"My products are free from chemicals, preservatives, color, gelatin or essence. Most market preserves have acetic acid and sulphuric acid,” says Zinobia Schroff who makes and markets jam, murabba, pickles and squashes under the name Schroff’s Natural Foods. "I prepare everything myself and my sister Katy is my right hand. The products are premium and handcrafted by me, not to be compared to market mass produce.” Packed in spill proof plastic packets, the pickles and preserves are handy and convenient to carry, even while travelling, she adds.
Her prawn and meat pickles, lagan-nu (gajar mewa) and mango methia achars, doodhi murabba and seasonal fruit jams, lemon barley and lemon ginger squash are her specialties, she declares. Gharab nu achar (fish roe pickle) and Tarapori patio are seasonal favorites. For the vegetarians, there are the oil based karela, brinjal and mixed vegetable pickles. Oil free lemon chili and Mexican tomato pickle are on her long list. Invited a few years ago by a friend who was involved in social causes, Schroff conducted a seven-day workshop at a resource centre in Nagaland: "It was a huge success. Participants from all over the north-east took the training. Excess fruit and vegetables were being wasted due to lack of preservation skills. I taught them jams, pickles, squashes. They picked up very well and now are earning a livelihood.”
Culinary expert Zinobia Schroff with her array of products
Under the name of Schroff’s Caterers, Zinobia accepts party/corporate orders offering a variety of cuisine — soups, starters, salad bar, snacks… Her Parsi lunch/dinner menu is extensive. The Irani berry pulao (non-vegetarian, vegetarian and egg), dhansak, sali boti and patra-ni-machi are the popular items, she believes. On offer also are dry fruit mithai (no dairy, no sugar, she says) and old favorites like lagan-nu-custard, badam paak and gajar halwa. "I can cater on a daily basis too, as per order,” she states.
"My brother Mahiar and his wife Zavera are reputed caterers in Madras,” she notes. "I work out of home (at Dadar Parsi Colony).” Interested in cooking from childhood, her talents were encouraged by her parents. "We are known for consistent quality,” she adds. Schroff can be contacted on 9869914472 or 24135650 between 10 a.m. to six in the evening. Free delivery can be arranged for larger orders, she asserts.