The other common name of Rubber Tree are Para Rubber Tree, Sharinga Tree, Seringueira. The botanical name is Hevea brasiliensis and belongs to Euphorbiaceae (Castor) family. Rubber tree is native of … [Read more...]
Soursop Tree – Graviola Tree
Other common names of Soursop is Graviola and Guyabano. In Kannada it is known as Mullu Rama Phala and Lakshmana Phala. The botanical name is Annona muricata and belongs to Annonaceae (Sugar-apple) … [Read more...]
Avocado – Butter Fruit
Another popular name of Avocado is Butter Fruit. The botanical name of this subtropical tree is Persea americana and belongs to Lauraceae (Laurel) family. It is a native of Central America. Avocado … [Read more...]
Division of food according to Ayurveda
Being a vegetarian, I have been the butt of sniggers and jokes. When I ask the question to myself “Why am I a vegetarian?”, the answer is that I was born in a vegetarian … [Read more...]
Ragi – Finger Millet – Nachni
Other common names of Ragi are African Millet, Coracan, Natcheny, Bavato in Gujarati, Mandwa in Hindi, Madhulika and Nrutyakundala in Sanskrit. Botanical name is Eleusine coracana and belongs to … [Read more...]
Ginger
You cannot think of Indian Cuisine without Ginger. Ginger is an integral part of Indian cooking, which enhances the taste and aroma of the dish. In Kannada Ginger is known as Shunti, … [Read more...]
Chives
The botanical name of Chives is Allium schoenoprasum and belongs to Alliaceae family. Chives belong to the family of onions, garlic, shallot, leek, scallion, and Chinese onion. Chives are green … [Read more...]
Wood Apple – Beladahannu – Kaith – Katbel
The other common names of Wood Apple are Stone Apple, Elephant Apple, and Monkey fruit. The botanical name is Limonia acidissimia and belongs to Rutaceae (citrus) family. Wood Apple tree is a … [Read more...]
Turmeric
The most discussed rhizomatous herb in recent times is the Turmeric. The status of Turmeric in India is high, the maximum usage of the root of this herb is the offering to gods and goddesses. A dried … [Read more...]
Breadfruit Tree
Breadfruit has many names in Kannada and some of them are: Jeegujje, Deevi Halasu, Rotti Halasu, Gujju Halasu, Seeme Halasu, in Sanskrit it is known as Nagadamani, and in Hindi it is known as … [Read more...]
Sweet Pumpkin
I love the Sweet Pumpkin side dish known (Kannada) as Kumblakayi Palya served in Raghavendra Swami Mutta (temple). Over the years I have discovered that this vegetable is versatile and innumerable … [Read more...]
Blackberry
When Greek Yogurt is part of a breakfast buffet, you inevitably look for fruits to go with it. If they are serving fresh Blackberries, then you sure are lucky. Botanical name of Blackberry is Rubus … [Read more...]
Safflower
Common names of Safflower are Dyers' saffron, False saffron. In Kannada it is known as Kushubi, in Hindi it is Kusum, in Tamil it is Kusumba. The botanical name is Carthamus tinctorius and belongs to … [Read more...]
Pear
Common names of Pear are Common Pear, European Pear, Bhutan Pear. In Hindi it is known as Nashpati, in Kashmiri it is known as Kishtabahira. Botanical name of Pear is Pyrus Pyrifolia (Asian), Pyrus … [Read more...]
Malabar Spinach
Malabar Spinach is also known as Ceylon spinach, Buffalo spinach, Indian spinach, Red vine spinach, Vine spinach. In Kannada it is known as Basale Soppu, in Sanskrit it is known as Upodika, and in … [Read more...]
Cashew
In Kannada, Cashew is known as Godambi or Geru beeja, Agnikrita in Sanskrit, Kaju in Hindi, Mundiri in Tamil, Kasu mavu in Malyalam. Botanical name is Anacardium occidentale and belongs to … [Read more...]
Onion
Indian kitchen stops working if Onions are not available and it is breaking news if the Onion prices are higher than normal. The Indian cuisine especially the North Indian includes Onion in most of … [Read more...]
Types of Mangoes
Come summer and we are spoilt for choice on the type of Mango to buy. The markets are flooded with all shapes, colors, and sizes of Mangoes from all over the country. I remember eating dozens of … [Read more...]
Nutmeg
First time I saw Nutmegs hanging from trees was in Singapore Botanical Garden. In Kannada, it is known as Jakayi, in Hindi it is Jati Phal and in Sanskrit it is known as Jatiphala. The botanical name … [Read more...]
Coriander
I cannot imagine cooking without Coriander leaves. I always end with a sprinkle of Coriander leaves on most of the dishes that I cook. The best Coriander leaves are sold in Mysore. They are fresh, … [Read more...]
