NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 25 — Spicy Riddles
This chapter, "I can be powdered fine," from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' introduces young learners to common spices and their uses. Through a series of riddles, students are prompted to identify ingredients like chili, turmeric, black pepper, and cumin based on their taste, appearance, and culinary applications. The text highlights how these spices enhance food's flavor and color, and their medicinal properties, such as turmeric healing wounds. It also touches upon spices like fennel seeds that aid digestion and freshen breath. The chapter encourages observation and critical thinking, helping students understand the importance of spices in everyday cooking and their role in health, aligning with CBSE's focus on practical knowledge and sensory learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 25 — Spicy Riddles |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 353 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify common spices based on their characteristics and uses.
- Understand the role of spices in making food hot, spicy, and flavorful.
- Recognize the medicinal properties of certain spices, like turmeric for healing.
- Appreciate the diversity of spices used in Indian cuisine.
- Develop observation and critical thinking skills through riddles.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| powdered | ground into a fine powder |
| spicy | having a strong, hot flavor |
| gasp | to take a sudden, short breath, especially because of surprise or shock |
| wounds | injuries, especially those where the skin is broken |
| coarse | rough or loose in texture or grain |
| fragrance | a pleasant, sweet smell |
| jaljeera | a popular Indian digestive drink made with cumin and other spices |
| zeera | cumin seeds |
| refresh | to make someone feel more energetic or less tired |
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Practice questions
- Which spice, when added too much, makes your eyes water and nose run? Answer: Chili
- What spice is used to make food look yellow and can heal wounds? Answer: Turmeric
- Which spice is small, round, black or brown, and has a sharp, spicy taste? Answer: Black pepper
- What spice is green, looks like 'zeera', and helps refresh your mouth after a meal? Answer: Fennel seeds
- Which spice spreads its fragrance when roasted in hot oil or ghee? Answer: Cumin seeds (or black pepper, depending on interpretation)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 4 EVS Chapter 25?
The chapter uses riddles to introduce students to common spices like chili, turmeric, black pepper, and fennel, explaining their uses in food and health.
Which spice is described as making food hot and spicy, causing eyes to water?
Chili is described as making food hot and spicy, which can cause eyes to water and the nose to run.
What are the benefits of turmeric mentioned in the chapter?
Turmeric is mentioned for making food look yellow and for its ability to heal wounds, big and small.
What spice is small, round, black or brown, and has a sharp, spicy taste?
Black pepper is described as small and round, black or brown, with a sharp and spicy taste.
Which spice is green and helps refresh the mouth after a meal?
Fennel seeds are described as green, looking like 'zeera', and refreshing the mouth after a meal.
How does the chapter encourage learning about spices?
The chapter uses riddles to engage students and prompt them to think and identify different spices based on their properties and uses.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 25 — Spicy Riddles. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.