Topic: A Collection of Naga Pickles

[DalPuri]

Well I see what you are referring to and have tasted them. Texture wise they are as you say, but given the heat that comes from them, surely they have to be seed, albeit chopped or blended. It's very hard to tell, they are tiny.

Not chopped
Not chilli seed
The heat is just from the surrounding flesh and oil in the pickle.

I did think at first they might be tiny bits of chopped garlic, but on closer inspection they are uniform in shape and remain whole.

[chewytikka]

Hi Frank
Very odd, I've just washed 1 tsp of Mr.Naga.
Probably right about a Phoran being used, couldn't see any cumin but plenty of Methi seeds
2 small Fennel, 3 Brown Mustard, No Onion seed.

Loads of plants and veg grown in Bangladesh, that we know nothing about, a bit like a needle in a haystack.

Can't believe I've just done this     far too much time on our hands. :
cheers Chewy.

[DalPuri]

Hi Frank
Very odd, I've just washed 1 tsp of Mr.Naga.
Probably right about a Phoran being used, couldn't see any cumin but plenty of Methi seeds
2 small Fennel, 3 Brown Mustard, No Onion seed.
Loads of plants and veg grown in Bangladesh, that we know nothing about, a bit like a needle in a haystack.

Yes, lots of methi.
There was definitely the odd cumin seed in mine, tasted that twice. Not many, but its in there. Same with the fennel, just a few.
And plenty of black seeds. onion or nigella.

Can't believe I've just done this     far too much time on our hands. :
cheers Chewy.

 ;D ;D

[Malc.]

Frank, looking through Google and slogging through some official documentation, I wonder if they might be a variety of Flax Seed? It's certainly the closest thing I could find.

[DalPuri]

Frank, looking through Google and slogging through some official documentation, I wonder if they might be a variety of Flax Seed? It's certainly the closest thing I could find.

Good call Malc!
The shape and size fit. I did have a bag recently but ended up giving them to the garden birds. They weren't too keen. 
Well so far, thats the no.1 suspect i reckon. 
Cheers.

[Malc.]

The only question it raises, why put flax seed in it? I've read that it's an age old family recipe, does the flax seed bring health qualities to the pickle or is it used to 'tame' the naga?

My taste buds are not discerning enough to tell what flavour it brings, then again I have never tasted a flax seed to compare. Curious!

[DalPuri]

Indians make chutneys and add flax seeds to Indian breads like chapatis and parathas.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8508868_indian-names-flax-seeds.html 

Thats good enough for me. 

Now that didn't take too long did it. Thanks everyone. Now to find out what powdered spices are in there    ;D ;D ;D

[Naga]

...Can't believe I've just done this...far too much time on our hands....

Thanks Chewy! I was almost sieving a spoonful of the stuff myself there!

[Malc.]

That certainly seems to help unfold the mystery Frank, I think we have solved this one.

[Peripatetic Phil]

/Golden/ flax seeds, I suspect.  Dr Pruthi makes no mention, they not being a spice or condiment.
** Phil.