The Family Of Spices
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Kerala style spices light up the streets of old Delhi.
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Kerala has a history of spices that dates back to thousands of years. In ancient times, Kerala rose to fame all over the world solely on the basis of the riches brought into the state, because of its monopoly over spices. Kerala is famed for the production and export of spices like Pepper, which is also known as the 'King of Spices’ and Cardamon, queen of spices and one of the most highly prized spices. This 'Queen of Spices', is grown on the slants of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Clove, cinnamon and turmeric are also very important spices of this region.
Spices are of course available at every place but in Delhi we found a place which is like a hub of spices like Kerala. Khari baoli is an ancient grocery and Asia’s largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea. Operating since the 17th century, the ‘Gadodia’ market is situated near the historic Red fort , on the Khari Baoli Road adjacent to Fatehpuri Masjid at the western end of the Chandni Chowk, and over the years has remained a tourist attraction.
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There are displays of everything eye catching from lentils and rice to giant jars of chutneys, pickles, nuts and tea, spices and you can buy small packets of items, despite it being a wholesale market.
In this bazaar, millions of traders accumulate in a single bazaar to carry on with their trade .It looks little shabby and disorganized but according to Vijaydas, one of the shopkeepers, “We trade a lot each day inspite of large number of traders; all the traders work in organized manner and strictly orderly system because of which all this is possible”.
“I brought different things from different places like I brought dried plums from Kashmir and spices from Kerala and Tamil Nadu”said Vijaydas.
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It’s a mesmerizing experience to see the various once the sight of various spices and dry fruits accompanied with a rich smell of each spice . Also the prices are comparatively less as it’s a whole sale market.
Where to buy- Khari Baoli Road, Katra Pedan, Old Delhi
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Prices- 700 rs onwards garam masala, 300rs onwards other masala
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Nearest metro station- Chandni chowk
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Contributed by: - Jasleen Kaur
