A subtle alchemy

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday May 29, 2023 06:00

It was the first day of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. And in the cocooned comfort of our home, nestled in the suburban sprawl of our city, Shabana, Azeem and I eagerly awaited the moment to break our fast. The first day of the fast always provided a shock to our system as we forcibly adjusted to the lack of regular caloric input.

The aroma of freshly fried samosas filled the air, wafting from the kitchen where Shabana had spent hours meticulously preparing the mouth-watering treats. The tantalising scent grew stronger with each passing minute, tickling our senses and making our stomachs rumble in unison. It was as if the samosas themselves were beckoning, urging us to gather around the table and indulge in their warmth and flavour. We had always cherished the breaking of the fast as a sacred time, a moment to come together and share not only a meal but also our love and gratitude. And on this special evening, our hearts were filled with a profound sense of unity and anticipation. We knew that in just a few moments, the adhan, the call to prayer, would resonate through the air, signalling the end of our day-long fast. As we sat around the table, Shabana carefully arranged the golden samosas on a platter, arranging them like precious jewels. Azeem’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he watched his mother’s deft hands, his mouth watering at the sight of the crispy pastries. He had grown up savouring these samosas, but there was something magical about breaking the fast with them during Ramadan. It was a tradition that had been passed down through generations, a symbol of family, faith, and togetherness.

Finally, the time arrived. The adhan echoed through the installed Ramadan app, its melodious call tickling our ears. With a collective sigh of relief, we raised our hands, joining in prayer before embarking on the feast that awaited. It was a moment of deep reverence and gratitude, a moment to thank Allah for the strength to observe the fast and for the blessings that adorned our lives. Guided by centuries of tradition, we broke our fast with a date and a sip of cool water, the sweetness of the fruit mingled with the taste of gratitude on our tongues. Our bodies, nourished with the simplest of offerings, were ready to partake in the feast that lay before us.

Azeem’s eyes caught ours and a shared smile passed between the three of us. We were a team, though we missed our fourth member Ayaan who was busy at university, bound by love and devotion, ready to embark on this culinary adventure together. We each took a samosa ready to dress it with an infusion of spicy chutney and sweet chilli sauce. As our taste buds tingled in high anticipation of an explosion of delightful flavours, Azeem’s voice punctuated the peaceful air with an alarming statement, “This sweet chilli sauce has expired.”

A brief panic ensued as my starving body contemplated the unwanted alteration to my samosa recipe. The finest culinary indulgences are always a subtle alchemy of different flavour offerings. Sweet, sour, bitter and salty commanded by a master conductor provide an unforgettable symphonic feast. Was there to be silence that night? Heroes exist in the shadows until circumstances force them to emerge. Shabana calmly replied, “I bought some yesterday.” The concerto would not be silenced; it played on magnificently. But what if Shabana’s heroism was not present that night? How is a food’s expiration date determined? Is it safe to consume beyond the date?

Food expiration dates are determined through a combination of scientific analysis, industry guidelines, and regulatory standards. The goal is to ensure food safety and maintain product quality. The two main types of expiration dates commonly seen on food products are “best before” and “use by” dates. “Best before” dates indicate the estimated period during which the food is at its peak quality, taste, and nutritional value. It serves as a recommendation for consumers to consume the product before that date, but it does not imply that the food is unsafe to consume afterward. Foods past their best before dates may experience a decline in quality, such as texture changes or flavour loss, but they are typically still safe to eat.

On the other hand, “use by” dates are more critical for perishable items like dairy products and meats. These dates are determined based on scientific testing and indicate the last day the food is expected to be safe to consume. Consuming food after the use by date can pose a risk of food borne illnesses, so it’s generally recommended to discard such items. However, it’s important to note that food expiration dates are not foolproof indicators of safety. Factors such as storage conditions, handling, and packaging integrity can significantly affect the shelf life of a product. Sensory evaluation, such as inspecting for signs of spoilage like mold or foul odour, is also crucial in determining the safety of food beyond its expiration date. Common sense is essential and if in doubt then err on the side of caution and discard. And as the last notes of the symphony of taste faded, we sat there content, sharing stories of our day. A simultaneous nourishing of body and soul.