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Green Delights: The Lesser Known Edible Wild Plants of India(500+ plants)
View blog: Green Delights: The Lesser Known Edible Wild Plants of India(500+ plants)The significance of wild and foraged edible greens, found in India, is discussed in the content. The nutritional benefits, environmental importance, and cultural heritage of these greens are highlighted. A…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 7: Elephant Foot Yam
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 7: Elephant Foot YamThis series explores lesser-known tuber crops, starting with tapioca and featuring various yam types. The author recounts a childhood disdain for elephant yam, later developing a craving for it in…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 6 : Colocasia/Taro & Xanthosoma/Tannia
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 6 : Colocasia/Taro & Xanthosoma/TanniaThis series focuses on the complex naming and local varieties of ‘Chemb’ in Malayalam, particularly Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma sagittifolium. Highlighting their culinary uses and health benefits, the text underscores…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 5: Edible Canna
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 5: Edible CannaEdible canna, also known as achira, is a resilient tuber cultivated since ancient times in South and Central America, particularly by the Incas. Its starchy root can withstand poor soils…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 4: Arrowroot
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 4: ArrowrootThe content discusses the White Arrowroot plant (Maranta arundinacea) and its uses, including its historical medicinal significance in wound healing and its edible starch’s applications in cooking and cosmetics. It…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 3: Winged beans
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 3: Winged beansThe winged bean is prized as a multi-purpose crop due to its edible pods, flowers, seeds, leaves, and tuberous roots, which are all highly nutritious. Known as a “superfood” in…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 2: Sweet Potato
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 2: Sweet PotatoAfter the first tuber of this series – Tapioca, here comes the Sweet Potato! The modest sweet potato has journeyed across continents, sustained civilizations, and even ignited historical discussions. Coming…
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Rooted in Nutrition Series 1: Cassava
View blog: Rooted in Nutrition Series 1: CassavaGrowing up in Kerala, I’ve been surrounded by the rich abundance of tuber vegetables. From backyard gardens to the local markets, tubers were a staple part of our meals. Yet,…
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Lost in Translation: The Many Names and Mysteries of Ponnanganni or Honagone
View blog: Lost in Translation: The Many Names and Mysteries of Ponnanganni or HonagoneThough the saying goes, “What’s in a name?”, I often find myself saying that names are highly subjective, especially when it comes to plants. Many local/common names overlap between different…
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Talinum fruticosum – Ceylon Spinach
View blog: Talinum fruticosum – Ceylon SpinachThis is one of the cheeras (spinach in Malayalam) I remember growing abundantly where I was brought up. Whenever we had enough to make some delicious curries, we’d trim it…
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Rooting for Tubers Festival – 3rd Edition
View blog: Rooting for Tubers Festival – 3rd EditionMy obsession with all of these actually stems from the fact that I was born and raised in a small town in Kerala by parents who loved plants, gardens, and…
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A journal of edible plants, travel and memories
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FORAGE
GATHER
TASTE
REMEMBER
What is foraging?
Foraging is the simple act of finding and collecting edible plants that grow naturally around us – by the roadside, in fields, backyards, or forests. In India, this often means gathering wild greens like keerai, saag, soppu, shaak, cheera, or aaku, which our grandparents once cooked regularly. Many of these plants are often dismissed as weeds, yet they grow without care, are highly nutritious, and even hold medicinal benefits. Foraging reconnects us with forgotten food traditions, seasonal eating, and nature’s abundance.
Why foraging?
Reviving Forgotten Food Wisdom
Helps to rediscover traditional edible greens, preserving grandmother’s recipes, cultural knowledge, and local names that are disappearing from Indian kitchens.
Seasonal Nutrition & Healing
Wild greens grow naturally with seasons, offering nutrient-rich, healing foods that boost immunity and support sustainable Indian diets.
Ecological & Sustainable Living
Connects us with ecosystems, encourages mindful harvesting, reduces dependence on markets, and promotes sustainable, respectful living close to nature.
How to forage?
Learn & Identify
Start small with 1–2 common wild edible plants. Observe leaf shapes, flowers, and local names; learn from elders or guided walks.
Pick Safely & Mindfully
Collect only from clean spaces, away from pollution or harmful chemicals. Harvest just what you need, leaving enough for nature and others.
Cook & Connect
Use simple recipes to taste, understand, and remember the greens. Respect traditional knowledge and keep the stories alive.
