FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Chakki Atta 

Why should I consume Poshtik™ Chakki Atta?

Poshtik™ Chakki Atta or grindstone-milled flour packs complete nutrition and ensures nothing is lost from the grain while processing the flour. We use the best grade flourmill emery stone available in India and a slow processor which minimizes nutrient loss due to heat. In addition, stone-ground flour is usually coarser compared to commercial flourmills, therefore exposure to oxygen is less, and the nutrients remain in the flour for longer.

It is very similar to how our grandparents consumed flour.

How is packaged ‘atta’ processed by commercial mills differ from the whole grain Poshtik™ Chakki Atta?

The start of commercial milling in the early 1900s changed the way we process our grains. We started to remove the bran and germ and used only the endosperm to prepare what we know today as standard flour. The benefits – this nutrition stripped flour has a longer shelf life and is cheaper since flourmills sell the Germ separately. The flip side, we loose nutrient packed core and fiber so essential for complete nutrition.

 What is the shelf life of freshly ground whole grain Poshtik™ Chakki Atta?

In case of Poshtik™ Chakki Atta, the whole grain including the Germ (also known as embryo or sprouting section of the seed) is grinded it reduces its shelf life. Whole grain Chakki Atta should ideally be consumed within 6-8 weeks of grinding.

How do you ensure Poshtik™ Chakki Atta is processed and packaged in a hygienic way?

This is probably one of the single biggest issue vis-à-vis traditional neighborhood chakki’s that we wanted to address when we started putting the blueprint for Poshtik™. Hygiene is paramount and we ensure it at various steps in the process –

• Selecting best quality grain
• Sorting and cleaning of the grain before grinding
• Grains are crushed using best available corundum ceramic emery stone
• Slow grinding process ensures vitamins are not lost to heat
• Trained experts handle the milling process
• High grade packaging material to keep the freshness intact

Do some of the grindstone particles get into the flour when milled?

We at Poshtik™ use the best grade of emery stone available in India, which is extremely hard, highly abrasion resistant (even more than steel) and extremely durable. Until today no forms of allergic reactions to grind-mill stone have been reported.

The packaged atta is often fortified with additional nutrients. Is atta from Poshtik™ Chakki fortified or enriched?

Since early 1900s, when new milling technology allowed the bran and germ to be easily and cheaply separated the flour we consume is not wholesome and deficient in various essential nutrients. In response, the millers started to ‘fortify’ or “enrich” the grains. This means that something is being added to a product to make it whole. But often nutrients are added in proportions different than they originally existed (see the chart below). Often calcium and folic acid are added in high doses to fortify the atta.  

We believe a better solution is simply to eat whole grains, now that we more fully understand their huge health advantages. Poshtik atta does not have any extra externally added nutrients.

The Grain

What is a whole grain?

All grains start life as whole grains!

In their natural state growing in the fields, whole grains are the entire seed of a plant. This seed (also called a “kernel”) is made up of three edible parts – the bran, the germ, and the endosperm.

What are the benefits of consuming whole grains?

Studies show that eating whole grains instead of refined grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. Whole grains are a natural low glycemic index (GI) food with numerous benefits.

The benefits of whole grains most documented by repeated studies include (www.wholegarinscouncil.org):

• stroke risk reduced 30-36%
• type 2 diabetes risk reduced 21-30%
• heart disease risk reduced 25-28%
• better weight maintenance

Of course, these benefits are most pronounced in the context of an overall healthy diet. No one food – even whole grains – will guarantee good health. It’s also important to remember that some whole grain foods are healthier than others. 

What is ‘Sharbati’ variety of wheat?

The Sharbati is a variety of wheat mainly produced in Madhya Pradesh and best of its variants are produced in a town close to Bhopal called Sehore. The reason this variety is called Sharbati is because it tastes sweeter than the normal wheat varieties and thus is considered of a superior quality.

How does MP Sharbati wheat differ from wheat grown in North India?

When seen through sunlight the wheat grain of Punjab/ Haryana/ UP has milky texture, which makes it not fully mature and lends slightly dull flavor. Sharbati grain offers more transparency giving it a mature look, which adds to its nutty flavor. The wheat grain of Sharbati is also smaller than wheat kernel produced in northern Punjab, Haryana.

Is there any difference nutritionally between Sharbati and regular wheat from Punjab, Haryana, UP?

Most of the nutrition differences among wheat varieties are driven by environmental conditions, such as weather and soil composition. However, since Sharbati is grown in a relatively drier climate with limited irrigation (as compared to Punjab), the protein content in grain is marginally higher.

The Poshtik™ Edge

What is the benefit of multigrain atta when we consume a variety of pulses at home?

The major benefit of combining grains comes from their amino acid content. Grains are incomplete proteins, in other words, they may not contain all essential amino acids. Combining different varieties represents complementary proteins. Adding grains like Jowar, Ragi, along with legumes can make multigrain flour rich in fiber and protein quality.

A multigrain atta is not a replacement for regular pulses or vegetables but it does supplement your diet in a healthier way. E.g. a wheat and soya or chickpeas combination is good for toddlers who do not eat adequate vegetables.

How often do you recommend I consume Poshtik™ Multigrain Atta?

Poshtik™ Multigrain Atta has a balanced mix, created by expert nutritionists. It can comfortably be used as everyday flour for the whole family.

 Will special blends such as Poshtik™ Low Sugar help lower blood sugar levels?

Poshtik™ Low Sugar Atta is a natural low Glycemic Index (GI) food, which is healthier. The glycemic index, or GI, measures how a carbohydrate containing food raises blood glucose. Thus, adding such flours to your diet is healthier and will help you reduce blood sugar levels in the long term. Note, special flours are not substitutes for prescription medicine. 

How should I blend different grains with wheat?

Generally, whole wheat and other grains are blended in a ratio of 4:1 to avoid major shift in taste. In other words, 1kg of millets or legumes could be blended with 4kgs of wheat.

To help you select the right grains for your family, we have provided an easy to follow chart outlining key benefits and nutrition provided by various grains.

Payment and Delivery

Do you deliver home?

Yes, visit us at www.poshtik.in or call 8130609955 to place your order. Orders are dispatched multiple times in a day between 11am – 9pm all days except national holidays.

We levy a delivery charge of Rs.50/- for orders below Rs.195. For all orders above Rs,195 we charge a standard Rs.20/- for delivery. 

Do you collect cash on delivery as a mode of payment?

We offer a variety of other easy payment modes based on your convenience:

 Online orders – all major credit/ debit cards, mobile wallets, net banking

Phone orders – all major credit/ debit cards, mobile wallets, net banking, cash on delivery

In-store orders – all the above 

Complete customer satisfaction is paramount and we strive to achieve it at all times. Despite best efforts, we will falter and value feedback from all our customers. In case of any complaint, issues or feedback, related to the product, service experience or delivery kindly call/ email customer care  at 8130609955/ care@poshtik.in