Tattva Farms’s ‘Shakhar’ in market with different flavors

KATHMANDU: Tattva Farms revitalizes Nepal kitchens with flavoured jaggery, aiming to preserve tradition and boost health.

Jaggery, traditionally known as Shakhar and Gund and used in sweet dishes, is gradually vanishing from Nepali kitchens.

However, Tattva Farms is reviving this staple by introducing it in various flavours to the market, preserving its original and medicinal properties.

The term “Shakhar” is derived from Arabic. In the Terai region of India and Nepal, it is known as Gund. Jaggery plays a significant role in Ayurvedic medicine, serving multiple purposes both as food and mixing it with drinks. It is produced by boiling sugarcane juice.

Tattva Farms offers a variety of products including Original Jaggery Powder, Cinnamon Jaggery Powder, Saffron Jaggery Powder, Masala Tea Jaggery Powder, Turmeric Jaggery Powder, Black Pepper Jaggery Powder, Ginger Jaggery Powder catering to different tastes and uses.

The traditional product, Original Jaggery Powder, can be consumed with milk or warm water, using two to three spoons daily. It is versatile enough to be used in tea, cereals, sweets, porridge, and as a sweetener after meals. For tea enthusiasts, there is ‘Masala Tea Jaggery Powder.’

Tattva Farms has crafted a range of products suitable for various uses, from morning tea to nighttime milk.

Himanshu Tripathi, the founder of Tattva Farms, states that jaggery powder in different flavours could be enjoyed not only with ghee and curd, but also with roti and rice, and can be used in bakery products too.

Currently, Tattva Farms products are available at Bhatbhateni supermarket, Big mart, Salesberry and other general grocery stores at Kathmandu Valley, various cities in the east, as well as Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Butwal, and other western cities.

“Jaggery powder is currently available in two jars of 300 grams and 600 grams,” Tripathi mentioned. “Other flavours are priced differently according to their taste.”

The company aims to increase production and reduce prices in the future. The establishment of the industry in Nawalparasi’s Pratappur has directly employed about 200 people, while also benefiting the families of sugarcane farmers.

Tripathi said that he had taken a loan from the bank and set up a factory with an investment of around 25 crores.

Benefits of Jaggery:

Ayurvedic doctors have utilized jaggery in some cases to treat various ailments.

Jaggery serves as an excellent alternative to sugar, boasting antioxidant properties, immunity-boosting capabilities, high nutritional value, and offering protection against respiratory and bone diseases.

It purifies the blood and acts as a significant source of iron, making it crucial for anaemic patients and women.

For those who enjoy a sweet treat after meals, jaggery can be an ideal ‘dessert’ that also aids in digestion. Beyond keeping the skin healthy and radiant, it helps in warding off colds and phlegm. It is beneficial for rejuvenating strength when feeling tired and weak.

Tripathi is optimistic that jaggery powder will regain its place in many Nepali kitchens, given its ease of consumption by both children and the elderly, and its lack of adverse health effects, unlike sugar. He emphasized that the company’s products are chemical-free, prioritizing consumer health.