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...]
Ridge Gourd
Ridge Gourd known as Heerekayi in Kannada is a popular vegetable in South Indian cuisine. As children we would be given a raw piece to taste and identify the ones that are bitter. The other … [Read more...]
Cheese
Photograph smiles and Cheese have a lot in common. People being photographed who say Cheese seem to be smiling more than the ones who don’t say cheese. For some the smell of it can make them … [Read more...]
Dragon Fruit
Other common names of Dragon fruit are Pitaya, Moon lovers, Night blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, Conderella plant, and Sweet Pitaya. Botanical name is Hylocereus undatus and … [Read more...]
Wheat
Wheat or Godi in Kannada is widely consumed in India. It is known as Gehun in Hindi, Marathi and Urdu. In Sanskrit it is Arupa, Bahudugdha, Godhuma. The botanical name is Triticum aestivum and belongs … [Read more...]
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an annual and belongs to Fabaceae (pea) family. The botanical name is Trigonella foenum-graecum. Other common names are Greek-clover and Greek hay. Fenugreek is known as Menthya in … [Read more...]
Spinach
The cartoon character Popeye, the sailor man and Spinach are synonyms to each other and kids are coaxed to eat the power packed Spinach by reminding them about Popeye getting strength from this humble … [Read more...]
Ramphal
Other common names of Ramphal are Netted Custard Apple, Bullock's heart, Bull's heart. In Sanskrit it is known as Lavani, Krishnabija. Botanical name is Annona reticulata and belongs to Annonaceae … [Read more...]
Capsicum
Common names of Capsicum are Sweet Pepper, Bell Pepper. In Hindi it is known as Shimla Mirch and in Kannada it is known as Donna Menasinakayi. The botanical name is Capsicum Annuum and belongs to … [Read more...]
Drumstick Tree – Moringa Tree
You can see a drumstick tree growing in most of the houses in South India. The Drumstick is relished in Sambar by the South Indians. Another common name is Horse-radish. In Hindi it is known as … [Read more...]
Chayote Squash
The much loved Seemebadanekayi in South Karnataka is known as Chayote Squash. Most of us in South Karnataka would have enjoyed Seemebadanekayi Palya with Saaru Anna. Chayote Squash is also … [Read more...]
Palmyra Palm Tree
Palmyra palm tree is also known as African fan palm, Borassus palm, Doub palm, Great fan palm, Lontar palm, Ron palm, Toddy palm, and Wine palm. In Hindi it is known as Taad, Kannada it is … [Read more...]
Sapodilla – Sapota Tree – Chikoo Tree
My earliest memory of Sapota is my uncle getting these fruits home and asking us to keep them buried in Rice to ripen. Another uncle of mine had planted many Sapota trees in his farm where we used to … [Read more...]
Chili Pepper
Chilies are an integral part of Indian cuisine. The varieties available in the market is mind boggling. Botanical name is Capsicum frutescens and belongs to Solanaceae family (potato). In Kannada it … [Read more...]
Bitter Gourd
Most of us at one time in our life would have hated Bitter Gourd and some of us during the lifetime would have also acquired the taste of Bitter Gourd. Common names are Bitter Melon, Bitter Squash, or … [Read more...]
