Interview with Priya from Ambu Tree
I discovered the free from brand Ambu Tree earlier on this year at the Allergy Free From Show in London and instantly fell in love with the marinades with mojo! After meeting Priya (and her family), the founder of Ambu Tree, I wanted to know more about this family run business which launched earlier on this year in July. So check out my interview with Priya, from Ambu Tree.
Nicola - Hi Priya, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed by we can eat.
Nicola- 1. So, what inspired you to set up your own business and create your own range of marinades?
Priya - Hi Nicola, its my pleasure. With our busy lifestyles, I know how hard it is to cook tasty and healthy meals for all the family – especially if some in the family have food allergies and intolerances (my husband and daughters are intolerant to gluten and dairy).
It was a challenge to find something in the shops that combined healthy meals, great taste and convenience. Most shop bought marinades are high in fat & sugar, contain gluten & dairy and sometimes even harmful additives.
So I was inspired to create my own ‘marinades with mojo’: all-natural marinades with freshly roasted and ground spices.
With these marinades, you don’t need to compromise between great tasting food and healthy food - everyone can enjoy amazing flavours and feel great about what they put into their bodies. And it is so convenient to use which is perfect for our hectic lifestyles.
I truly hope that these marinades will make lives tastier, healthier and easier.
Nicola - 2. I love the fact your marinades are tasty, what is your favourite recipe to create with your marinades?
Priya - It’s difficult to choose just one!
With the tandoori marinades, the tandoori chicken wings recipe is fabulous – these are a great favourite with friends & family. Also, I love the amazing pan-fried, spicy tandoori prawns which are perfect as a main dish, starter, or rolled in a wrap for lunch.
The Chinese Five Spice marinade goes brilliantly with pork and I adore the flavours of my Chinese spare ribs recipe and it is so easy to make which is a complete bonus!
Nicola - 3. Apart from the fact your marinades are delicious, what distinguishes your marinades from others on the market?
Priya - Ambu Tree marinades are unique because they are:
Fresh – unlike other marinades/cooking sauces, they don’t sit around on shelves for 6 months to a year in jars and pouches. We use freshly roasted and ground spices which takes the taste and aroma to a whole new level – this is what adds the ‘mojo’ to our marinades. Think of the difference in taste between freshly roasted and ground coffee vs. instant coffee – it is similar with spices.
Healthy – They are very low in calories– around 20 calories per serving. I’ve not added any oil to the marinades so that it gives people the freedom to choose the quantity of oil they wish to add or alternatively to use a healthy low fat cooking spray. The tandoori marinades are low in sugar and the Chinese five spice contains a small amount of healthy agave nectar (which is suitable for diabetics) to add a touch of sweetness. They are all free from gluten and dairy – most Chinese sauces contain gluten and tikka/tandoori sauces contain dairy so Ambu Tree marinades allows those suffering from intolerances and allergies to enjoy these foods.
Versatile – the intensely flavourful marinades are not thinned down with water unlike other marinades / cooking sauces. This makes them incredibly versatile for use as marinades, curry pastes or creating a cooking sauce.
Nicola - 4. I love the name of the company, why did you call the business Ambu Tree?
Priya - Ambu is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘mango’.
I have fond memories of playing under the shade of the Ambu Tree in the gardens of my grandfather’s home in India. The easy carefree nature of those summer afternoons, the warmth of the sunshine and the aromas of fresh spices from the kitchen.…
To me, ‘Ambu Tree’ inspires natural, healthy foods, warmed by the use of spices and made easy-to-use for modern day living.
Nicola - 5. How would you like to grow the company?
Priya - I would love Ambu Tree to develop into a major innovative food brand and to inspire more people to cook creatively and healthily at home.
Nicola - Priya, Its been a great talking to you and I wish you all the best for the future.
Priya - Thanks Nicola. For anyone who wants to try my marinades, come and sample Ambu Tree's fesh, all-natural marinades at Alexander Palace Farmers Market in Muswell Hill on a Sunday from 10:00 -15:00.
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| Priya at Alexander Palace Market |
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