Marathi Moggu, is a spice, indigenous to south India's Chettinad region. It is the unopened flower bud of the Red Silk Cotton Tree. It has a sharp piquant flavor and also adds pungency.
Marathi Moggu are used in the popular South Indian rice dishes.
Marathi Moggu is usually fried in oil before use to release its full flavor, which is similar to that of a combination of mustard and black pepper.