Category: 365 Days
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Down To Earth Documentary
We’ve woven a tapestry of vegetation, a diverse array of crops that provide not only nutritional security but also resilience to the changing climate. It’s a testament to what farming should be: sustainable, organic, and in harmony with nature. I’ve cultivated a paradise that’s much more than just a farm; it’s a way of life.…
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Introduction to Gourds
Gourds, with their unique shapes and flavors, have been an integral part of cuisines worldwide. Let’s start by highlighting some popular varieties – Snake gourd, Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Ridge gourd, Sponge gourd, Ivy gourd, and Ash gourd – along with their medicinal and nutritional values. 1. Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumberina): Known for its slender,…
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Ladies Finger Varieties
Silver Queen, Burmese Gaint, Hill variety, Red, Elephant tusk, Country variety, these and more all varieties of ladies’ finger. The Burmese giant takes four and half months to grow and yield. The Burmese giant variety takes two to two and a half months to grow and yield. The Burmese giant grows to a height of…
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Avarakai
Lab Lab beans or avarakai, scientifically known as Lablab purpureus, are a type of legume characterized by their slender green pods containing edible oval-shaped seeds. These pods, typically measuring 2-4 inches in length, have a vibrant green hue, and the seeds inside are known for their mild, earthy flavor and crunchy texture. It’s worth noting…
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Banana Flower Party
Discover the delightful world of raw banana flower salad – a nutritious and refreshing dish that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. Follow these simple steps to create this unique and healthy dish. – Choose a fresh banana flower with tightly closed bracts, avoiding any brown or discolored ones. – Remove the…
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Chinna Mudaliyarchavadi PFM
I can’t even remember how long ago it was, must be 8 years ago, when some children from a local village called Chinna Mudaliyarchavadi asked me if I would teach them how to make their own vegetable garden. We did a workshop in Solitude on how to make a circle garden- an integrated mini-permaculture module.…
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Artists @ Solitude
Rocky is an old friend from Portsmouth, England. He is a mural artist working on social art projects. He first came to Auroville, and as well as getting involved with Johnny at Fertile, he undertook this wonderful mural at Solitude Farm, symbolizing all that we represent. This year, he also spent several months in Auroville…
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Midday Meal Scheme
Solitude Farm produces nearly 9-10 tonnes of produce every year. The constant feedback is that the food is amazing. Again, there is nothing particularly special about our skills; we are honoring the gifts of Mother Nature and harvesting and cooking them fresh every day. I always say that Solitude is not a “Farm” it is…
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Panavellam/ Palm Jaggery
In the heart of Tamil culture, there’s a time-honored tradition that brings a touch of magic to our meals – the creation of palm jaggery. Picture this: it is started by gently tapping the flower buds of our beloved Palmyrah palm trees, collecting their sweet nectar in earthy pots laced with lime, just like our…
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Villupuram Kondattam
Recently, I was invited to give a speech at Villupuram Kondattam, a local festival celebrating all the aspects of Tamil culture: seeds, medicinal plants, local foods, music, dance, and social needs. While watching a dance troop from Erode, it was really inspiring to hear an old man who was playing a drum say that he…