In continuation of its practice of making calendars highlighting agricultural heritage, Sahaja Samrudha, an organisation promoting agro-diversity, has released a unique calendar for 2025 depicting the State’s green cuisines.
Presented as a guide to the forgotten greens, the calendar highlights the flavours of rural Karnataka, featuring dishes like Upsaaru, Bassaru, Soppinasaaru, etc. which are considered more than just meals, according to Mr. Krishnaprasad of Sahaja Samrudha.
“They represent a tradition rooted in the land and dishes made from the leafy green vegetables are staples in many homes,” Mr. Krishnaprasad said.
Cultivated in open backyards or foraged from the roadsides, the leafy greens underline the deep connection of the rural people with their environment and the landscape in which they live, he said
A unique aspect of the calendar is the wealth of information on the diversity of greens. As per Sahaja Samrudha, it could exceed hundreds of varieties of which not much is documented or known.
The new generation growing up on a diet of fast and unhealthy food is gradually getting disconnected from the local and traditional green cuisines, and this calendar is an attempt to help reconnect them with one tradition that is not only sustainable but also eco-friendly, said Mr. Krishnaprasad.
While the general exposure to greens is limited to spinach, methi, Pudina, or mint leaves, scores of greens have been obliterated over the years due to the widespread use of herbicides. However, proponents of greens aver that greens are the best cure for many diseases given their herbal or medicinal properties.
Aloe vera is making a comeback and has got a commercial boost in the present times but there are others like holy basil, fenugreek leaves, Indian pennywort, Mexican mint, etc. which are classified under medicinal leaves. In addition to this, there are some called edible weeds which include copper leaf spinach, water spinach, garden nightshade, chakra muni, tumbe, and Ceylon spinach to name a few.
The calendar, which has been brought out in collaboration with NABARD, throws light on commonly used greens and edible tree leaves with examples of culinary delights that can be dished out from the greens. This includes seege soppu saaru, pot leaf dosa, red amaranth leaves cake, palak momos, etc.
To place orders, Krishnaprasad can be contacted at 98808 62058.
Published – January 21, 2025 06:02 pm IST
