Moneycontrol News November 28, 2023
India is known for its cultural diversity and a cuisine that is famous all over the globe. Many of the dishes use potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, etc. But, did you know that the veggies we use so commonly are not of Indian origin?
Potato: It is safe to say that Indian cuisine is not complete without the humble potato. But, did you know that potatoes are native to South America and were introduced to us by the Portuguese? Yes, you read that right.
Chill: It is one of the most important aromatics used in Indian food. However, its origins lie in the Americas and it was again introduced by the Portuguese.
Tomato: Can you imagine food without tomatoes? From being the base of countless curries to being eaten raw in a salad, tomato is an integral part of Indian cuisine. However, it has origins in South America and was introduced by the Portuguese.
Cauliflower: Another veggie used widely in desi food, cauliflower has been in India since the last 150 years only. It was actually introduced by the British.
Capsicum: Also known as bell peppers, capsicum was also introduced in India by the Portuguese towards the end of 16thcentury. Guess “Shimla mirch” doesn’t come from Shimla.