Category: Edible plants
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Coleus amboinicus -Indian Borage
Many people often ask me for a list of must-have plants to grow at home. Without hesitation, I always begin with my favorite, Panikoorka. This plant is at the top of my list not only because of its remarkable medicinal properties, but also because it is an excellent all-arounder for any home. Botanical Name: Coleus…
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Forage walk and lunch at Anemane Farms
With the blessings of rain God, we had a great day at the farms yesterday. Blessings because it didn’t rain yesterday and it rained enough(or maybe not) to give us some good amount of naturally grown wild greens for the meal. We reached the farm by 10.30 in the morning. I remembered the last visit…
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Pathila Thoran: Kerala’s Healing Greens on a Plate for Monsoon Wellness
Karkkidakam, the month of heavy rains and seasonal shifts, brings with it the age-old tradition of Pathila Thoran—a nourishing stir-fry made from ten medicinally rich leaves. These backyard greens, harvested with care, provide a natural boost to immunity and well-being. But gathering them requires mindfulness—correct identification, safe harvesting practices, and proper cleaning ensure both health…
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Portulaca quadrifida – Wild Purslane
You may not find this greens/keerai in city or town markets. Or even in villages these days! While I have seen and consumed the Common Purslane, this little one seemed to be a rare find for me. My friends in the Forgotten Greens group used to share this plant from various parts of India but…
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Portulaca oleracea – Common Purslane
Purslane is found worldwide and is often considered a weed. Despite its humble status, it has been valued as a food source in many cultures for centuries. Purslane was used by ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties and as a food source. It was also known to be used in ancient Egyptian cuisine…
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Betel Leaf
As I start on the leafy tales of betel, I find myself scribbling about a plant that seemed as mundane as a garden plant. I had no idea that the vines of betel leaves in both my ancestral and current homes would unfold into a lush narrative of traditions, memories, and unexpected revelations. Memories of…
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Sesbania grandiflora – Agathi cheera
Botanical Name: Sesbania grandiflora Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)Common name: Agati • Hindi: गाछ मूंगा Gaach-munga, Hathya, अगस्ति Agasti • Manipuri: Hawaiman • Marathi: शेवरी Shevari, हतगा Hatga • Tamil: Sevvagatti, Muni • Malayalam: Akatti • Telugu: అవిశ Avisha, Ettagise, Sukanasamu • Kannada: ಅಗಸಿ Agasi, ಅಗಸೆ Agase, ಚಿನ್ನದಾರೆ Chinnadaare, ಅರಸಿನ ಜೀನಂಗಿ Arisina jeenangi • Bengali: Buko, Bak • Urdu: Agst • Gujarati: Agathio • Sanskrit: Varnari, Munipriya, Agasti, DrigapalakaEtymology:Sesbania: The genus…
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Which is the real Brahmi?
The debate over which plant is the true Brahmi centers on Centella asiatica, Bacopa monnieri, and Hydrocotyle varieties, each with distinct properties and usages in Ayurveda. In Kerala, Bacopa is primarily called Brahmi, while Centella is referred to in other regions. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper identification and use.
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Hibiscus Flower Stir Fry Recipe
In my previous posts, I have mentioned about my Amma making some unique dishes. So thought of sharing one of them today. She calls it Chembarathi upperi, and I named as hibiscus stir fry. The entire cooking process was recorded and my kid wanted it to be in youtube and the link here 😏. The…
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Cnidoscolus aconitifolius- Chayamansa/Mayan Spinach
Botanical Name: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Family: Euphorbiaceae (Castor family)Common name from Flowersofindia: Tree Spinach, Tread Softly, Cabbage Star, ChayaEtymology: Cnidoscolus : This genus name is derived from two Greek words: “knidos” meaning “nettle” and “skolos” meaning “thorn.” This is indicative of the plant’s characteristic of having stinging or prickly hairs on its leaves or stems.aconitifolius: This specific epithet…
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Taro leaves
Finally, I cooked ‘pathrodo’ all by myself for first time after years of hesitance, lazyness, scaredness & all those kinds of related feelings! When some specific food is tagged to the community we live in, & being a woman, it’s mandatory to know how to cook! Not my words guys. This is from many people…
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Multi-greens Chutney – Recipe
When I find edible greens around, it would remind my Amma’s food experiments with all the possible ways. Colorful idlies, mixed green/flowers chutneys, rice varieties, payasams, thorans (dry sabji/curry with grated coconut).. The highlight of those foods is we won’t get to know what all are the ingredients which went in 😝 Amma likes to…
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MY LITTLE THOUGHTS LANE 