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Can We Eat Raw Banana ??

Banana is one of the oldest and most consumed fruit across the Globe. In India banana is important part of religious rituals to food plate. The benefits of ripe banana is well known among all of us.  

The question on eating raw Banana can create confusion sometimes. Raw Bananas are very much edible and safe . People from Chhattisgarh and many of other states in India consume raw banana in different forms.

 It is cultivated in almost all the districts in state. The major Banana growing districts are Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Mahasamund Bemetara. 

Banana is one of the oldest and the world’s most important fruit crops cultivated by man from pre-historic times. A reference to the Banana in India frequently occurs in the Vedic literature, where mention is made of its use in religious rituals. It is a very popular fruit due to its low price and high nutritive value with rich source of carbohydrate and vitamins. All the parts of the plant are used hence, Banana is named as plant of virtues (Kalpataru). Modern edible banana varieties have been evolved from the two species Musa accuminata and balbisiana. Today it becomes leading tropical fruit in the world market with a highly organized and developed industry. The production of fruits in Chhattisgarh, Banana rank first. The total production of Banana fruits in Chhattisgarh is 6.17 lakh metric tones. It is cultivated in almost all the districts in state. The major Banana growing districts are Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Mahasamund Bemetara. The study is being conducted with the following specific objectives: To work out the cost and returns of Banana in the study 

Sweet Potatoes leaves -कांदा भाजी- Uses and Benefits

Germination of Sweet potato Leaves

Kanda Bhaji (Sweet Potato Leaves) 

Scientific Name - Ipomoea Batata

Is Sweet Potato Leaves Edible :

We all must be well aware of Sweet Potatoes (Sakarkand) ,its recipes as well as its health benefits. But only few among us knowing and consuming the Greens of Sweet potatoes, traditionally known in Chhattisgarh as "Kanda Bhaji". Kanda means roots in Chhattisgarh. Asia ,Africa, The Pacific Ocean region people consume Sweet Potato Leaves. 

Sweet Potato leaves/कांदा भाजी

The Green veggies(Kanda Bhaji/Saag) of Sweet Potatoes are extremely nutritious and delicious. These delicate leaves carries good amount of protein, vitamins like A,B,C,D,E,and K, fibers, minerals like Iron, Celenium, calcium, Beta Carotene, functional elements like Polyphenols, Lutein which reduce the risk of Chronic diseases.

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes Leaves :

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potato leaves (Kanda Bhaji )-1/2 kg or 5-6 bundles
• Gram lentil (Chana Dal)- 1 fist or Handful 
• Chopped Garlic - 6-7 Cloves
• Red Chilies -2-3 pieces 
• Oil -2-3 table spoons
• Salt - as per taste
• Chopped Tomatoes (optional)-1

Recipe of Sweet Potato Leaves/कांदा भाजी

Method:

• Take 1/2 kg or 5-6 bundles of  green, soft, heart shaped leaves of Sweet Potatoes(Kanda Bhaji ).

• Pluck the Kanda leaves from it's soft branches. The sweet potatoes leaves are generally very soft so it cooks very easily that's why chopping in fine pieces is not required

• Wash the leaves 3-4 times thoroughly. 

• In a cooker take the small quantity of gram lentil(Chana dal), add the half cup  of water and little salt .Close the cooker lid and switch on the gas. wait till 2-3 whistles to come. Switch off the gas and let the cooker’s pressure come down.

• Now open the lid of cooker and add Sweet Potatoes leaves (Kanda Bhaji ).Close the lid and give just 1 single whistle in  medium flame .(Do not add extra water in cooker). 

• Once the cooker's pressure comes down, open the lid and check the boiled Sweet Potatoes leaves. 

• (The boiling of the Gram lentils/Chana dal and Sweet potatoes leaves can be done in any pan or kadai also with above given quantity of water). 

• Take a pan and heat it on the gas stove. Take 2-3 spoons of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, tamper with 6-7 chopped garlic,2-3 red chilies, if you are adding chopped tomato then cook it for 2 minutes.

• Once tomatoes are added then transfers the boiled Sweet Potatoes leaves (Kanda Bhaji ) from the cooker. Mix them well and add salt further if required. Do not add any amount of water here. Cover it for some time and cook until all the water from the Bhaji  gets evaporated.

• Once leaves are dry you can serve with steamed rice and daal. The Sweet Potatoes leaves (Kanda Bhaji ) really taste delicious.

Note: Traditional Chhattisgarh foods are close to nature and give balance diet. The Sweet Potatoes leaves (Kanda Bhaji ) are very famous and part for culinary in Chhattisgarh since ages. These leaves are not only tasteful but abundantly rich with many healthy nutrients. 

Benefits Of Sweet Potato Leaves/Kanda Bhaji Health Nutrients:

1. Sweet Potato leaves contains Polyphenols ,which is very important antioxidants and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
2. The consumption of Sweet Potato Veggies maintain the necessary level of Lutein in body ,which prevents against age related molecular degeneration.
3. Sweet Potato leaves are used for many Skin related conditions.
4. Sweet Potato Leaves are rich in Vit K ,which helps in maintaining calcium level in body ,which lowers the risk of bone loss in body.
5. Sweet potato leaves lowering the risk of heart attack. It reduces the inflammation in cell linings of arteries and veins.
6. Sweet Potato leaves are good for Eyes health.  

कांदा भाजी या शकरकंदी  के पत्तों की रेसिपी हिंदी में पढ़ें :

कांदा भाजी या शकरकंदी  के पत्तों  को तोड़ लें और  अच्छे से धो लें।ये पत्तियां बहुत ही नरम होती हैं इसलिए बारीक़ काटने की ज़रुरत नहीं पड़ती। एक कुकर में थोड़ा चना दाल लें  और धो लें। १/२ कप पानी कुकर में डालें और २-३ सिटी होते तक पका लें। अब कुकर को ठंडा होने दे। अब  कुकर में दाल के साथ धुले हुए कांदा या शकरकंदी  के पत्तों को डालें और , थोड़ा नमक डाल कर कुकर को बंद कर गैस में चढ़ाएं और १ सिटी दें। अलग से और पानी डालने की ज़रुरत नहीं है।

अब  तेल गरम करें ,उसमें ६-७ कटे लहसुन ,२-३  लाल मिर्च ,और यदि अगर आप टमाटर कटे डालना चाहें तोह इस समय टमाटर के टुकड़ों को डालकर पकाएं। अब  कुकर में पके हुए कांदा भाजी या शकरकंदी  के  पत्तों को डालें और ऊपर  से स्वाद अनुसार नमक फैलाएं,और ढक कर पकने दें।   भाजी को  तब तक पकने दें जब तक पानी  पूरा  वाष्पीकृत ना हो जाए। 

एक बार भाजी अच्छे से सूख जाए तो गरम  गरम चांवल के साथ परोसें। 

टिप्पणी : छत्तीसगढ़ में गर्मियों के मौसम से बारिश की शुरुआत तक कांदा भाजी ज्यादातर खायी जाती है।  कांदा भाजी या शकरकंदी  के पत्ते  खनिज लवण से भरपूर होते हैं और पाचन में सहायक होते हैं।यह पत्तियां  स्वादिष्ट होने के साथ साथ  बहुत सारे स्वास्थ प्रदान करने वाले तत्वों से भरपूर होती है। 

Curry Leaves ( Murraya Koenigii)-Usages and Benefits

Curry Leaf Tree 

Curry Leaves 

Botanical Name : Murraya Koenigii

Murraya Koenigii (Curry leaves) are having different names in different parts of India.

Popularly Known as : Kadi Patta, Curry Patta, Meetha Neem, Karibeva, Gandhela, Gani,Karepaku

Curry leaves are indispensable part of Indian cooking. Most of the Indian household is having at least one plant of Curry leaves. The use of curry leaves add beautiful aroma and taste in Indian cooking .

"Krishna Nimba" is the name of curry leaves mentioned in "Ayurveda", which provides ultimate protection in many diseases like high cholesterol, hair fall, liver problems ,skin diseases, oral disorders.

Since ages the use of curry leaf plants are having limited uses restricted till cooking. Though the leaves, bark, stem ,roots and extracts are having many medicinal properties .It contains many therapeutic properties such as Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, vitamins ,which provides many health benefits.

Curry leaves oil is having antioxidants, antidiabetic, analgesic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, fungicidal  properties.

Parts of Curry Leaf Tree 

Curry leaf tree (Murraya Koenigii) is a Shrub with 3-5 meters of maximum height .This subtropical tree is native of Indian Subcontinent and grows in India and neighbor countries. 

Leaf : Curry leaves are small sized, bright, shiny, light or dark green in Color, oval shaped, equally arranged and contain strong aroma which gives additional flavor and taste to the food.

Murraya Koenigii Leaf

Flower : Every year or two Curry leaf plant produces beautiful small white flowers arranged in umbrella shaped and looks like a big flower. The flower has its own fragrance. Later these flowers turn into oval shaped fruits .

 Flower of Curry Leaf

Fruit : The flower produces green ,oval shaped fruits in bunch .The color of these green fruits changed into light pink or red. 

green ,oval shaped fruits of Curry Leaf

The flowers of the Curry Leaf tree are self pollinated and produce Black color seed inside each oval fruit.

Ripe fruits

Curry Leaf in Chhattisgarh :

In Chhattisgarh Curry leaf (Murraya Koenigii) grows widely. Raigarh, Bilaspur, Raipur, Dantewada, Koria, Jashpur, Ambikapur ,Kabirdhaam are the places where Curry Leaf plants (Murraya Koenigii) cultivated. Nowadays commercial demands are also fulfilled by these districts. Low cost ,less space requirement and constant demand make Curry Leaf a profitable product.

Due to medicinal properties the demand of Dry Curry Leaves and Curry Leaf oil has increased.  

Usages and Benefits of Curry Leaf (Murraya Koenigii):

1. Curry leaves are used for seasoning in Indian cooking , due to its aromatic properties.

2. Roasted leaves are used as main ingredients in making of different masalas.

3. The Curry leaves are considered as herbs and anti diseases properties are used in different therapies like Ayurveda, siddha .  

4. Curry Leaves are having very good antioxidants properties.

5. Good in Diabetes control .

6. Good for hair growth 

7. Good for Skin 

8. Good for oral health 

#CurryleafinChhattisgarh

#importanceofCurryleaf

कुम्हड़ा और उड़द दाल की बड़ियाँ-छत्तीसगढ़ की उड़द दाल और कद्दू बड़ी

Making badis (Pupkin balls) are very famous and healthy traditional method of preserving food items for long .Using pumpkin and lentils make it super healthy and nutritious. The days specially in summers, unavailability of vegetables these badis or Pumpkin balls plays pivotal role.

Please watch complete Kumhada and Udad dal Badi Recipe Here:

                                       

Chhattisgarh Recipes's Kumhada Badi :

Take a big size red Pumpkin/Kaddu/Kumhada(3-4 kgs)  .

Take Udad dal(white lentil) and soak it for 4-5 hours.

Now cut the Pumpkin in pieces and remove the seeds from pumpkin pieces.

Red Pumpkin/Kumhada/Kaddu

The Pumpkin pieces are ready for grating. 

Transfer the pulp in cotton cloth to remove the water and leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Grated Pumpkin for badi

Meanwhile grind the soaked lentils . The Udad dal paste should be concentrated, so add very little water for smooth grinding. 

Udad dal Paste

Whip the dal(lentil) paste thoroughly, so it will become more light and fluffy .

Mix the grated red Pumpkin/Kumhada with the Udad dal paste and whip both the things together for 5-7 minutes. The paste is ready(to check the paste's lighter consistency ,take a jug of water and dip a small ball of the paste in it. If the ball float's in water consider paste is ready for making Badis.

Kaddu and Udad Dal Paste

Now take big trays (traditionally it is made with bamboo sticks and locally known as "Parra").

Spread a wet cotton cloth over it and start making round balls from the red Pumpkin(Kaddu) paste.

Once the whole paste gets over then dry them under hot sun for 2 days.

Badiyan 

After 2 days change the sides and let it dry for next 1-2 days,till it gets completely dry.

Once Badis are dried ,store them in a container.  

छत्तीसगढ़ की प्रसिद्ध कुम्हड़ा या कद्दू  की  बड़ी -पूरी विधि

३ -५ किलो भार का एक मखना या कुम्हड़ा  लें। साथ ही १ किलो उड़द दाल को ४-५ घंटों के लिए  भीगा लें। कद्दू को बीच से २  टुकड़ों में काटें। कद्दू  के बीजों को अलग कर लेंऔर कद्दू कस करें।सूती के कपड़े में घिसे कुम्हड़े को रखें।  इस बीच दाल को पानी से निकाल लें और दाल को पीसें।गाढ़ा पेस्ट बनाएं। दाल के पेस्ट को अच्छी तरह फेंटे।कपड़े में कद्दू के फर से पानी निकल चुका है। दाल के साथ किसे कद्दू को मिलाएं और फेंटते रहें,फेंटने के बाद पेस्ट बहुत हल्का हो जाता है। पेस्ट तैयार है। 

कद्दू का पेस्ट बड़ी बनाने के लिए तैयार है यह देखने के लिए , एक पानी से भरे जग में पेस्ट का एक बॉल बना कर डालें। अगर यह ऊपर आ जाता है तो पेस्ट बडियों  तैयार है।   

अब बड़े लकड़ी के ट्रे (पर्रे) के ऊपर गिला सूती कपडा बिछा लें और बडियों को गीले कपड़े पर डालते चलें।बड़ी को  कड़ी धूप में सूखने के लिए छोड़ें1-2 दिन बाद बड़ी को पलटा कर सुखाएं,बड़िया सूख कर तैयार हैं। 

#कुम्हड़ा और उड़द दाल की बड़ियाँ 

#छत्तीसगढ़ की उड़द दाल और कद्दू बड़ी 

Food For Soul From Chhattisgarh

#foodforsoul 

A Plate from Chhattisgarh the Rice Bowl Of India 

It's simple , healthy, attractive and tasteful.A simple meal can fill the tummy & heart both.

A Healthy Food Plate from Chhattisgarh

 

Bastar's Unique Food Traditions

Bastar's Unique Food Tradition

Southern part of the state of Chhattisgarh is called Bastar. It's 60% area is covered by dense forest. Gond,Batra,Halba,Dorla are the main native tribes of Bastar.

Bastar (Charama to Konta)

Though Bastar is part of Chhattisgarh, but it has its own individual cultural identity and food tradition. The people from Bastar inherit the most pure form of food culture and culinary methods. Here,the tribes are highly dependent on the wild forest . Their food preparation,methods are raw and still for some tribes, cooking is not the mandatory process.  

Grains, Millets, Vegetables, fruits, small animals, roots, legumes, lentils, plant beverages , dried vegetables, nuts,seeds are some common category of food culture ,which is consumed by locals in raw, processed or cooked form. 

Through out the year with different seasons ,different products come from the forest. Like Mahua comes in spring ,Tendu comes in Summer , Bamboo shoots come out in Mansoon ,Pembeeja comes in autumn.

Bamboo Shoots

Grains and Millets 

Though paddy is a main crop in Chhattisharh , but people and tribes from Bastar consume millets like Kodo, Kutki, Kulthi, Ragi or Madiya as well as they cultivate Masoor, Maize, Arhar.Jwar, Bajra, Makka are used as main ingredients in their food. Pej the semi liquid water from grain,millets is main staple food for the locals.  

Pej-water from cooked grains or millets

The food habit of people from Bastar are very close to the nature. In their cultivation process the use of pesticides are very less. Now days major of the locals do settled farming but tradition of shift or migrate farming still exist among some of the tribes community. 

Leaves

Leaves are an important portion  in Chhattisgarh's food plate. The consumption of different leafy vegetables is very  popular food habbit in whole Chhattisgarh including Bastar. Amaranth, Koliaribhaji,Kanatabhaji,Khatabhaji, Sarsonbhaji, Bhathua, Charota, Mlakangni (black oil tree, swarnalata, jyotismati),Silyari bhaji(phul bhaji),safed musali (Karauli /Chlorophytum arundinaceum),Munda saag (Gokharu),Guma (Dronapushpi),Bhawarmal

Khatta Bhaji

Most of the varieties of leaves are having medicinal properties and commonly used in Ayurveda.

Forest Products

Some of the super food like Boda, Futu, Yum, Bamboo, Bamboo shoots and Colacasia directly come from Bastar's dense forest. These wild food products required minimum process before consumption.

Mushroom

Mahua, Imli ,Tamarind, Aamla, Banana, Mangoes are the main products, which are taken directly from the forest and consumed for personal and commercial purposes.

Aamla-Gooseberry

Drinks and liquors

With Mahua, Sulfi, Tadi, Landa(made from fermented rice) are few different alcohol based drinks, which are extracted and made by natural resources like fruits and crops. Ceenda is a stimulator drink like coffee made from seeds of Ceenda (coffeweed/kasunda/Caisiya Odeedentialis).

Commercial Food and products from Bastar

Mahua, Imali (Indian Dates), Tendu patta, Sarai are cash by products from the Bastar forest, as it gives revenue to the local people. Local markets,Madai ,Haat are the commercial places for the locals to sale their products collected from the Forest.

Mahua Tree -Madhuca Longifolia

Mahua (Madhuca Longifolia) is a trademark for Bastar tribal culture and economy. Every part of this tree is useful. The bark off the tree, flowers, fruits are useful and keep a demand in the market. The Bark has a medicinal value. Seed is used for extracting mahua oil which can be used for food preparation, cosmetic uses. Mahua flowers are collected and dried to make liquor out of it. Almost all traditional rituals are incomplete without using mahua in Bastar.

Chironji is other cash product which has high value in the market .It is considered as dry fruit.

Imali and Imali seeds (Tamarind and Tamarind seeds) is one of the major forest products ,which gives sustainability for livelihood. Jagdalpur is Asia's biggest market for Imali (Tamarind) and influence the price of Tamarind across India.Imali seeds are very useful for medicinal purposes.

Dried Mango seeds collected by locals gives great opportunity for creating Dried Mango Powder market of India.

Dried Mango-Amchur

Yum/tapioca/Ban aloo or Karu Kanda is commonly find and extracted from the Jungle and process to make chips from it . 

The Raw Turmeric is heavily consumed by local tribes since years in their food preparation and which is considered one of the reasons behind their good health immunity.

Kacchi Haldi- Raw Turmeric

Nonvegetarian food habits :

Non vegetarian food has influence on Bastar's food culture.Different types of  fish, lobster are very common is regular food habbits. They keep dried fish for the summers. Other than fish, Chicken,Goat are consumed by locals.

Chapda Chatni which is specialty of Bastar region made with red ants. Local consider it as medicinal and rich in nutrients. 

Aamat is kind of sambar made in Bastar with the use of different kind of vegetables including Bamboo Shoot .

The special preparation of rice are sweet vada, nariyal mithi which is prepared by coconut, gudiya khaja ,Mahua laddoo which is prepared by Mahua, are used as some of the traditional sweets.

The use of pumpkin red and white, papaya, tuma, Lauki are used to make Badiyan.

Rakhiya Badi

Cashew (Kaju) in Bastar :  

In 1970 Bastar's tropical weather was found suitable for the Cashew farming. Since then cashew saplings where planted in large number in different parts of  Bastar region. Now the production of cashew has been increased many fold ,which is also generating income for locals.

The food tradition of Bastar is unique in different parameters .The dense forest, tribes and weather creates a combination,which is raw, healthy, close to nature. Bastar's Unique Tradition is still untasted and unexplored by the rest of the world . 

#Bastartribalfood, 

#famousfoodofBastar,

#Bastarhaat,

#Bastar'sforestproducts,

#TraditionaltribalfoodsofBastar,