Spices As The Dust Of Memory

Open a tin of garam masala and you may find a Sunday morning from childhood, where cumin crackled in mustard oil and turmeric dust danced in the light of your grandmother’s kitchen. More than ingredients, spices are the dust of memory, carrying with them centuries of migration, trade, and tradition.

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In India, haldi (turmeric) stains not only our dishes but the rituals of life itself, from birth ceremonies to wedding day ubtans. The first time I held a stick of turmeric in my hands, it was a surreal experience. It sparked wonder and curiosity in me, having never known that this spice that we used in almost every dish was made from the underground stem of a plant. It made me realise at a young age how much of nature we consume in so many different forms. And while there are many brands swapping nature for adulteration, there is one that is still keeping the tradition alive. 

The Great Indian Spicery brings to life a legacy steeped in over 130 years of spice mastery. Established in 1892, the brand has carefully nurtured a reputation for purity, provenance, and authenticity. Their range spans whole, ground, and signature blended masalas, from turmeric and cumin to pav bhaji and biryani masala. Sourced directly from farms and sterilised with care, their offerings are 100% natural and free from adulteration, capturing the freshness and ethical soul of spice.

Founded by Raj Maskai, a third-generation spice maker with roots in one of India’s oldest spice manufacturing families, The Great Indian Spicery was born out of a desire to bring a legacy out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Under Raj’s stewardship, the brand champions transparency, authenticity, and reverence for tradition.

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Blends like sambhar or chaat masala from The Great Indian Spicery transport you across India’s culinary geography, while humble staples like cloves and peppercorns root you in a global spice history. In an age of minimalist pantries and digital recipes, the brand revives the act of cooking. If you are planning on restocking your pantry with a few of The Great Indian Spicery’s essentials, here is a curated list for you! 

Turmeric Powder 

This golden spice is made from handpicked fresh turmeric roots, cultivated to preserve antioxidants and anti‑inflammatory properties. Perfect for many Indian preparations, golden milk or rituals like ubtans.
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Chaat Masala 

This tangy, street‑food staple crafted from a symphony of spices (mango powder, black salt, cumin, asafoetida) adds a zing to fruits, salads, and snacks.
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Sambhar Masala

An aromatic South Indian blend essential for classic sambhar. With roasted lentils, coriander, red chillies, fennel, and turmeric, it adds rich, nutty depth and tang to lentil stews.
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Biryani Masala

A robust blend packed with depth, this masala is the secret to fragrant, spice-layered biryanis. Featuring bay leaf, black cardamom, cinnamon, and more, it elevates every grain of rice into celebration.
To Buy: Click Here