"Spiritually, I should say that the effect of the food depends more on

the occult atmosphere and influence that comes with it

than on anything in the food itself"
Sri Aurobindo

Alchemy is the process of transmuting one substance into another, more commonly used to describe the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of the panacea, and the preparation of the elixir of longevity. Metaphorically speaking, an Alchemist could be likened to a cook, who through her process of baking and making, turns the substance of matter, called food into its higher elements of energy and nourishment, having as its ultimate goal the power to change gross matter into gold.

The aim of the Café is to provide food with integrity. Food with integrity is not a fad nor a marketing slogan; neither is it a product line of natural or organic food. It is a philosophy, a philosophy that we have consciously undertaken to put into action.

 

Health Food Café

Tues-Sun: 8.00am to 2.00pm; 4pm to 6.30pm

Enjoy a healthy snack at our Café in a unique setting, overlooking the horse farm. You can also order take-aways.

Menu Highlights

• Wholewheat items: Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Pizzas, Pastas, Breads (Plain, Masala, Coriander, Oatmeal & Garlic)

• From homegrown organic vegetables/fruits: Soups, Marmalades, Jams

• Flower based items: Muffins, Cakes, Cookies, Herbal Teas, Ice tea, Syrups

• Other items: Quiche, Pies, Tarts, Crèpes, Sandwiches, Caramel Custard, Cutlets, Eggs to order, Tea & Coffee.

Wholewheat Products

In the making of Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Quiche, Pies, Tarts, Sandwiches & Breads etc... we substitute the use of refined maida with Whole wheat flour. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in antioxidants, which helps to protect us against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, etc. We believe that studies have revealed that people who eat more whole grains tend to have a Healthier Heart. We also substitute Refined Sugar with Bhura / Gur as a sweet substitute in our cooking.

The breads we bake are whole grain breads. To add variety we sometimes add spices. Some of the breads we make are-
1. Plain whole wheat bread 2. Sesame Bread 3. Garlic bread 4. Oat Bread
 

Another very interesting development has been the use of Flowers in our Cakes and Muffins.

In order to take this step forward we had to take a few steps backwards accepting that sometimes our cakes and cookies would not be as soft as refined flour cakes and cookies, and one had to develop a more granular taste as part of ones growth.
 

Fresh Fruit Jams

In the Jams and Marmalade that we make we use no artificial preservatives. Our endeavour is to experiment and find Natural ingredients for preservation.

One interesting fact that has emerged is that the flower/ fruit which we use itself has a part which can be used as a natural preservative. For eg. In our Chinese Orange Marmalade we use the seed of the Chinese orange as a natural preservative.
 

We have many hurdles to cross. In our products we are faced with the problem of short shelf life and we realize we need to make only as much as may be consumed in a short time. Yet we are not disheartened in our journey, continuously discovering new problems followed by amazing and satisfying solutions.

Flower & Healthy Syrups

Our aim has been to use ingredients which are seasonal, fresh and available at the Centre. This to a large extent determines what is available at Alchemy. One telling example is the Chinese Orange marmalade; since they were available in abundance we started making the marmalade, as also with the flower drinks.

Why do we use Flowers?
Flowers are the wordless prayer of Nature. Each Flower has its unique aspiration, its own vibration, its true meaning. The Mother has given spiritual names to nearly eight hundred flowers revealing their deepest aspiration. She has given these spiritual names by entering into contact with the nature of the Flower and its inner truth. The Mother once said that flowers are able to transmit their pure psychic consciousness; flowers are very responsive to human consciousness and can actually help to develop it if man can come in contact with the true meaning of the flower.
 

The refreshing drinks that we provide at ‘Alchemy Café’ are all made at the Gnostic Centre. Most of them are made from flowers which are seasonal and are grown here. Some of the Flower drinks that we prepare are:
• Hibiscus Flower Drink: The Mother has given Hibiscus the spiritual significance of ‘Power of Action’ and we truly believe this drink energizes.
• Gulmohar: The spiritual significance given by the Mother to Gulmohar is ‘Realisation’ (the goals of our effort).
• Aparajita: The Spiritual significance of Clitorea Ternatea: Deep blue creeper flower is ‘Radha’s consciousness.’ It symbolizes ‘Perfect Attachment to the Divine’.
• Rose: Usually we use a combination of three types of roses, The Edward rose (‘Surrender’), pink double rose (‘Loving Surrender’), and deep pink double rose (‘Perfect Surrender’). The Spiritual meaning of Surrender is Giving up to the Highest within each one of us.

In addition, the teas made at the café (jasmine, lemon grass, rose, hibiscus, ginger) also have curative and rejuvenating properties.

Fresh , Natural , Seasonal Fruits , Vegetables and other Ingredients

The foodstuff we grow at the centre is pesticide free and the fruits, flowers and vegetables are nurtured with love and care, strengthening our belief that food thus grown truly provides soulful nutrition.
 

We have been growing various Flowers, Chinese oranges, Mulberry, Coriander, Mint, Lemon Grass, Egg Plant, Lettuce, Turmeric, Indian Gooseberry, Mustard, Potatoes, Tomatoes, etc.

Food with Integrity

Food with integrity is a constant process of searching and improving. In our journey each change will be noticeable, positive and significant. And YOU are a part of making it happen each time you eat at the Café.

Try it Yourself
Medicinal Usage of Amla
Amla – Euphorbiaceae family – Dhatri (Sans.) - Embellica. Tendency – Cold.
- There are two types of trees – Vanya (jungalee), small; and Gramya (desi), large. The latter is more nutritive. Fruiting: October to April
- Useful parts: Fruit – Contains huge amount of Vitamin C (more than lemon or orange), and Calcium. (Juice has both; jam will retain calcium only.)
- Benefits: Enhances immunity. Can be taken throughout the year, for general rejuvenation of the system. However, avoid excessive use in winters (of juice or syrup), else can lead to joint pain (one tea-spoon is sufficient in winters).
- Use the freshly taken out juice as an eye-drop for eye disorders such as irritability, weakness
- Drink amla juice to alleviate cough, cold, lack of hunger, liver disorder, acidity, nausea
- Apply amla oil to control dandruff in hair

Amla oil preparation: Take one portion of amla, crush it and put the pulp into 4 portions of sesame oil and 4 portions of water. Let it simmer. When it comes to boil and foam forms, add neem leaves to settle it. Three indications to know when the oil is ready – the foam rises, crackling sound stops, the pulp at the base of the pan coagulates and is no longer sticky. Sieve and use the oil. (Throw the pulp away.) Can also add one portion of aloe-vera gel at the initial stage for additional benefit.

Amla vegetable recipe: Fry fenugreek seeds in Mustard oil. Put washed amla into the pan. Add salt, red chilly powder, turmeric. No need to add water. Cover and let it cook for ten minutes.
 

'All quarrels in the place where food is prepared makes food indigestible. The cooking must be done in silence and harmony”

'Good health is the exterior expression of an inner harmony'

The Mother

Contact us at: 011-28063060 / 70 / 80, 9555104993

E-mail: gnostic@gnosticcentre.com

Postal address: H-401, Som Vihar Apts, Sangam Marg, New Delhi 110022

Site (actual location): 21-A, Palam Farms, Shalapur, Bijwasan, New Delhi 110061 (is close to Sector 23 market, Gurgaon)

route map; how to reach