Tag: edible greens
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Talinum fruticosum – Ceylon Spinach
This 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 so it could grow back stronger. I’ve always loved its pretty pink blossoms—they’re such a sweet sight! I also loved popping the seeds. They crack…
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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
Agathi is one of the 9 plants used for Navrathri (Nabopatrika: Nine plants representing the Mother Earth,a ritual perhaps predated the Durga puja). Jayanti plant(Agathi) represents Goddess Kartiki. Folklore says that this plant is one of the favorites of Muni Agastya and hence the name Agasti. The flower looks like a humming bird, hence the…
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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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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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Sauropus androgynus – Madhura cheera/Multivitamin plant
This versatile leafy green, known by several names in Malayalam, including Madhura cheera, Chekkurmani, Veli cheera, Mysore cheera, Vitamin cheera, Block cheera, and Pressure cheera, Malay Cheera, Japan Cheera, Block cheera, Singapore Cheera, Ela cheera is a nutritional powerhouse. It goes by common names such as Star gooseberry, sweet leaf, Tropical Asparagus, Vitamin plant. This…
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Leucas aspera – Thumba
Starting the series of edible greens from the list I provided in one of my previous posts. If you missed to see the list, click here. Botanical Name: Leucas aspera Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)Common names from flowersofindia: Common Leucas • Hindi: छोटा हल्कुसा Chhota halkusa, गॊफा Gophaa • Manipuri: ꯃꯌꯡꯂꯝꯕꯨꯝ Mayanglambum • Marathi: Tamba • Tamil: தும்பை Thumbai • Malayalam: Tumba • Telugu:…
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