Sprinkled on fruit
Sprinkled on fruit, often called 'fruit chaat masala' or simply 'fruit seasoning,' is a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy powder blend traditionally used in South Asian cuisine to enhance the flavor of fresh fruits. The typical ingredients include black salt (kala namak), roasted cumin powder, dried mango powder (amchur), black pepper, and sometimes a pinch of sugar or asafoetida. It originates from the Indian subcontinent, where it's a popular street food and household staple for making fruit salads more exciting.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This seasoning is very low in calories, fat, and protein, as it's used in small amounts as a flavor enhancer rather than a main ingredient. Its key nutritional contribution comes from minerals like sodium and potassium from the salts and spices, and it provides negligible carbs or fiber per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 10 kcal |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Carbs | 1.8 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Potassium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 3 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.01 mg |
| Copper | 0.01 mg |
Per 1 teaspoon (5 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a fascinating example of how savory and spicy elements are used to elevate the natural sweetness of fruit in South Asian culinary traditions, creating a complex flavor profile. Nutritionally, the use of black salt (kala namak) adds a unique sulfurous note and trace minerals, while spices like cumin and mango powder offer antioxidant compounds.
