South Asia, especially India, is a treasure trove of earthy delights, home to a vast array of edible clays, slate stones, and terracotta-rich soils. Red and brown terracotta clays, widely used in India’s thriving pottery industry, are known for their sun-baked aroma, gritty crunch, and warm, toasted earthiness. The country also produces slate pencils made from natural shale stone, offering a layered, crumbly bite with a dry, mineral-rich finish. A standout category is nakumatts—a broad range of Indian roasted and sun-dried clays that vary in texture and flavor, from smoky and sharp to mellow and earthy. Other favourites include multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth), valued for its smooth texture and slightly spicy, dusty taste. Each variety reflects the depth of India’s geological diversity and cultural connection to the land.