Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Bahraini Sumaya Ali Saif is spicing things up on the island with her collection of herbs, seasoning and pickles, sometimes known as achar.
In the Arab world, baharat (mixed spices) are used to season lamb, fish, chicken, beef, and soups. Additionally, they may be used as a condiment to add more flavour after a meal has been prepared.
Mrs Saif, from Riffa, started blending herbs and spices in her mother's kitchen under her watchful eye.
She is now the proud owner of a small business called 'Baharat Al Riffa' and local supermarkets and malls are now selling her popular jars of spicy sensations.
She said: "My mum taught me how to make the traditional baharat and after a while I started to add my own twists and flavours to it. At the start I was only making it for my family and a few close friends.
"They loved my mixes so much that they suggested I start selling it. They directed me to the Ministry of Social Development and that's when my business really took off."
The ministry helps Bahrainis to develop and improve their living standards through job opportunities, training, assistance and other services. After discussions with her husband, Bu Abdulla, Mrs Saif approached officials for advice.
She said: "They were very welcoming. They gave me a stand at the Capital Mall in Seef and anytime an exhibition was held they would allocate a spot for me."
With an initial investment of just BD20, Mrs Saif started buying jars and ingredients from the Central Market in Manama and hasn't looked back since.
"Many of the spice makers and spice houses in Bahrain appeared to be making the same kinds of things so I figured if I wanted to stand out I had to bring out different blends.
"That's when I created 'the amazing' spice mix which you can use for fish, 'the secret' spice mix, grill mix, chicken mix and then my pickle line began.
"I make pickled mushrooms with vegetables and pickled string beans which are particularly popular with locals and expats alike. My condiments are always unique.
"While I can't reveal the special combination of spices that I use, there is a good mix of ingredients including cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic and lemon."
Another special mix that Mrs Saif is renowned for is her 'kebab flour', which is extremely popular with Arab families during Ramadan.
In addition, she has an exclusive spice recipe for new mothers which she claims helps detox the system after childbirth.
Aside from the Capital Mall in Seef, Baharat Al Riffa produce is also being snapped up from the shelves of retail giants Lulu Hypermarket under the ministry's Bahraini Productive Families section. This has created a whole new demographic of custom for Mrs Saif.
She said: "Thanks to Lulu Hypermarket my pickles have become very popular within the Asian community.
"My phone number is labelled on each jar so many shoppers call me up and request really spicy pickles and others want something cooling to add in their food. I'm happy to make a range for each palate."
Juzer Rupawala, regional director of LuLu Hypermarkets, said: "Since we came to Bahrain in 2007 we have adopted a policy of actively promoting products made in Bahrain.
"Shoppers can enjoy local cuisine condiments such as pickles and spice mixes unique to Bahraini cuisine and a noble cause is supported at the same time. The Ministry ensures excellent quality and we are happy to offer a marketing channel for the goods."
Mrs Saif added: "I love making unique mixes - spices that you wouldn't even dream of adding together! I will take that chance and give it a go - why keep everything the same when you can add a little more flavour to your dishes?"
Now that Mrs Saif has made her mark in the kingdom she has her sights set on regional success. She said: "I already have customers that travel from Saudi Arabia and Qatar for my spices. My dream is to find an investor and take my spices to Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
Baharat Al Riffa jars start from just 500 fils. Mrs Saif can be contacted by calling 39860862.
