People

Healthy and Wholesome with A Dash of Love

Published

6 years ago

November 18, 2017

They say that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and no one understands this better than Jeemol Koruth of Eva’s Healthy Bakes. Her food not only tastes good, it’s also good for you

When Jeemol Koruth first came face to face with a convection microwave, she has no idea what she could do with it apart from reheating food. “I got married and moved to Bangalore and my husband had a beautiful fully furnished apartment. We had a convection microwave in the kitchen and I had no clue what it could be used for apart from heating food. One day while I was cleaning the kitchen and I found a round metal rack and I thought ‘Oh this is great! If I get a pretty ceramic bowl and place it on this rack I could place it on our dining table as a nice fruit basket’. A week later while I was once again cleaning the kitchen I found the manual to the convection microwave and that’s when I realised that the rack wasn’t a stand for a fruit basket but for baking. I didn’t know the first thing about cooking when I began.” said Jeemol, who owns and runs Eva’s Healthy Bakes on SA Road, Kochi.

Healthy-and-Wholesome-with-A-Dash-of-Love1

It’s hard to believe that Jeemol, who today makes a wide variety of healthy baked goods, only began baking a few years ago. “Initially I was the kind of person who ate anything as long as it couldn’t bite me back. It was only when Eva – my eldest daughter – was around 6 months and she began to eat a little bit of solid food that I began to get conscious about ingredients and check labels of everything I bought for her. Both of my in-laws are doctors and my mother-in-law used to explain to me about the side effects of certain additives and the health benefits of other more natural ingredients. So I began baking for Eva and my mother-in-law helped me with alternatives so that I could replace white flour and other additives from my cooking.”

Healthy-and-Wholesome-with-A-Dash-of-Love1

Jeemol’s baking began as a business – in that sense of the word – when she lived in Bangalore about four years ago. “We lived in an apartment complex and once I was a little sure about my baking skills I decided to send out a mail on our resident’s association mailing group every week with the menu for a ‘Weekly Box’ that featured five to six different baked items and I began to get a lot of orders,” she says. On returning to Kochi three years ago she decided to keep baking and began to take orders at home but Kochi proved to be a bit of a hard market to crack into. “During those initial years, most people weren’t into the whole idea of ‘vegan’, ‘organic’ or even ‘healthy’ baking. There wasn’t a real awareness of such healthy food and its benefits.” she says, adding that today, much has changed, and people are more and more conscious of what they put on their plates and into their mouths.

In Kochi, Jeemol initially began baking at home where she held small workshops on organic baking following which she managed to get her hands on an open space that belonged to her family where she started her baking studio and held her workshops. today she finally followed her dream and opened up her first small, yet cosy little outlet in SA Road.

Healthy-and-Wholesome-with-A-Dash-of-Love2

“I sometimes try not to think about the quality of my cookies and baking in general when I initially began, I mean, for a beginner it was good. If the culinary icons ever have the opportunity to go back in time and see the first loaf of bread that I made, they would roll in their graves. It looked like a beautiful loaf but we realized where the problem lay when we decided to slice it. It was more like sawing than slicing. My husband said ‘Even if we can’t eat it, keep this safe. If any thieves enter our home we can throw it at their heads.’ That was my initial experiments but over time I got better.

From someone who made loaves of bread that could be used as weapons of mass destruction to someone who is now running a successful business and making some of the best healthy bakes that the city has seen, Jeemol has come a long way.

When asked this baker and mother of three what her biggest driving force has been over the years she says that a great deal of credit goes to her husband. “My husband has been my biggest driving force. He always keeps telling me, ‘If you want to do something, do it right now.’ and that there’s no point of waking up sixty years down the line and thinking, ‘Oh I wish I had done that when I had the chance.’ He’s the reason that all of this is a reality.”

Rapid fire question

Related Topics:Eva's Healthy Bakes Jeemol Koruth

Up Next

Our Monday Muse and Motivation: Vidya Balan

Don't Miss

Sakshi can’t stop laughing as MS Dhoni shows off his dancing skills

Comments

Spotlight

Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

Published

1 month ago

March 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira.

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World.

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look.

Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

Published

1 month ago

March 12, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.