The spice journal
How to choose, store and cook with Indian spices, from everyday tadka to festival sweets.
28 September 2026, in Festivals
Diwali 2026 Spice Gift Hampers for Family and Corporate Gifting
Diwali 2026 is on 8 November. Spice gift hamper ideas for family and corporate gifting, and what makes a good spice gift: freshness, FSSAI and presentation.
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Dussehra 2026 Feast Menu: Dishes and the Whole Spices Behind Them
Dussehra 2026 is on 20 October. A regional feast menu, from fafda jalebi to bhog khichuri, the whole spices behind each dish, and two festive recipes.
27 September 2026, in Recipes
Sabudana Kheer with Cardamom: An Easy Navratri Vrat Recipe
A creamy sabudana kheer with cardamom, with exact quantities, tips to stop it turning gluey, and variations including makhana kheer for the Navratri fast.
26 September 2026, in Recipes
Navratri 2026 Colours: A Nine-Day Vrat Menu and Its Spices
The Navratri 2026 colours, orange on 11 October to peacock green on 19 October, with one vrat dish for each day and the spice that makes it taste right.
25 September 2026, in Festivals
Navratri 2026 Vrat Spices: What Is Allowed and What to Skip
Navratri 2026 runs 11 to 20 October. See which spices most families use in vrat food, which are usually skipped, and three easy recipes to cook with them.
24 September 2026, in Festivals
Amazon Great Indian Festival 2026: A Spice Stock-Up List
Amazon Great Indian Festival 2026 starts 8 October. A spice stock-up list for Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, and how to spot a real deal on spices.
23 September 2026, in Recipes
The Perfect Masala Chai Ratio for the Festive Season
The masala chai ratio per cup: how much elaichi, laung, kali mirch and ginger to use, the right method, and how to scale it for festival guests.
22 September 2026, in Festivals
Where to Buy Genuine Spices Online in India: A Checklist
Where to buy genuine spices online in India: brand website vs Amazon vs Blinkit and Instamart, plus a checklist for FSSAI number, packed date and seller.
20 September 2026, in Recipes
Premium vs Loose Spices: Price per 100 g and What You Pay For
Premium vs loose spices, explained: how to compare price per 100 g, and what grading, cleaning, sealed packing and testing add to the cost of a pack.
19 September 2026, in Recipes
How to Store Spices So They Keep Their Aroma
How to store spices in an Indian kitchen: airtight jars, a dark cool shelf, why the fridge often backfires, and how to use a resealable pouch properly.
18 September 2026, in Quality
Whole Spices vs Ground Spices: Which to Buy and When to Grind
Whole spices vs ground spices: how shelf life, flavour and cooking use differ, which to buy for which dish, and a simple way to grind your own at home.
17 September 2026, in Recipes
How to Check Clove Quality at Home: 4 Easy Tests and Best Uses
How to check clove quality at home with the float test, oil test, head check and smell test, plus how to store laung and use it in everyday Indian cooking.
16 September 2026, in Recipes
What Colour Should Cardamom Powder Be? Why Bright Green Is a Worry
Real elaichi powder is pale khaki or sage with tiny husk flecks, not bright green. Learn why the colour matters, a simple water test, and how to store it.
15 September 2026, in Quality