A LOT of people do not like to eat carila, but because of its many health benefits, agro-processor Nickesha Roberts came up with her own version of carila peppersauce.

This is a version that was well thought out. When stewed, this vegetable which is known in other parts of the world as bitter melon, has an overwhelming taste, but in a peppersauce form, the taste is bearable. It is not too bitter, and people liked it a lot.

Roberts is the owner of Mursai Preservable Products, a small business that was birthed from her home. The idea was eventually developed and turned into a business venture since she was unemployed at the time.

The businesswoman told the Guyana Chronicle that three years ago, she and her sibling started making green seasoning for home use. Eventually, she started sharing their creation with others and got positive reviews; they were therefore encouraged to put the product in supermarkets, since it was very good.

The 35-year-old Plaisance, East Coast Demerara resident stated that she was urged by supporters to approach the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) and the staffers there walked her through the process that was required for the product to be sold in local supermarkets and shops.

She reported that the decision to market the green seasoning was a step in the right direction, as it not only allowed her to introduce her locally made product to others, but it became a hit overnight. People liked it and it was selling a lot.

Roberts related that in addition to the green seasoning, she now produces peeled garlic, minced garlic, grated ginger and pepper sauce in different flavours such as carila, eggplant and cucumber.

She recently introduced a new product – Nature Shield – which is her version of a meat marinate/tea supplement made from fresh ginger, garlic, turmeric, and honey.

The agro-processor said she has been participating in local expositions and pop-up shops since she has registered with the NGMC and the Small Business Bureau and she is very pleased about that aspect of networking and marketing her products.

Roberts revealed that her capacity was boosted in business when she benefitted from a grant via the Small Business Bureau and she is thankful for the assistance she got to take her small business to another level. She got access to capital which allowed her to introduce newer products to the market.

She is currently participating in the recently launched One Guyana Christmas Village and Supermarket on Main Street, Georgetown, and so far, the feedback has been exciting.

Roberts said the best-seller is the carila peppersauce. At first, persons who visited her booth were skeptical about the taste, but after trying a sample, many of them bought a bottle and even came back for more.

“People are fascinated mostly with the flavoured peppersauces; the carila one is the best-selling product at the One Guyana Christmas Village and Supermarket, and I am pleased to produce a product that people actually like,” she said.

Carila, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offers numerous health benefits which include blood- sugar management; good digestive health; immune system support; heart health; good skin and hair and weight management.

Added to the carila peppersauce are chili peppers, which help to boost metabolism, is good for cardiovascular health and has anti-inflammatory properties.