Each state of India produces crops basis its climate and soil. Making by-products from this crop is also most of the time the forte of that particular state albeit there are exceptions to this rule.

Benefits of consuming regional crops

Besides alleviating greenhouse gas emissions and upping resource efficiency eating food where it grows offers a lot of pluses –

• Locally grown food is replete with flavour
• Eating local food is eating an item during the season in which it should ideally be eaten
• Owing to the shorter time between harvest and your table the nutrients in local food remain intact
• Local food supports the local economy
• Local foods promote a safer food supply as they do away with a lot of unnecessary steps between you and the source of your food mitigating chances of contamination
• You have the opportunity to know where your food comes from and who grew it

Which crop…which state?

So knowing which state is best for which food product is of critical importance…but how does one do that?   Relax Foodism has curated a list for you –

Rice

Most Grown at – West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh

By-products – Puffed rice, rice crackers, canned rice products, noodles, cakes, dumplings et al

Wheat

Most Grown at – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh

By-products – Bread, couscous, freekeh, cookies, cakes, pies, cereals, crackers, pastas, tortillas, noodles etc.

Maize

Most Grown at – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan

By-products – Oil, syrup, popcorn, cornflakes, snacks, chewing gums, taco shells etc.

Peas and Grams

Most Grown at – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra

By-products – Masala Chana, Salted Peanuts etc.

Sugarcane

Most Grown at – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

By-products – Sugar, syrup, jaggery etc.

Tea

Most Grown at – Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu

By-products – Tea leaves and tea bags

Coffee Beans

Most Grown at – Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

By-products – Coffee

Mangoes

Most Grown at – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh

By-products – Papad, squash, juice, candy, jam, pickle, barfi, ice cream, biscuits etc.

Oranges

Most Grown at – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Assam

By-products – Squash, juice, candy, jam, barfi, ice cream, biscuits etc.

Bananas

Most Grown at – Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra

By-products – Chips, candy, ice cream, jam etc.

Pineapples

Most Grown at – West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya

By-products – Candy, chips, juice etc.

Lychee

Most Grown at – Bihar, West Bengal, Tripura

By-products – Candy, juice etc.

Strawberries

Most Grown at – Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh

By-products – Squash, juice, candy, jam, barfi, ice cream, biscuits etc.

Apples

Most Grown at – Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

By-products – Squash, juice, candy, jam, barfi, ice cream, biscuits etc.

Jaggery

Most Processed at – Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

By-products – Nolen Gur (Palm Jaggery) from West Bengal

So the next time you think of placing an order for an item do check out where it’s been prepared or produced…!