How We Get the Job Done: Diaspora Co's Sana Javeri Kadri
The founder of Diaspora Co. explains why her direct trade turmeric is worth it.
Turmeric is one of the biggest workhorses in a spice cabinet. It adds a brilliant yellow hue and is a key part of holistic medicine. This is due in part to curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that activates when heated in combination with piperine, a component found in black peppercorn. Turmeric reached a tipping point in the American public consciousness with the emergence of turmeric-infused drinks, including golden lattes. Yet, Sana Javeri Kadri found that many customers didn’t know where their turmeric came from.
That’s where Kadri’s Diaspora Co. enters. It distinguishes itself from other turmeric providers by showing customers exactly where their product comes from, how it’s harvested, and where it’s sold. Kadri’s turmeric supply chain features heirloom seeds from India, sustainable farming, rigorous quality control, and a celebration of community and origin.
Recently, Diaspora Co. moved into cardamom, smashing through its $25,000 Kickstarter goal to raise $57,865 to purchase and sell 400 pounds of an organic cardamom harvest. It plans to use this money to add more farmers to its roster and sell new heirloom spices beyond turmeric and cardamom. It’s all part of Kadri’s master plan to change how spices get into the hands of customers.