Although I had Usiri Avakaya many times till then, it was only when I shifted to Kurnool with Gangadharam that I began to develop a special love towards it.

I would give the total credit to Bhramaramba garu, my then landlady in Kurnool. For her, food was divine and her primary ingredient is oodles of love. She had a special appreciation for Usiri Avakaya. She used to say that it improves digestion and keeps our liver healthy.

I still remember the times when she used to take me to her garden from where we used to pick fresh Amla from the trees, bring them back home, clean them and meticulously go through the whole process of mixing spices, marinating and storing them in clean air-tight containers.

An interesting thing I learnt from Bhramaramba garu is that she used to begin each meal with Usiri Avakaya - even if it was just a tiny morsel. She says that it acts as a great appetiser.
I think she was right.