SHREE PANDITJI FOODS

Bommasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka

What it is: A famous Karnataka peda made by slow-cooking milk solids until they develop a deeper caramelized profile.

Taste: Rich, caramel-like and milky, with a slightly toasted finish and restrained sweetness.

General ingredients: Khoya/mawa or reduced milk solids, sugar, ghee; sometimes a little cardamom.

Color & texture: Golden brown to deep ochre; slightly coarse, chewy and crumbly on the outside.

Typical shelf life: About 3-5 days at room temperature, or 7-10 days refrigerated.

What it is: A softer, creamier peda that highlights fresh milk richness more than caramelization.

Taste: Gentle, creamy and sweet with a mild dairy-forward finish.

General ingredients: Khoya/mawa, malai or fresh cream, sugar, ghee, cardamom, sometimes saffron or nuts.

Color & texture: Cream, ivory or light yellow; soft, moist and smooth with a melt-in-mouth texture.

Typical shelf life: About 2-4 days at cool room temperature, or 5-7 days refrigerated

What it is: A saffron-flavored peda shaped into small discs or domes and usually topped with pistachio slivers.

Taste: Milky and sweet with clear saffron aroma and a smooth festive finish.

General ingredients: Khoya/mawa, sugar, saffron, ghee, cardamom, pista garnish.

Color & texture: Yellow to saffron gold; soft, smooth and slightly fudgy.

Typical shelf life: About 3-5 days at room temperature, or 7-10 days refrigerated.