As the name suggests Malayan Apple is a native of Malaysia. It is also a native of Malaysia’s neighboring countries Java, Indonesia, and Sumatra. Botanical name is Syzygium malaccense and belongs to … [Read more...]
Banana – Plantain
I could not believe when the Banana - Plantain plant that was growing in one patch of our garden flowered one day. We kept a vigil for the flowers to convert into fruit and we were successful … [Read more...]
Tamarind Tree
Childhood memories of preparing and devouring Chigali (tamarind sweet-sour lollipop) flash as I write about this tree. I also remember bringing down the raw pods by hitting with stones washing them … [Read more...]
String Beans
String beans, French beans also known as Runner beans is a vegetable that is used in cuisines across the globe but originated in Peru. The other common names are Snap bean, Bush bean, Pole bean, … [Read more...]
Corn – Maize
As you travel from South India to North India, you will come across many corn fields. There is an increase in the cultivation of Corn in North Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh due to the demand for the … [Read more...]
Jungle Jalebi
I found Jungle Jalebi the perfect name for Pithecellobium dulce known as Malnad Hunchikayi in North Karnataka and Seeme Hunase in South Karnataka. I was introduced to this plant by my cousins again in … [Read more...]
Ber the Indian Jujube Tree
I remember an old lady whom we used to address as “Ajji” (grandma) selling Ber the Indian Jujube Tree (Yelachi Hannu in Kannada and Ber in Urdu) outside our school. And yes, I used to buy them once in … [Read more...]
Bamboo
Presence of Bamboo in most of the South Indian wild life sanctuaries like Bandipur, Madumalai, Bhadra, Nagarhole, Tholpetty, and Kabini has played an important role in sustaining the wild and avian … [Read more...]
Jackfruit
The Jackfruit tree is an evergreen tree belonging to Moraceae family and the botanical name is Artocarpus heterophyllus. Jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia and has been cultivated in … [Read more...]
Sugarcane
I remember in childhood feasting on Sugarcanes during Shankranthi festival as it is a custom in Karnataka to distribute a piece of Sugarcane to friends and relatives on this harvest festival. We kids … [Read more...]
Thai Basil
“Kamakasturi” is a common plant found growing alongside the holy basil / Tulasi in backyards of most of the houses in South India. This common plant is the exotic herb known as Thai Basil or Sweet … [Read more...]
Coffee Break – Coffee Plant – Coffee Tree
“Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love." – Turkish Porverb Reading newspaper in the early morning sipping a cup of filter coffee is the ideal way to start the day … [Read more...]
Beetroot
Beetroot is cultivated widely across the world as it is one of the most popular vegetables used in a variety of dishes. The leaves are also edible when boiled or steamed. Beetroot has been … [Read more...]
Okra – Ladies Finger – Bhindi
Also known as Okra, Bhindi (Hindi), Bhendekayi (Kannada) is a very popular vegetable in India. It is grown all over the country and used to cook a variety of dishes. The botanical name is … [Read more...]
Peanuts
Peanuts or Groundnuts belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. Botanical name is Archis Hypogaea. Hypogaea means below the earth. In Kannada it is known as Kadalekayi and Shenga, Moomphali in Hindi, and … [Read more...]
Orchid – Vanilla Planifolia – Vanilla Plant
Everyone loves Vanilla Ice-cream and this flavor goes well when served with any of the Indian sweets like Gulab Jamoon, Gajar Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, Kheer, and so on. It would surprise you to know … [Read more...]
Chickpea – Channa
Every December and January vendors would tie chickpea plants full of tender pods on their cycles and would cycle through the streets selling them. It used to be a tasty and protein rich snack for us … [Read more...]
Sandalwood Tree
I remember guests who would visit us at Mysore would always wish to take away a Sandalwood article as a memento and we would take them to Cauvery handicrafts to take their pick. Sandalwood is … [Read more...]
Sesame Seeds
"Open sesame", the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity. Sesame Seeds is a flowering … [Read more...]
Preparation of Kadalepuri – Puffed Rice
Kadalepuri / Puffed Rice / Murmura is prepared from rice and it is something that can be eaten anytime anywhere. It is also used to prepare delicious dishes. I was intrigued to find how … [Read more...]
