Sumitra Raghavan writes for our senior readers
There is something about food that connects deeply with us, especially as we grow older. For many seniors, memories are stored not in photo albums alone, but in the aroma of lemon pickle curing in the sun, the crackle of mustard in gingelly oil, and the comforting taste of vatha kozhambu on a quiet afternoon.
It was at a small exhibition in Kotturpuram that I met Mrs. Jayanthi Vijayakumar, the passionate force behind S R Foods. What struck me first was not just her neatly arranged bottles of pickles and podis — but her enthusiasm. There was sparkle in her eyes as she spoke about traditional recipes, inherited flavours, and her mission to keep them alive.
Like many women who discover a second innings after sixty, Mrs. Jayanthi transformed her culinary skills into an entrepreneurial venture. Across India, senior women are quietly building small, registered home-food businesses — preservative-free, authentic, and rooted in tradition. There is a visible shift in consumer preference toward such foods. People today are not just buying products; they are buying trust, nostalgia, and health.
When I sampled her varieties, the difference was unmistakable. The lemon pickle had that perfect balance of tang and spice. The Pirandai Thuvayal reminded me of grandmother’s kitchen remedies — tasty and healthy. The Narthangai pickle had that authentic, slow-cured flavour we rarely find now. And the cut mango pickle? It tasted exactly like the one we eagerly searched for at weddings — I must confess, I always looked forward to that!
For seniors living alone and for busy working families, her ready-to-mix Vatha Kozhambu mix and Onion Poondu Kuzhambu are a blessing. Just mix and enjoy — simple, homely comfort food without the strain of elaborate cooking.
In fact, in the last three months, I have visited her shop at least three times. I have introduced a few friends, and they have now become regular customers. That speaks volumes.
Another thoughtful feature is the 100-gram packaging — convenient, easy to store, and ideal for smaller households. She even has a bakery section offering whole wheat bread and cup cakes.Through her WhatsApp group, she regularly informs customers about fresh batches and new items. This personal connection makes all the difference.The millet cookies and customized cakes without sugar syrups, using natural ingredients, is another offering at her store.
Mrs. Jayanthi says, “Our focus is to provide tasty homemade products that are 100% preservative-free. Safe for elders and children. Healthy and authentic. We cater to local demand and also take bulk orders for events.”
Her dedication has earned her good reviews, recognitions, and awards — well deserved for someone who turned passion into purpose. For seniors reading this, her story is not just about pickles. It is about second innings. It is about how experience, tradition, and love for cooking can become both meaningful and sustainable. Food and seniors are inseparable — and sometimes, that bond can even blossom into a beautiful business.
You may explore her products online at www.srfoodsmylapore
Follow on Instagram: @srfoodsmylapore
Or connect via WhatsApp: +91 98417 26846
After all, good food is not just about taste — it is about memories, health, and the warmth of home.