The East Indians are an ethnic group with a heritage of over 500 years. These original inhabitants of Bombay (now Mumbai) are based in small villages also known as gaothans in Mumbai, Thane, Vasai and other parts of Raigad. The East Indians are famous for their music, attire and cuisine; a beautiful blend of Portuguese, British and Maharashtrian cultures.
Spices were traditionally sun dried for 2 – 3 days after which the women would roast them in earthen pots and pound them in a wooden mortar and pestle (known as ukhal and musal). This process would take around 5 – 6 days. The pounded spices were then stored in tainted glass beer bottles with narrow necks and sealed with a white muslin cloth. These bottled masalas stored with no air cavity are said to last for over 25 years! .
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