Chef Joel Basumatari launches ‘Saucy Joes’

Eastern Mirror Desk Dimapur, June 23 (EMN): Chef Joel Basumatari, a well known name in the world of Naga cuisine has introduced his line of organic sauces branded as ‘Saucy Joes’ on June 23 at Padumpukhuri in Dimapur. The head judge and mentor for previous seasons of ‘The Naga Chef’ said that the sauces are all made from local produce. “We get the ingredients not just from Dimapur but also other places like Mokokchung, Tseminyu, Wokha etc.” Basumatari said. The chef explained of how packaging was important in the state as there are no good packagings of local products here that can strive outside Nagaland. The birth of Saucy Joes started during the Hornbill Festival 2017 where the products received raving reviews. Many gastronomic enthusiasts and entrepreneurs from European countries and one businessman from Canada expressed interest in Saucy Joes products. Following the success during Hornbill, Joel decided to work on bettering his products, particularly on increasing their shelf life. The shelf life of his products was a concern as Joel had refrained from using artificial preservatives in line with his pitch for organic products. The sauces are largely made using indigenous items. One of Saucy Joe’s top products is the Naga King Chilly sauce. Basumatari has also represented Nagaland in an international food festival twice in Italy as a member of the North East Slow Food and Agro-biodiversity Society. The chef hopes that through this product (Saucy Joes) he can take the name of Nagaland around the world by reaching to international markets eventually and also give an opportunity to farmers and unemployed youths.