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...]
Oranges
A lady whom we used to address as “Chechi” / meaning sister in Malayalam in the school where I studied used to sell these tiny oranges cut in the middle with a dash of Salt and Chili powder mixture … [Read more...]
Henna – Mehendi Plant
Like any other girl, I would look forward to decorate my hands with Goranti as we called in Kannada for mehendi / henna. My sister would draw big and small circles on my palm using a broom stick … [Read more...]
Ker, berry of Rajasthan
Picture1 - Ker photographed in Jaisalmer The plants in the desert of Rajasthan are remarkable thriving in regions where the rain fall is just 2 cm a year. A plant that I took an instant liking … [Read more...]
Indian Gooseberry
I would wait impatiently for the Uttan Dwadashi festival to get over so that I could bite into the flesh of an Indian Gooseberry dipped in a mixture of salt and chili powder. It was a rule in … [Read more...]
Tulasi – Holy Basil
Tulasi Dala Matrena Jalasya Culukena Va Vikrinite Svam Atmanam Bhaktebhyo Bhakta Vatsalah|| The meaning of the above shloka is as follows - Lord Krishna is partial with devotees who offer him … [Read more...]
Guava
When we took a house for rent, a small Guava tree was already planted in the space between the house and the compound. With care and constant pruning, the tree grew to a height of 15 feet and … [Read more...]
Jaggery
"Bendekayi Thondekayi thotadallide Unde unde bella ella dabba dallide…" The meaning of this Kannada rhyme is Lady’s finger/ Bendekayi and Ivy Gourd/ Thondekayi vegetables are in the garden and … [Read more...]
Cotton
Once during summer holidays as we were walking back home from my Mama’s/Uncle's bungalow surrounded by fields in North Karnataka village, a bullock cart loaded with bales of cotton belonging to my … [Read more...]
Jamun – Indian Blackberry
Jamun is an evergreen beautiful tropical tree, native to India, Pakistan and Indonesia. In Kannada it is known as Nerale Hannu. Other common names are Jambul, Black Plum, Java Plum, Indian Blackberry, … [Read more...]
Pomegranate – Seeds with Power
On weekends when I was in school, my friend M and myself would go visiting another friend S. As the elders retired for their siesta we three would go to the first floor balcony and stealthily cross … [Read more...]
Passion Flower – Passiflora Disemma
Plant Summary: The name of the flower Passion Flower - Passiflora Disemma is derived from the Passion of Christ on the cross. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish Christian … [Read more...]
Curry Leaves – The Indian Herb
Curries without curry leaves is tantamount to pickles without salt. People living away from India always complain that the curries they prepare lack the authentic taste because fresh curry leaves are … [Read more...]
Strawberries
"Strawberries, Cherries and an Angel's kiss in spring.. My summer wine is really made from all these things." Everyone were mesmerized when Nancy Sinatra and Lee Haz sang this duet.. A promise to … [Read more...]
Lemon n’ Lime – Lemon Tree – Lime Tree
The taste of any salad, dish or drink is enhanced by adding a dash of Lemon juice. Lemons have long been a chef's and bar tenders delight. Uses of Lemons are innumerable, from beautifying the skin, … [Read more...]
