FAQ's
The Podis
What is podi?
Podi is a South Indian table staple: roasted lentils, seeds, and spices, ground coarse. It lives beside the plate as a condiment — and with hot rice and ghee, it becomes the dish.
How do I eat it?
Three classics:
- Rice + ghee (ghee is clarified butter)
- Idli or dosa, dipped in podi mixed with sesame oil or ghee
- A finishing spoonful over eggs, vegetables, or noodles
How much should I use?
Start with 1 teaspoon per serving. Add more until the dish tastes finished.
Do I cook with it or sprinkle it on top?
Both. Most people use podi as a finishing condiment. If you want it to cling, stir it into warm ghee or sesame oil, then spoon it onto the plate.
What’s the difference between the three podis?
- Idli Chilli Podi: roasted lentils, sesame, dried red chillies. Heat, nuttiness, depth.
- Karivepaku Podi: curry leaves roasted and concentrated with lentils and spices. Fragrant and savory.
- Parappu Podi: lentil-forward and built for the classic rice-and-ghee mix.
Which one should I start with?
If you grew up with idli and dosa: Idli Chilli Podi.
If you cook vegetables and eggs often: Karivepaku Podi.
If you want the simplest, most comforting use: Parappu Podi.
Is it spicy?
It’s more about roast and aroma than raw heat. Idli Chilli runs warmer. Karivepaku is aromatic. Parappu is the gentlest.
Ingredients and Allergens
What’s in it?
Each product page lists the full ingredient panel. The through-line is the same: lentils, seeds, curry leaves, spices—roasted until fragrant, then ground coarse.
Does any podi contain sesame or other common allergens?
Some blends use sesame seeds. If you’re managing allergies, check the ingredient list on the product page before ordering.
Do you add preservatives?
Annavana is built on process and shelf stability done properly. Where something is present or absent, we state it plainly on the label.
Storage and Freshness
How should I store podi?
Cool, dry place. Lid on tight. Use a dry spoon. Moisture is the only real enemy.
How long does it last?
You’ll find the best-by date on the package. For peak aroma, use it often once opened.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
Anywhere in contiguous United States.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship out in 5-7 days and arrive in 3–5 business days, depending on location.
Will I get tracking?
Yes. As soon as your label is created, you’ll receive a tracking email.
Can I change my address after ordering?
If the shipping label hasn’t been printed, yes. Email us right away. Once a package is in carrier hands, address changes usually aren’t possible.
My package says “delivered” but I don’t see it.
Carriers sometimes mark deliveries early. Give it 24–48 hours, then contact us if it still hasn’t arrived.