How to Choose the Best Indian Grocery Items : Part 1

Whether you’re a seasoned Indian cook or just getting started, it’s important to know how to choose the best Indian grocery items. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your shopping experience:

Look for fresh ingredients. This is especially important for fruits, vegetables, and spices. Fresh ingredients will have the best flavor and texture.

Buy in bulk. If you cook Indian food often, it can be helpful to buy ingredients in bulk. This can save you money in the long run.

Support local businesses. There are many great Indian grocery stores in Seattle. When you shop at a local store, you’re helping to support your community. Mayuri International has been serving Seattle’s local community for over a decade.

Here are some specific tips for choosing the best Indian grocery items for each category:

 

1.Rice:

Look for basmati rice that is long, slender, and white. Avoid rice that is broken or discolored. The grains should be uniform in size and free of any foreign matter.

For other types of rice, such as jasmine rice or brown rice, look for grains that are plump and evenly colored. 

2.Flour:

Look for atta flour, which is a type of whole wheat flour that is used in many Indian dishes. It should be light brown in color and have a strong, nutty aroma.

For all-purpose flour, look for a fine, soft flour that is free of lumps.Whole wheat flour is a healthier option than all-purpose flour and it is higher in fiber and nutrients. It is often used for making chapattis, parathas, and other Indian breads.

3.Dals:

• For urad dal, look for whole, creamy-white lentils that are free of blemishes. Urad dal is a lentil that is high in protein and it is often used in making dal makhani, urad dal khichdi, and other lentil dishes.
• For masoor dal, look for whole, orange-red lentils that are also free of blemishes. Masoor dal is a lentil that is lower in protein than urad dal, but it is still a good source of protein and fiber. It is often used in making dal tadka, masoor dal soup, and other lentil dishes.
• For moong dal, look for whole, green lentils that are also free of blemishes. Moong dal is a lentil that is easy to digest and it is often used in making dal fry, moong dal halwa, and other lentil dishes.
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4.Sugar:

Look for white sugar that is free of impurities. It should be white and granular in texture.For brown sugar, look for a sugar that is made from whole sugar cane and that has a caramel flavor.

5.Oil:

Look for vegetable oil that is light in flavor and has a high smoke point. This will help to prevent the food from burning when cooking.
For frying, you can use a different type of oil with a higher smoke point, such as peanut oil or corn oil. These oils are also less likely to smoke and burn when they are heated, but they have a higher flavor profile than vegetable oil or canola oil.

6.Salt:

• Look for coarse-grained salt that is free of impurities. Coarse-grained salt has a better flavor than fine-grained salt and it is less likely to clump together.
• For kosher salt, look for a salt that is made from large crystals and that has a mild flavor. Kosher salt is often used in cooking and in making pickles.

7.Masala powder:

Look for a masala powder that is made with whole spices. This will give the powder a more complex flavor.

There are many different types of masala powder, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for the dish you’re making. For general cooking, a good all-purpose masala powder is a good choice. For more specific dishes, such as tikka masala or vindaloo, you can choose a masala powder that is specifically designed for that dish.

If you’re in Seattle, be sure to visit Mayuri International. We pick the best quality groceries and must have pantry items . We hope these tips help you choose the best Indian grocery items. We have four locations in the city, and we also offer online ordering. We carry a wide variety of Indian groceries, including fresh produce, spices, lentils, rice, and more. We also have a great selection of Indian teas and coffees.

Order online or visit our Indian store today!

Before we continue, consider joining our foodie newsletter to take your culinary journey ahead, right fom your inbox .