Marathi moggu, also known as kapok buds, is a South Indian spice with a strong, peppery flavor used to enhance dishes like Bisi Bele Bath and biryani. These dried, woody buds are often fried in oil to release their distinct aroma, which is comparable to a mix of black pepper and clove. Beyond its culinary use, it is also traditionally used in some medicinal practices to help with wound healing, inflammation, and digestive issues like diarrhea. 

Culinary uses

• Flavor profile: It has a pungent, spicy flavor reminiscent of a mix between clove and black pepper.

• Key ingredients: It is a key ingredient in many South Indian dishes, particularly spice blends for Bisi Bele Bath, Vangi Bath, and other rice dishes.

• Preparation: The buds are typically fried in hot oil to help release their flavor before being added to curries, dals, sambars, and gravies. 

Medicinal uses

• Wound healing: It is traditionally used in some folk medicine for treating injuries, boils, and inflammations.

• Digestive health: It is believed to help with diarrhea.

• Other benefits: It is also noted to be rich in antioxidants and may have anti-diabetic properties.