Peas are available fresh in early summer but frozen and canned peas are available always. Green peas are also called English Peas. Fresh green peas available in their pods are to be shelled before using.

Gram flour (besan) is made by milling split Bengal gram to a fine flour. It is used as a binding agent for frying, for making sweets and in curries.

Ginger is the underground stem (rhizome) of a plant. Has a strong hot flavor and is used in many preparation. This is available as fresh or dried and in powdered form. Select fresh ginger that is firm and not shriveled. Wrap in freezer bag and store in refrigerator for weeks. How to Use :- Peel off the outer skin and grate, or finely chop or ground with other spices in mixer.

Green chilies are fresh chilies about 2 to 3 inch long and about 1/2 inch wide. Many varieties are available and some are very hot. Used as spice in most Indian dishes. Cut lengthwise or chop for use. Wash before chopping and slicing.

Garlic has a pungent flavor and is used almost in all dishes as a flowering agent. It consists of a number of pods covered in thin papery outer cover. It is best purchased as a whole and stored in a dry and cool place. Buy only 1 or 2 at a time and remove the number of pods required and the rest can be stored. How to use:- Remove the number of pods required. Lightly Crush each pod using a chef’s knife and remove the hard skin. Discard the skin and finely chop or grind in mixer with other ingredients as required

Fennel Seed is the oval, green or yellowish brown dried fruit of Foeniculum vulgare, a member of the parsley family. Toasting Fennel Seeds accentuates their flavor. Fennel Seed added to meatballs or meat loaf gives an authentic Italian flavor. Sauté Fennel Seed with sliced peppers, onion, and sausage for a quick pasta sauce. Fennel has an anise like flavor but is more aromatic, sweeter and less pungent.