Innovation in food preservation

Set up by three friends, YCook India sells fruits, vegetables and pulses that stay fresh for over a year, minus preservatives

When Gayathri Swahar plans to cook rajma for her family, she simply opts for preserved beans instead of going the usual, long-winded way — buying a pack of dry beans that need to be soaked overnight, boiled with baking soda and simmered for hours. The preserved beans come pre-boiled in water with a pinch of salt; they are vacuum-packed to add a year of shelf life, but without any of the side effects of chemical preservatives.

Gayathri Swahar’s idea was showcased during a start-up contest for the best innovative ideas in the food processing sector at the World Food India event