Stone-ground pure besan with no maize filler โ richer flavour, higher protein, and authentic aroma that commercial brands simply can't match.
Zarfoni Besan is stone-ground from pure yellow chickpeas — free from the maize filler, artificial yellow colour, and chemical additives routinely mixed into commercial besan in Pakistan. Our stone-ground process retains the natural protein and fibre of the whole chickpea, giving you besan that is richer in flavour, more aromatic, and nutritionally superior to anything in a typical supermarket.
โ ๏ธ Did You Know? Commercial Besan Adulteration is Common
Commercial besan is frequently adulterated with maize flour, synthetic yellow dye (Tartrazine), and chalk powder. Zarfoni Besan contains nothing but ground yellow chickpeas. Our besan is slightly darker and more aromatic than adulterated besan — because it is real.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Pure Yellow Chickpeas (Chana) |
| Fillers | None — no maize, no starch |
| Artificial Colour | None — Tartrazine-free |
| Protein | ~22g per 100g |
| Gluten | Naturally gluten-free |
| Benefit | What It Does For You |
|---|---|
| ๐ช High Plant Protein | ~22g per 100g — comparable to meat protein. Excellent for vegetarians and anyone seeking affordable high-quality plant protein |
| ๐ฟ Gluten-Free | Pure chickpea flour is naturally free from gluten — safe, high-protein choice for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity |
| ๐ฉบ Blood Sugar Friendly | Low GI (~44) vs wheat flour (~71). Chickpea flour releases energy slowly — suitable for diabetics in moderation |
| ๐ฆด Iron & Folate | Rich in iron (prevents anaemia) and folate (critical for pregnant women and foetal neural development) |
| โจ Skin Health | Besan has been used for centuries in South Asian skincare — as a natural exfoliant, brightening mask, and cleanser. Pure besan without fillers or dyes is particularly effective |
| โ๏ธ Weight Management | High fibre + high protein = high satiety. Besan-based meals keep you full longer and reduce unhealthy snacking |
| Use | Tips & Method |
|---|---|
| Crispy Pakoras | Mix besan with water to a thick batter, add salt, chili, ajwain, and a pinch of baking soda. Dip vegetables and deep fry in Zarfoni Canola Oil. Pure besan batter crisps far better than adulterated commercial besan. |
| Kadhi Pakora | Mix besan with dahi to make the classic tangy kadhi gravy. Pure besan without fillers gives a cleaner, more authentic kadhi flavour than commercial besan. |
| Besan ka Halwa | Roast besan in ghee until golden and fragrant, then add Zarfoni Honey, milk, and cardamom. The natural aroma of pure besan makes this halwa exceptionally fragrant. |
| Besan Face Mask (Ubtan) | Mix besan with turmeric, rosewater, and yogurt for a traditional Pakistani ubtan. Because Zarfoni Besan has no synthetic dye, it is completely safe for use on skin and will not cause Tartrazine reactions. |
๐ซ Storage: Airtight container · Cool dry place · Best within 3–4 months. Pure besan attracts moisture — seal tightly after every use and keep away from steam.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I know if my besan has maize filler? | Water test: stir a teaspoon of besan into a glass of water. Adulterated besan with cornstarch settles much faster leaving a starchy white layer. Pure besan forms a cloudy suspension and settles slowly. Pure besan also has a stronger distinctive chickpea aroma. |
| Why is Zarfoni Besan slightly darker? | Commercial besan is often treated with Tartrazine (E102), a synthetic yellow dye. Zarfoni Besan has no artificial dye — its natural colour ranges from pale golden to light beige. Very bright yellow besan almost certainly contains synthetic dye. |
| Is it safe to use besan on face? | Yes — and one of the best natural skin treatments in Pakistani tradition. Because Zarfoni Besan contains no Tartrazine or fillers, it is completely safe for topical use. Mix with yogurt, turmeric, and rosewater for a traditional ubtan face pack. |
| Is besan good for weight loss? | Yes — gram flour's combination of high protein, high fibre, and low GI promotes long-lasting satiety and reduces food cravings. Besan cheela (pancakes) are a popular high-protein, low-carb breakfast among Pakistani fitness enthusiasts. |
| Is it safe to eat raw besan? | Raw chickpea flour contains trypsin inhibitors that can cause digestive discomfort in large quantities. Always roast or cook besan before eating. For ladoos, roast in ghee on low flame until fragrant and golden before adding other ingredients. |