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...]
Watermelon – The cool fruit
In Mysore when it rained there would invariably be a power cut for long hours. So, all the kids on our street would assemble and play anthakshari/singing game, word building, narrate stories, crack … [Read more...]
Garlic for Health
“Eat onions in March and garlic in May - Then the rest of the year, your doctor can play". This Old Rhyme sums up Garlic for Health. Although, Garlic is known for its distinct odor, the flavor … [Read more...]
Goodness of Honey
Honey Sources and Extraction: Honey is a sweet substance produced by honeybees and other insects. Innumerable floral sources are available for the honeybees to extract the sweetest of nectar and … [Read more...]
Mangoes – The Versatile Fruit – Mango Tree
I remember as a child when I drew a mango for the first time in the drawing class and colored it in shades of yellow and orange with crayons. It looked delicious and over the decades my fascination … [Read more...]
