Tag: Herbs

The Plantain is a versatile vegetable, and useful as an optional staple. It grows locally, and it grows easily. It is high in ascorbic acid and iron, and can be used in several different ways. One easy way to eat Plantain is to remove the skin with a regular peeler, cut the flesh into long…

Centella asiatica Vallarai Recently in Solitude Farm, we have started to grow Vallarai. It is a plant that flourishes extensively in shady, marshy, damp and wet environments. In the right conditions, it is quite rapidly propagative, while growing thick, circular leaves which grow to about 2 inches in diameter. Besides the cultivated variety there is…

Thuthuvalai Thuvaiyal Thuthuvalai is used here traditionally in the treatment of fever, common colds and respiratory problems such as tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, sinus and chest congestion. It is essentially anti-inflammatory and also effective against microbes. Often a chutney is prepared from the leaves, and this is known as Thuthuvalai Thuvaiyal. More than just remedial, it…

A reclamation of our cultural identity can happen through eating local foods. There’s a lot of talk about organic farming but it is essential to understand that our cultures have emerged because of a relationship with local foods which include many foods that are not even found in shops. Masanobu Fukuoka says, “A society that…

One of the ladies who works at the Solitude kitchen has a grandson who had contracted dengue fever, and the doctors were very concerned about his health. We packed her off with a sack of papaya leaves and she went to Chennai to the hospital where her grandson was admitted. There she made him a…

Planting cutting is a really easy way to start growing your own food. The pineapple is great example to start with. When you are eating a pineapple, just take a moment to keep the head that you will cut off the top of it, because this is potentially a seed for a new Pineapple plant!…

Yogurt or curd is pretty commonly eaten in Tamil Nadu, and all over India. Our friend Sarah, makes a vegan coconut yogurt that is absolutely delicious. You will not miss dairy for a minute! The coconut yogurt is made with the tender coconut malai, and a little bit of coconut water, to blend it into…

If you’re looking for a protein packed, sweet treat, or a small pre-workout snack, you’ve come to the right place! The Solitude special Laddu, is a favourite! Everyone from kids to adults loves it! You wouldn’t believe how simple it is to make. Blend together roasted peanuts, roasted white sesame seeds, jaggery powder and roasted…

Malpighia emarginata The Acerola is a shrub-like plant which is believed to have originated in southern Mexico and the Caribbean,It thrives here in India as well. It blooms in delicate clusters of small, pretty pink flowers that go on to produce delicious, tart cherry-like berries. The berries have been used in modern and folk medicine.…

delectable, nutritious food for children Ragi! What’s that? Well, it’s a millet. And millets are seeds that are grown in large fields like grains, but with much less water. Millets formed the foundation of agriculture in India and were traditionally part of the Indian palate. We make fermented porridge, ragi balls and roti out of…