony.
Simple Shifts, Profound Impact
The good news is that you can make a difference. By reverting to some of the traditional dietary practices that have nourished generations for centuries, you can positively influence your genes and the genetic legacy you pass on.
Embrace the Rainbow
Traditional Indian meals often feature a kaleidoscope of vegetables and fruits. By including a variety of colorful produce, you provide your body with an array of nutrients and antioxidants, keeping your genes in harmony.
Rediscover Whole Grains
Swap refined grains for whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, and millets. These grains have more fiber and nutrients, which can help manage weight and blood sugar.
Spices and Herbs
The spice rack isn’t just for flavor; it’s a treasure trove of health benefits. Spices like turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect your genes.
Mindful Cooking
Traditional Indian cooking methods involve slow cooking, which retains nutrients better. Cooking at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal.
Balance and Moderation
Traditional Indian diets emphasize a balance of flavors and food groups. This approach keeps your genes humming with vitality.
The Future Awaits: A Healthier Legacy
By making these simple shifts in your eating habits, you not only improve your current health but also contribute to a healthier genetic legacy for your future generations. Just as modern diets have influenced genetic health, simple changes can have a profound and positive impact on the health of your family tree.
Acknowledging Regional Diversity
It’s important to recognize the regional diversity within India’s traditional diets. What is considered traditional can vary significantly across different parts of the country. For example, a South Indian meal might feature dosa and sambar, while a North Indian meal might include roti and dal. Embracing this diversity can help ensure a balanced and nutritious diet.
Sources
- Ghee: Studies published in Nutrition, PLoS One, and European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- Mustard Oil: Studies published in Food Chemistry, Lipids in Health and Disease, and Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.
- Sesame Oil: Studies published in Nutrition, Phytotherapy Research, and Cancer Prevention Research.
- Coconut Oil: Studies published in Lipids, Metabolism, and Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. We are not doctors or nutritionists. This information is from publicly available articles and studies. Please check with your physicians/doctors before makin
Jackfruit: Ancient Origins to Modern Kitchens
Jackfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is not only the world’s largest tree-borne fruit but also a culinary chameleon. This blog post delves into the origins of jackfruit, its traditional and modern culinary uses, and its emergence as a popular meat substitute.
Origins and History
Native to the rainforests of the Western Ghats of India, jackfruit has been part of South Asian diets for centuries. It spread across Asia, becoming integral to various regional cuisines before making its way to the Americas and beyond.
What is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit can weigh up to 100 pounds and contains large, edible bulbs of yellow, banana-flavored flesh. It is nutrient-rich, packed with vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
Global Popularity
Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and a staple in the cuisines of Southeast Asia. It’s also used in the culinary traditions of Brazil and the Caribbean, showcasing its global appeal.
Culinary Uses
Jackfruit’s culinary versatility allows it to star in both sweet and savory dishes:
- Savory Dishes:
- India: Jackfruit is commonly used in dishes like Kathal ki Sabzi (a North Indian curry) and Chakka Puzhukku (a dish from Kerala made with young jackfruit, spices, and coconut).
- Thailand: Som Tam Khanun (Green Jackfruit Salad) is a popular choice.
- Western Dishes: Jackfruit has become a go-to meat substitute in vegan recipes such as barbecue pulled jackfruit sandwiches and jackfruit tacos.
- Sweet Dishes:
- India: In Indian cuisine, ripe jackfruit is often used in desserts like Chakka Pradhaman (a jackfruit pudding from Kerala).
- Philippines: Turón (a sweet snack made with jackfruit and banana wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and fried).
Modern Usage as a Meat Substitute
In the West, jackfruit’s texture makes it an excellent stand-in for meat:
- Jackfruit Pulled Pork: Made by sautéing young jackfruit with onions, garlic, and a smoky barbecue sauce.
- Jackfruit Tacos: Young jackfruit cooked with Mexican spices and served in corn tortillas with salsa and avocado.
Recipes:
- Jackfruit Pulled Pork
- Ingredients: Young jackfruit (canned or fresh), barbecue sauce, onion, garlic.
- Method: Sauté onion and garlic, add drained jackfruit, break it apart, and add barbecue sauce. Simmer until flavorful.
- Chakka Pradhaman
- Ingredients: Ripe jackfruit, jaggery, coconut milk, cardamom, ghee, cashews.
- Method: Cook jackfruit with jaggery and water until soft. Add coconut milk and cardamom. Fry cashews in ghee and add to the pudding.
A Spicy Business!
Spices were big business back in the day! And business was booming. We are talking about ancient times here, not like a few years ago. Read below to learn all about the ancient spice trade and how far and wide the Indian spices were in demand. Once you read this – it should become clear why everyone wanted to get a clear trade route to get the spices and control the routes and the trade of spices! You could say things got spicy as more people wanted a lion’s share of the spice business.
Trade with Ancient Rome
There is evidence that the Romans had trade relations with India as early as the 1st century BCE, as documented in the writings of the Roman historian Pliny the Elder.
Pepper and ginger grow wild in their country, yet here we buy them by weight, using so much gold and silver!
Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder was a Roman author and naturalist who lived during the 1st century AD. In his work “Naturalis Historia,” he wrote extensively about the trade between Rome and India. He described the Indian Ocean as “the most peaceful of all seas” and wrote about the trade winds that facilitated travel between India and the Red Sea.
Pliny also wrote about the high value of Indian spices and the Roman empire’s demand for them. He noted that the Romans had to pay in gold and silver to acquire Indian spices, which were highly prized for their taste and medicinal properties.
He also wrote about Indian textiles, pearls, and precious stones that were highly prized by the Romans.
The Roman trade with India was primarily conducted by Indian merchants who traveled by sea along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes
Historical accounts of 2000+ years ago
Pliny’s accounts provide valuable insight into the economic and cultural exchange between Rome and India during the ancient period.
According to historical accounts, the Roman trade with India was primarily conducted by Indian merchants who traveled by sea along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes. The trade was driven by a demand for spices and other luxury goods that were not available in the Mediterranean region.
Some notable examples of Roman figures who were known to have been interested in spices and Indian goods include Julius Caesar, who is said to have been a fan of Indian pepper, and Cleopatra, who was known to have imported large quantities of spices into Egypt.
The Roman trade with India is believed to have continued for several centuries, although the exact duration of the trading partnership is not known. Indian spices and other goods were highly sought after in Rome, and the trade was likely a major source of income for Indian merchants.
In terms of the goods that were imported from India to Italy and Greece, spices were certainly among the most highly valued items. Other Indian goods that were popular in Rome included textiles, ivory, and precious stones.
It is not clear what the Indians were taking back from Italy and Greece, as there are few records of the goods that were exported from Rome to India during this period. However, it is likely that the Romans would have exported a range of goods to India, including metals, wine, and olive oil, which were highly prized in the Mediterranean region.
Trade with Ancient Greeks
There is evidence of trade between ancient Greeks and Indians, particularly in the Hellenistic period (323 BCE-31 BCE) when Alexander the Great’s conquests brought the Greeks in contact with various Indian kingdoms.
The Greeks were interested in Indian goods such as textiles, precious stones, ivory, and spices, and Indian exports to Greece included goods such as indigo, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. The Greek historian Megasthenes, who lived in India during the 4th century BCE, wrote about the Indian exports in his book “Indika.” Greek historian Strabo also mentioned Indian spices in his work “Geographica,” describing their uses in cooking and medicine.
The Greeks also exported their own goods to India, such as wine, olive oil, and textiles. Some Greek colonies were established in northwest India, and archaeological evidence suggests that there was trade between the two regions, with Greek coins and pottery found in India and Indian goods found in Greek settlements.
The Greek-Indian trade relationship was not as significant as the Roman-Indian trade, but there is evidence of cultural and economic exchange between the two regions.
Trade with Ancient Egypt
There is evidence of trade between India and Egypt dating back to ancient times. The Egyptians were known to trade with India for spices, aromatic woods, textiles, and other luxury goods. The ancient Egyptians were also known to have used Indian spices in their embalming practices.
Archaeological excavations at several sites in Egypt have revealed the presence of Indian spices, including black pepper, ginger, and cardamom, which were imported from India. These spices were highly prized by the Egyptians, who used them not only for culinary purposes but also for medicinal and religious purposes.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence for Indian-Egyptian trade is the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a Greek manuscript that dates back to the 1st century CE. The Periplus describes the trade routes between India and the Red Sea, and provides a detailed account of the commodities traded between India and Egypt, including spices, precious stones, ivory, and textiles.
In addition, several ancient Egyptian texts and inscriptions have been found that mention the importation of Indian spices. For example, the temple of Kom Ombo, which dates back to the Ptolemaic era, contains a relief that depicts the transport of Indian spices, including cinnamon and cassia, from the Red Sea to the temple.
Records or artifacts from those times
There have been several archaeological findings that indicate the trade relationship between India and the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations.
One example of such a finding is the discovery of Roman coins in India, particularly in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These coins, dating back to the 1st century BCE, suggest that Roman traders were present in India during that time.
Another important archaeological discovery is the ancient port of Muziris, located in present-day Kerala, which was a major trading center for the Romans and Greeks. Excavations at the site have uncovered several artifacts, including amphorae (a type of container used to transport goods), pottery, and coins, all of which point to a thriving trade relationship between India and the ancient world.
Additionally, the discovery of a Roman glass bowl in Pompeii, Italy, that was made in India is further evidence of the trade relationship between the two civilizations.
In terms of written records, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus mentions the trade relationship between India and the Greeks in his writings, specifically in his book “The Histories.” He writes about the various goods that were traded, including spices, textiles, and precious stones.
Coins from India, Egypt, Greece and Rome
Coins from ancient India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome provide evidence of trade between these regions. For example, Indian coins from the Kushan period (1st-3rd centuries CE) have been found in archaeological excavations in Egypt, suggesting that there was direct trade between the two regions during this time.
Similarly, Greek coins have been found in archaeological sites in India, particularly in the northwestern region, which was once part of the Hellenistic world. These coins indicate that there was some level of trade and exchange between the two regions during the Hellenistic period (4th-1st centuries BCE).
Coins from the Roman period also provide evidence of trade with India. Roman coins have been found in southern India, particularly in the region of Tamil Nadu. These coins suggest that there was direct trade between Rome and India during the early centuries CE, with Indian spices being one of the major commodities exchanged.
The symbols and inscriptions on these coins also provide insights into the political and economic conditions of these regions at the time. For example, some Indian coins from the Kushan period depict rulers such as Kanishka and Vasudeva, who were known for their patronage of Buddhism and the arts.
There is no direct evidence on the costs of spices in these regions at the time, as there are no surviving records or accounts of the prices.
However, we can infer from the fact that spices were traded over long distances that they were valuable commodities that commanded a high price in these regions. It is likely that spices were exchanged for other goods, such as precious metals, textiles, and other luxury items, or simply being directly purchased with gold or silver.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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