CBSE Class 4 Environmental Studies Chapter 25: Spicy Riddles NCERT Solutions

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This chapter, "Spicy Riddles," from the CBSE Class 4 Environmental Studies curriculum, introduces young learners to various common spices through engaging riddles. Students will explore the characteristics, culinary uses, and even medicinal properties of spices like chili, turmeric, pepper, cumin, fennel, cloves, saffron, and cinnamon. The riddles encourage critical thinking and observation skills as students guess the identity of each spice based on its appearance, taste, smell, and common applications. These NCERT Solutions provide clear answers and explanations for each riddle, helping students understand the significance of spices in everyday life and cooking. This chapter serves as a fun and interactive way to build vocabulary and knowledge about the ingredients that flavor our food, aiding in exam revision by reinforcing key concepts through a playful format.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 4
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter25. Spicy Riddles

Chapter summary

Chapter 25, "Spicy Riddles," focuses on identifying common kitchen spices through descriptive riddles. It covers spices such as chili, turmeric, pepper, cumin, fennel, cloves, saffron, and cinnamon, highlighting their unique properties, uses in cooking, and some medicinal benefits. The chapter encourages students to observe, infer, and recall information about these ingredients. The NCERT Solutions provide the correct answers to the riddles and offer a platform for students to learn about the diverse world of spices used in Indian households.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify common spices based on their descriptions and uses.
  • Understand the role of spices in cooking and traditional remedies.
  • Develop observation and critical thinking skills through riddles.
  • Learn the names and characteristics of various spices.
  • Recognize the importance of spices in everyday life.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Spices
  • Chilli
  • Turmeric
  • Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Fennel
  • Cloves
  • Saffron
  • Cinnamon
  • Cooking ingredients
  • Traditional remedies
  • Riddles

Important topics

  • Identifying common spices
  • Uses of spices in cooking
  • Medicinal properties of spices
  • Chilli
  • Turmeric
  • Pepper
  • Cloves

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

I can be powdered fine to make food hot and spicy. If too much of me is added, I make you gasp-shheee... Shheee... Your eyes and nose begin to water and you cry! Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?
Solution:

The spice described is one that adds heat and pungency to food. When used in large quantities, it causes a strong physical reaction like gasping, watery eyes, and a runny nose. This is characteristic of a very common and potent spice used worldwide.

The answer is Chilli (Mirchi).

Question 2

Grind me and powder me to make your food look yellow. I am mixed in oil by granny and applied to wounds quickly. I heal all wounds, big and small. That is why I am loved by all! Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?
Solution:

This spice is known for its vibrant yellow color when powdered, making it a popular choice for coloring food. It is also traditionally used in home remedies, often mixed with oil, for its healing properties on cuts and wounds. Its widespread use in both cooking and for its health benefits makes it a beloved ingredient.

The answer is Turmeric (Haldi).

Question 3

Small and round like a pearl, I am black when I am whole. I can be powdered coarse or fine. A sharp and spicy taste is mine. Whether it is salty or sweet, I am added as a special treat. Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?
Solution:

This spice is characterized by its small, round shape and black color when whole. It can be ground into powder and provides a distinct sharp and spicy flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Its versatility makes it a common addition to many recipes.

The answer is Pepper (Kaali Mirch).

Question 4

I am a small and skinny chap. Sometimes I am brown and sometimes black. Added to hot oil and ghee, I spread my fragrance all around me when I am roasted. Curd and jaljeera are favourite to me. Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?
Solution:

This spice is small and often appears in brown or black varieties. It is commonly added to hot oil or ghee at the beginning of cooking to release its strong aroma. It is also a key ingredient in dishes like jaljeera and is often paired with curd.

The answer is Cumin (Jeera).

Question 5

I look like Zeera though green am I. To make your stomach healthy I always try. Eat me always after your meal, I refresh your mouth, you surely feel. Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?
Solution:

This spice is green in color and resembles cumin seeds. It is often consumed after meals to aid digestion and freshen the breath. Its pleasant taste and digestive properties make it a popular post-meal ingredient.

The answer is Fennel (Saunf).

Question 6

I look like a nail but a bud am I. Chocolate brown colour and a strong smell have I. When your toothache makes you shout, I soothe the pain in your mouth. Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?
Solution:

This spice is easily recognizable by its shape, resembling a small nail, and its distinct chocolate brown color. It possesses a strong aroma and is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to relieve toothache pain.

The answer is Cloves (Laung).

Question 7

Now try and make your own riddles about two other spices. Ask those riddles in your class. Draw pictures of the two spices in your notebook and write their names.

Riddle 1: I am the costliest spice in the world. I spread my fragrance far and wide. I love exotic dishes like biryani. I give yellow color to the dish. I look like fine hairs. Tell me who am I?

Riddle 2: I look like the bark of a tree. I come in shape of small sticks. I am used in dishes for my fragrance. I am also used in chocolates, candies and chewing gums. I am chocolaty brown. Tell me who am I?

Solution:

These are riddles created to describe two distinct and valuable spices.

Answer to Riddle 1: The description of being the costliest spice, used in biryani, giving a yellow color, and looking like fine hairs points to Saffron.

Answer to Riddle 2: The description of looking like bark, coming in sticks, having a chocolaty brown color, and being used for fragrance in dishes and sweets indicates Cinnamon.

Question 8

Find out which spices are used in your house for cooking. Make a list and look at your friends' lists too.
Solution:

This question encourages students to explore their own kitchens and compare their findings with their classmates. It helps in understanding the variety of spices used in different households.

Spices used in my house for cooking: Turmeric, pepper, ginger, cumin, saffron.

Spices used in my friend's house for cooking: Onion, garlic, turmeric, pepper, basil, cumin.

Comparing these lists shows that while some spices like turmeric and pepper are commonly used, others like ginger, saffron, onion, garlic, and basil might be used depending on regional preferences and specific dishes.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing spices with similar appearances or uses.
  • Difficulty in recalling the specific properties mentioned in riddles.
  • Not being able to connect the descriptive clues to the correct spice.

Revision tips

  • Read each riddle carefully and try to guess the spice before looking at the answer.
  • Visualize the spice being described to help with identification.
  • Discuss the uses of each spice with family members to reinforce learning.
  • Try creating your own spice riddles to test your understanding.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which spice, when powdered fine, makes food hot and spicy, and can make your eyes water if too much is added?

Q2. This spice is ground into a yellow powder, mixed with oil, and is known for its healing properties for wounds.

Q3. Which spice is small, round, black when whole, and provides a sharp, spicy taste to both sweet and salty dishes?

Q4. This spice is brown or black, spreads fragrance when roasted, and is often added to hot oil and ghee.

Q5. Which spice looks like Zeera but is green, and is used to refresh the mouth after a meal?

Q6. This spice looks like a nail, is chocolate brown, and is used to soothe toothache pain.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 25 of Class 4 EVS about?

Chapter 25, 'Spicy Riddles,' introduces students to various common spices through engaging riddles, helping them learn about their names, appearances, tastes, and uses in cooking and traditional remedies.

Which spices are covered in the 'Spicy Riddles' chapter?

The chapter covers spices like Chilli, Turmeric, Pepper, Cumin, Fennel, Cloves, Saffron, and Cinnamon.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear answers to the riddles and explain the properties of each spice, aiding students in understanding the chapter's content and preparing for exams.

What is the main learning objective of this chapter?

The main objective is to help students identify common spices based on descriptive clues and understand their significance in everyday life, particularly in food preparation.

Are there any activities suggested in the chapter?

Yes, students are encouraged to create their own spice riddles, draw pictures of spices, write their names, and compare lists of spices used in their homes with those used by friends.

Important links

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