Ways of eating idlis

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 During my trip down South, I had the opportunity to watch common people enjoy traditional southern foods. Idlis are one such popular food items that can be consumed anytime of the day. They can be had during breakfast, lunch, or dinner or anytime in between.  Idlis are traditionally South Indian delicacies. They are rice and lentil cakes that are steamed. They are usually salty but in Mauritius, you will find sweet varities as well in small shops and restaurants there.  Idlis are healthy food items and are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. They have minerals and vitamins and have the goodness of fermented foods too. They are served with sambhar (curry made of dal) and chutney (coconut, tomato or the like). Some also savour them with yoghurt, ghee (clarified butter) or spice mix (podi).  Idli pizza A modern twist to idli dish has been as idli masala (idlis usually small-sized covered with spices), idli fry (idlis usually small-sized that are...
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Goyaves de Chine or Chinese guavas!

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Have you ever tasted Goyaves de Chine or Chinese guavas? They are small fruits that resemble guavas but are miniature in size. 

Goyaves de Chine or Chinese guavas 

These small-sized fruits are found in ample in Mauritius in the month of April. They ripen in that month and are a traditional delicacy sold in the streets. 

The color of these fruits range from green to red to yellow. The green fruits are not yet ripe and are a bit firmish. The red ones are softer and have a sour taste while the yellow ones are larger in size with a sweet taste. 

Chinese guavas or Goyaves de Chine 

These fruits get softer and rot faster. Therefore consume them on the same day you purchase them. Also, this is the reason that vendors pluck them up early from the trees when they are still red. 

These fruits are also called cherry guavas or strawberry guavas or lemon guava. It is native in Brazil and also grows in Hawaii. 

The skin or peel of the fruit is quite thin and inside there is a white flesh with tiny white seeds that look like the seeds of the regular guava but are slightly smaller in size. 

Inside of Chinese guava or Goyaves de Chine


In Mauritius, these fruits are eaten after sprinkling crushed salt and red chilli powder over them. They can also be consumed in the form of jams or juices. 
The scientific name is Psidium cattleyanum and the family is Myrtaceae (Myrtle). These fruits are highly nutritive and rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and also fiber. 

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