Author: Sagar
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Make Your Own Booklet Series.
The Amazing Uses of Banana Stem – 1 Over the years, Solitude Farm Café has created many projects to help educate people on the benefits of local foods. One such effort was this collection of pamphlets made by Sarah Kundig (youtube.com/myfoodforest) These simple pamphlets give people who come to the café a chance to take…
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Potatoes
In Auroville, Many people want to grow plants like potatoes in Auroville. I say to them it won’t work. If it would work, then surely farmers would be growing them already. I have worked extensively with our community in Auroville, helping to set up gardens and encouraging people to eat local foods. Claudine, from the…
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Taro plant
Taro (Colocasia esculenta), a fascinating plant with a rich anthropological history, has sustained human civilizations for millennia as both a valuable source of nutrition and a medicinal treasure. Across cultures and generations, taro has played a pivotal role in shaping culinary traditions and healing practices. Taro has been cultivated for several thousand years and was…
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My farming journey
I had always been interested in growing my own vegetables and fruits. But given my transferable job, I couldn’t pursue this interest consistently. When I came to live near Auroville, it didn’t take long for me to discover Solitude Farm! After binge-watching Krishna Mckenzie’s videos on Youtube, I signed up for the Permaculture Workshop on…
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Shade Tollerant Plants
When we create a food forest, we lose one very important resource, and that is light. Papayas, bananas, Moringa, fruit trees, etc., all make shade, and so we have to explore plants that are shade tolerant. The best of all these plants is Piper Longum which will comfortably grow in the full shade of a…
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Wild Passion Fruit Leaves
Wild passion fruit has a very interesting leaf that can be eaten in salads and added to green chutneys. The leaf has a unique velvety texture and, at first, seems a little strange on the palate, but after chewing for some seconds, the taste is really delicious. Many such leaves grow around us, and I…
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Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus niruri)
In Indian culture, the significance of traditional remedies like Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus niruri) is deeply rooted. This unassuming herb, known by its Latin name, holds a treasure trove of medicinal wonders. Indigenous to tropical regions, Keezhanelli has a rich history of supporting liver health, detoxification, and immune system strength. Respected for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,…
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Idly Making With Leaves
In various cultures, the practice of steaming food in jackfruit leaves isn’t just about culinary delight; it’s a tradition woven with both cultural significance and medicinal benefits. This age-old practice has been cherished for generations, particularly in regions where jackfruit trees thrive. The medicinal properties of jackfruit leaves are noteworthy. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids,…
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Planting tapioca
In India, probably the state where tapioca is mostly consumed is Kerala. In Kerala, it is locally called “Kappa,” and in Tamil Nadu, we call it “maravalli kizhangu or Kuchi kizhangu”. Kuchi means stick in Tamil and Kizhangu means rubber. So it is a tuber that grows from a stick. This plant takes 10 months…
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Nemutenga: The Assamese Lemon
Nemutenga, the indigenous lemon of Assam, captivates both taste buds and culture. This citrus gem, with its distinct aroma and flavor, holds a treasure trove of health benefits. Health Benefits: Rich in Vitamin C, nemutenga strengthens the immune system, aiding in the fight against infections. Its potent antioxidants help combat free radicals, promoting radiant skin…