CATERING TO CULTURES
Indian
by Alisha Green
Indian food is characterized by its spicy flavor and often labeled as one type of food, but the country offers a wide variety of dishes and can suit many tastes. It is important to understand the differences between dishes in the northern and southern regions of the country. Food is also seen as an important factor in promoting good health and even serves as the main remedy for some illnesses in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, a tradition that originated in India.
Check back for more information about Indian food, including:
- Growing Major Ingredients: Here you can find information about the major vegetables used in Indian food and their best growing conditions.
- Marketing Ingredients: You know how to grow the food, but is it worth growing it for a profit in your area? Do you know the best places to sell Indian food ingredients? Here you can find tips for determining where you could successfully sell certain ingredients.
- Ayurvedic Medicine: Learn how food is related to this alternative style of medicine based on balancing the elements of the body to promote good health.
The importance of being authentic
Sid Reddy is owner of Swagath Foods in East Lansing, Michigan - the largest Indian food store in the mid-Michigan area. He discusses the differences between food in the north and south regions of India, the importance of different ingredients in the food, and the difficulties finding certain foods locally.
Alisha Greena is an Honors College student at Michigan State University's School of Journalism. She has spent the past 18 months researching various national and international food cultures, with the goal of helping sustainable farmers understand these important niche markets.