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PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

With the Season of Mangoes & Jackfruits, some recipes pop out frequently in an Indian Kitchen. This is one Curry which pops out in our kitchen during Mango season, a family recipe made with Ripe /slightly ripe Mangoes. This is a Curry and when we say a Curry with Ripe Mango(mambazham), Mambazha Pulissery tops the list in Kerala Cuisine. But this Pazhutha Manga Curry/Sweet Mango Curry is an equivalently tasty and under-rated curry, which has not found its way into most kitchens. This recipe is from my MIL's repertoire. A family recipe made when Mangoes are in season, and my Mil prefers to make this recipe with the Salem Mangoes - the long, not sour ones, slightly ripe but yet raw ones tastes great when converted into this Sweet Mango Curry.

At home, we call it Manga Curry or Pazhutha Manga Curry. And we have it as a curry, a side dish to go along with Rice. The Mangoes are used with the skin, and we add the Seed with a bit of flesh into the Curry. This Pazhutha Manga Curry is Sweet, slightly sour and spicy - a combination of tastes which makes this an excellent combo with Rice. And if you are a Mango person and if you love slightly sweet & sour combos, then this curry is sure to appease your taste buds. This Pazhutha Manga Curry has to be sweet, a bit sour; sometimes with a hint of hot spices. In fact, it is a fine balance between all these flavours.

PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

Mangoes always takes me back to memories of an anecdote my Mother shared with me when I was a kid -

It was from a Malayalam Poem named MAMBAZHAM (Ripe Mango), written by Vylopilli Sreedhara Menon. The gist of the poem is - about the sad memories of a mother who had lost her child recently. A ripe mango falling from a Mango tree in her courtyard, regretfully and with a sense of loss reminds the Mother, that she had scolded her child from plucking the Mango flower blooms. She had warned the enthusiastic child who came with a bunch of Mango blooms in his hands that plucking the blooms will spoil the yield. Regretfully, the child said that he would never ever go near the tree again, even to pluck ripe mangoes. And even before the Mangoes ripened, the child had passed away. The Poet through his golden letters reminds us that Children are incarnations of God, and their innocent words could come true.

I wanted to make it up to keep a note of this poem in one of my posts, and here it goes like this...

അങ്കണ തൈമാവില്‍ നിന്നാദ്യത്തെ പഴം വീഴ്‌കെ
അമ്മതൻ നേത്രത്തില്‍ നിന്നുതിര്‍ന്നൂ ചുടുകണ്ണീര്‍
നാലുമാസത്തിന്‍ മുന്‍പില്‍ ഏറെ നാള്‍ കൊതിച്ചിട്ടീ
ബാലമാകന്ദം പൂവിട്ടുണ്ണികള്‍ വിരിയവേഅമ്മതന്‍ മണിക്കുട്ടന്‍ പൂത്തിരികത്തിച്ചപോൽ
അമ്മലര്‍ച്ചെണ്ടൊന്നൊടിച്ചാഹ്ലാദിച്ചടുത്തെത്തീ
ചൊടിച്ചൂ മാതാവപ്പോൾ ഉണ്ണികള്‍ വിരിഞ്ഞ
പൂവിറുത്തു കളഞ്ഞല്ലോ കുസൃതിക്കുരുന്നേ നീ
മാങ്കനി വീഴുന്നേരം ഓടിച്ചെന്നെടുക്കേണ്ടോന്‍
പൂങ്കുല തല്ലുന്നതു തല്ലുകൊള്ളാഞ്ഞിട്ടല്ലേ
പൈതലിൻ ഭാവം മാറി വദനാംബുജം വാടീ
കൈതവം കാണാക്കണ്ണ് കണ്ണുനീർത്തടാകമായ്
മാമ്പഴം പെറുക്കുവാന്‍ ഞാന്‍ വരുന്നില്ല എന്നവൻ
മാന്‍പെഴും മലർക്കുലയെറിഞ്ഞു വെറും മണ്ണിൽ
വാക്കുകൾ കൂട്ടിച്ചൊല്ലാൻ വയ്യാത്ത കിടാങ്ങളേ
ദീർഘദർശനം ചെയ്യും ദൈവജ്ഞരല്ലോ നിങ്ങൾ
തുംഗമാം മീനച്ചൂടാൽ തൈമാവിൻ
മരതകക്കിങ്ങിണി സൗഗന്ധിക സ്വർണ്ണമായ് തീരും മുന്‍പേ
മാങ്കനി വീഴാന്‍ കാത്തു നിൽക്കാതെ
മാതാവിന്റെ പൂങ്കുയിൽ കൂടും വിട്ട് പരലോകത്തെ പൂകി
വാനവർക്കാരോമലായ് പാരിനെക്കുറിച്ചുദാസീനനായ്
ക്രീഡാരസലീനനായ്‌ അവന്‍ വാഴ്‌കെ
അങ്കണ തൈമാവില്‍ നിന്നാദ്യത്തെ പഴം വീഴ്‌കെ
അമ്മതന്‍ നേത്രത്തില്‍ നിന്നുതിര്‍ന്നൂ ചുടുകണ്ണീര്‍
തന്മകന്നമുദേകാന്‍ താഴോട്ടു നിപതിച്ച പൊന്‍പഴം
മുറ്റത്താര്‍ക്കും വേണ്ടാതെ കിടക്കവേ
അയൽ‌പക്കത്തെ കൊച്ചുകുട്ടികള്‍
ഉല്‍സാഹത്തോടവർതൻ മാവിൻ‌ചോട്ടിൽ കളിവീടുണ്ടാക്കുന്നു
പൂവാലനണ്ണാർക്കണ്ണാ മാമ്പഴം തരിക
എന്നു പൂവാളും കൊതിയോടെ വിളിച്ചുപാടീടുന്നു
ഉതിരും മധുരങ്ങളോടിച്ചെന്നെടുക്കുന്നൂ
മുതിരും കോലാഹലമങ്കലധ്വാനത്തോടും
വാസന്തമഹോത്സവമാണവർക്ക്
എന്നാൽ അവൾക്കാഹന്ത കണ്ണീരിനാല്‍ അന്ധമാം വര്‍ഷാകാലം
വാസന്തമഹോത്സവമാണവർക്ക്‌
എന്നാൽ അവൾക്കാഹന്ത കണ്ണീരിനാല്‍ അന്ധമാം വര്‍ഷാകാലംപുരതോനിസ്തബ്ധയായ് തെല്ലിട നിന്നിട്ട് തന്‍
ദുരിതഫലം പോലുള്ള ആ പഴമെടുത്തവള്‍
തന്നുണ്ണിക്കിടാവിന്റെ താരുടൽ മറചെയ്ത
മണ്ണിൽ താൻ നിക്ഷേപിച്ചു മന്ദമായ് ഏവം ചൊന്നാൾ
ഉണ്ണിക്കൈക്കെടുക്കുവാൻ ഉണ്ണിവായ്ക്കുണ്ണാൻ വേണ്ടി
വന്നതാണീ മാമ്പഴം വാസ്തവമറിയാതെ
നീരസം ഭാവിച്ച് നീ പോയിതെങ്കിലും
കുഞ്ഞേ നീയിതു നുകര്‍ന്നാലേ അമ്മക്കു സുഖമാവൂ
പിണങ്ങിപ്പോയീടിലും പിന്നെ ഞാൻ വിളിക്കുമ്പോൾ
കുണുങ്ങിക്കുണുങ്ങി നീ ഉണ്ണുവാൻ വരാറില്ലേ
വരിക കണ്ണാൽ കാണാ‍ൻ വയ്യാത്തൊരെന്‍ കണ്ണനേ
തരസാനുകർന്നാലും തായതൻ നൈവേദ്യം നീ
ഒരു തൈകുളിര്‍കാറ്റായ് അരികത്തണഞ്ഞ്
അപ്പോള്‍ അരുമക്കുഞ്ഞിൻ പ്രാണൻ അമ്മയെ ആശ്ലേഷിച്ചു

PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

Cuisine - Kerala Recipe Type - Curry
Spice Level - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2-3
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY
PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

INGREDIENTS:

For Pazhutha Manga Curry:

Slightly Ripe/Ripe Mango - 1 No.(big sized)
Jaggery - 1/2 Cup
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 11/2 Teaspoon

Coriander Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Salt - To Taste

For Tempering:

Mustard Seeds - 1 Teaspoon
Dry Red Chillies - 1 No.
Fenugreek Seeds - a Pinch
Asafoetida - a Pinch
Curry Leaves - a Sprig
Green Chillies - 2 Nos.
Coconut Oil - 2 Teaspoons

METHOD:

Melt Jaggery in 1/2 Cup of Water, strain any impurities and keep it aside.
Wash the slightly Ripe Mango, cut it into length wise, can use the seed too.
The skin is not removed from the Mango for this recipe.
Meanwhile, dry roast Red Chilli Powder & Coriander Powder on a very low until it turns fragrant.
Care should be taken not to burn the spices while dry roasting, which will totally spoil the taste of the Curry.
Add a dash of Salt, Turmeric Powder and dry roasted Spice Powders to the Mango Pieces, along with some water, green chillies slit into two and cook until Mangoes are cooked, but still the flesh should be firm.
Pour in the Jaggery Syrup to the above and cook on a low flame for about 5–7 minutes.
Adjust the consistency to suit your preference.
Meanwhile, Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Dry Red Chillies, Asafoetida and Curry Leaves.
Pour the tempering over the Pazhutha Manga Curry and give a quick stir.
Pazhutha Manga Curry can be served along with Rice.
Pazhutha Manga Curry can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

NOTES:

Cut the Mangoes into the desired size.
At home, the Mangoes are cut lengthwise with the skin.
Adjust the amount of Jaggery to balance the sourness of the Mangoes, when cooking with slightly ripe mangoes.
If you are using ripe mangoes, adjust the amount of Jaggery to suit your taste preference.
Pazhutha Manga Curry has a combination of tastes like Sweet, Sour & Spiciness.
I have used Ripe Mangoes in this recipe. Can use slightly sweet (not so ripe) Mangoes for the recipe.
My Mother in law prefers to cook this recipe with slightly ripe Salem Mangoes.

CHAKKA AVIYAL - JACK FRUIT AVIYAL

"Summer proclaims its arrival with a Midas touch" - Bunches of Golden Shower Flowers drooping out from the trees - Kani Konna Poo. Shredding the beauty and bounty announcing the arrival of New Year in South India. Vishu - Malayalam New Year & I have loads of memories celebrating this festival as 'Vishu' at home. Vishu is round the corner and many of us have already been thinking what could be prepared for the special day's Sadhya spread out - Vishu Sadhya.

When the Summer hits, the seasonal fruits like Chakka & Manga(jack fruit & Mango) could be found in abundance in the households. A Kerala backyard would surely have a Jackfruit & a Mango Tree by default, and it is the season when the produce finds its peak. Even the market would be loaded with Jack fruit & Mangoes. Vishu which comes during the Season and a Vishu Sadhya would mostly showcase dishes with Raw or Ripe Jack Fruit & Mangoes. Dishes like Mango Pachadi, Mambazha Pulissery, Manga Curry, Chakka Aviyal, Mambazha Pradhaman or Chakka Pradhaman would be cooked for Vishu Sadhya when Mangoes and Jack fruits are in season. So, why not try out a dish with the seasonal produce for this year's, Vishu Sadhya?

In a long list of side dishes served in a Sadhya, 'Aviyal' takes a special place. It is a wonderful combination of cooked Vegetables in a Coconut-Curd (Yogurt) Mix, mildly spiced and seasoned to perfection. Mostly local Vegetable are used to while preparing Aviyal. Here comes, a dish with a twist to the traditional Aviyal - Chakka Aviyal. Chakka Aviyal is one of the most traditional methods of cooking Raw Jackfruits along with Jack fruit Seeds & Mangoes. It is normally prepared with Raw Jack fruit & Mangoes. Though the seeds from Raw Jackfruit are added, the Seeds from Ripe Jackfruit tastes great in this Chakka Aviyal adding an overall texture to the dish.

CHAKKA AVIYAL - JACK FRUIT AVIYAL

Raw/unripe Jackfruits have a neutral flavour and more or less it tastes like a root. You can add it to a variety of dishes, such as curries, Chakka Aviyal, Stir-fries or prepare Chips(Chakka Chips) etc., The idea of cutting into a massive, thick-skinned rind is quite intimidating. And if you have no experience doing such chores like me, then it is absolutely a feat which needs some help. Jackfruit is green when unripe, with soft and not so-yellow interior. Choose a Jackfruit which is Raw but not very tender and immature for Chakka/Jackfruit Aviyal. It should have Fruit Pods and the seeds should be soft too.

During the season where chakka or jackfruit is available aplenty, think up of unique ways to cook th...

Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/food/mrs-k-m-mathew/2018/06/30/chakka-aviyal.html

For more SADHYA Recipes, click here...

Cuisine - Kerala (South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Low - Moderate
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15 - 20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes

For more recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA click here...

HOW TO MAKE CHAKKA AVIYAL - JACK FRUIT AVIYAL - VISHU SADHYA SPECIAL

CHAKKA AVIYAL - JACK FRUIT AVIYAL

INGREDIENTS :

For Chakka Aviyal:

Unripe/Raw Jackfruit - 2 Cups
Jack Fruit Seeds - 1 Cup
Raw Mango - 1/2 Cup
Turmeric Powder - ½ Teaspoon
Water - 1/4 Cup
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

To Grind :

Green Chillies - 4–5 Nos.
Curry Leaves - 1 Sprig
Coconut - 1 Cup
Coconut Oil - 1 Teaspoon

For Final Seasoning:

Curd - 1/2 Cup
Coconut Oil - 1 Tablespoons
Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs

METHOD:

To Clean & Cut the Raw Jack Fruit:

Cut open the unripe/raw Jackfruit, remove the centre core(which has latex).
Cut through the rags and remove the Fruit Pods along with the Seeds.
Can use few soft rags sticking on to the fruit pods for cooking.
Cut open the Fruit Pods and remove the seeds from the pods, discard the soft seed shells, then clean & peel the Jackfruit Seeds.
Chop the Fruit Pods and the soft Seeds & keep them aside.

To Clean & Cut the Jack Fruit Seeds:

Use a handful of Jack fruit seeds from fully ripe Jackfruit pods.
Peel off the white shell from the Jackfruit Seeds.
Soak the Jackfruit Seeds in Water for at least 3–4 hours or overnight.
Scrape out the brown skin from the Seeds (Soaking helps you to scrape out the skin easily)
Cut the Seeds into small pieces, wash and keep it aside.

For Chakka Aviyal:

CHAKKA AVIYAL - JACK FRUIT AVIYAL

Cook the chopped Jackfruit Pods, soft jack fruit seeds & Jack fruit seeds (from Ripe Jack fruit) in 1/2 a Cup of Water along with Turmeric Powder and a dash of Salt.
Alternatively, can cook the above ingredients in a Pressure cooker for a Whistle or two.
Cover the pan & cook the ingredients on a medium-low flame, stirring occasionally.
Once the Jackfruit Pods and Jack fruit Seeds turn soft and tender, switch off the flame.
Now add chopped Raw Mangoes and cook this on a low flame until the mangoes turn soft & cooked.
Meanwhile, heat 1 Teaspoon of Coconut Oil in a pan, add slit Green Chillies and sauté in a very low flame for few seconds.
Immediately add Grated Coconuts, Curry leaves and give a quick stir.
Fry this on a very low flame for about a minute.
Grind this coarsely and keep it aside.
Add the coarsely ground Coconut Mix and mix well.
Leave this on a low flame for a few minutes, or until the raw flavour goes.
Pour in the Curd and give a quick stir.
Add a pinch of Sugar and mix well.
Simmer the mix for about 2–3 minutes, or until it turns semi-dry.
Finally, finish off the dish with a drizzle of Coconut Oil and garnish it with Curry Leaves.
Chakka Aviyal goes well with Kerala Rose Matta Rice or steamed Rice.
Aviyal is one must-have dish when it comes to a Kerala Sadhya/Banquet.

NOTES :

Do not overcook the ingredients for this Aviyal.
I have used Raw Jack fruit, soft jackfruit seeds, Jack fruit seeds from ripe Jack fruits and Raw Mangoes in this Chakka Aviyal.
Can also add Nendhra Kaya (Raw Nendhra Banana), Vellirikka(Yellow Cucumber), Drumsticks et., into this Aviyal. Some even add a few pods of Ripe Jack Fruits into this Aviyal, which gives a slight sweetness to the dish.
Adjust the amount of Raw Mangoes to suit your preference of tanginess.
Do not over-fry the Coconut, the idea is to just give a quick stir in Coconut Oil, which would enhance the overall flavour of the dish and also removes the raw flavour from Green chillies and Coconuts. This is how my Mom does it.
Chakka Aviyal is a semi-dry dish. Adjust the consistency accordingly.
Adding Sugar helps to balance the overall taste of this dish, but it is truly optional.
Fresh Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves gives an authentic taste to Aviyal, can use any oil of your choice.

CHENA THORAN/UPPERI - STIR-FRIED ELEPHANT YAM

Recipes with Elephant Foot Yam or so-called Chena in Malayalam pops out only when I get hold of this vegetable. We do not get Elephant Foot Yam in Malaysia, so a trip to Singapore is always incomplete without one or two big sized Yams from Little India. It is my husband's favourite vegetable and until the stock gets over, I would repeatedly be making Chena Mezhukkupuratti or Chena Thoran/Upperi, or Chena Fry. I love to incorporate it into Avial, Koottukari, Kalan, Moru Curry etc., & etc.,
This Chena Thoran/Upperi is a simple Kerala Style stir fry prepared with Chena/Elephant Yam usually seasoned with mild spices and condiments and finally topped up with few spoons of grated coconut. Thoran/Upperi is a predominant Sadhya Item served along with various other dishes in a Kerala Sadhya(Banquet). This quick & easy Chena/Elephant Yam Thoran can easily be squeezed into your Sadhya item.

Few other Thoran/Upperi which can be served in a Sadhya or a simple Lunch Menu:

Thoran is a classical Kerala Style stir-fried vegetable which is a common style of preparation in Kerala Cuisine. Some regions of Kerala call it 'Upperi'. It is one dish served in the long list of Sadhya (Banquet) item during Onam/Vishu. The authentic taste of Thorans comes from Coconut & Coconut Oil used in the recipe. Goes well with steamed rice or Kerala Rose Matta Rice. Simply serve it with Moru Curry/Moru Kachiyathu/Pulissery or any other curry of your choice and Pappadam for a complete meal.

For more recipes for SADHYA, click here...

Cuisine - Kerala (South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Moderate
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10-15 Minutes

For more Recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA click here...

HOW TO MAKE CHENA THORAN/UPPERI

KERALA STYLE ELEPHANT FOOT YAM STIR-FRY

INGREDIENTS :

Chena/Elephant Yam - 2 Cups
Shallots - 4-5 Nos.
Garlic - 1-2 Cloves (Optional)
Green Chillies - 2 Nos.
Coconut - 2-3 Tbspn
Turmeric Powder - 1/8th Tspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

For Tempering :

Mustard Seeds - 1 Tspn
Bengal Gram/Urad Dhal - 1 Tspn(Optional)
Curry Leaves - 1 Sprig
Coconut Oil - 1 Tbspn.

METHOD :

Clean, Peel & wash the Elephant Yam.
Chop the Elephant Yam into small cubes and soak it in salted water for few minutes.
Add chopped Elephant Yam/Chena along with Turmeric Powder, a dash of Salt & a pinch of Sugar.
Pour in 1/2 Cup of Water and cook until the vegetable turns soft.
Do not overcook, it shouldn't turn mushy.
Meanwhile, finely chop Shallots, Green Chillies & Garlic.
Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Bengal Gram/Urad Dhal and Curry Leaves.
Add finely chopped Shallots, Green Chillies, Garlic and saute until shallots turn translucent.
Add the cooked Elephant Yam/Chena and give a quick stir.
Add in grated Coconut and mix well.
Cook for a while on a low flame.
Switch off the flame and serve Elephant Yam/Chena Thoran/Upperi hot with steamed White Rice or Kerala Rose Matta Rice.
Can be served along with any Curry fo your choice and Rice, it goes well as a side dish with Moru Curry/Moru Kachiyathu/Pulissery, Rasam etc.,
Can serve this Chena Thoran/Upperi as one side dish in the long list of Sadhya Items.

NOTES :

I have pre-cooked the Elephant Yams in a Sauce Pan before adding it along with the seasonings.
Alternatively can pre-cook the vegetable in a Pressure Cooker for a whistle.
Some do not add Onions & Garlic while cooking for a Sadhya.
Adding Garlic is truly optional.
I have used Coconut Oil in the recipe, can use any other vegetable oil.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapple, the fruit is so much related to Tropical for me. A popular fruit packed with nutrients, antioxidants and other helpful compounds, such as enzymes that can fight inflammation and diseases.
Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity and speeding up recovery from surgery. Pineapples can be eaten raw or can be processed in a variety of food products such as Jam, Juice, Wine and it is one popular fruit sold Canned. Pineapples are also incredibly versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Pineapple offers a wealth of health benefits due to its high nutrient and antioxidant contents.
Pineapples are rich in Vitamins A and K, Phosphorus, Zinc and Calcium. It is especially rich in Vitamin C and Manganese. Vitamin C is essential for growth and development, maintain a healthy immune system and aiding the absorption of Iron from our diet. Meanwhile, Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that aids growth, maintains healthy metabolism and has antioxidant properties. Pineapple with its loaded nutrient is one best fruit to boost the immune system.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF A PINEAPPLE

Pineapples are low in calories but have an incredibly impressive nutrient profile. Pineapples have been a part of traditional medicine for centuries.

BOOSTS ENERGY:

Pineapple has a rich source of Manganese, which helps to boost the creation of enzymes which are responsible for boosting up the energy in our Body.

WEIGHT LOSS:

The high water content in the fruit proves beneficial for Weight Loss. Pineapples are a low-calorie, fat-free food with a low Glycemic Index. Pineapple also contains compounds with antioxidant properties and also helps to improve energy metabolism.

EYE HEALTH:

Due to the high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C, Pineapple may even help prevent cataracts and other age-related eye conditions like age-related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma etc., Also, it contains a lot of Beta carotene – an essential element needed for a healthy vision that should be consumed regularly.

CANCER:

Pineapple contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to Cancer. The enzyme Bromelain is a compound found in Pineapple, which may stimulate cell death in certain cancer cells and aid white blood cell function. Pineapples contain loads of antioxidants that help to capture and fight against free radicals. This slows down the cell damage process, thus preventing some types of cancer. Certain enzymes found in Pineapple can shrink or kill cancer cells.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

Pineapple is rich in Potassium. The high Potassium content helps to reduce the effects of Sodium in people with High Blood Pressure. It also helps to ease the tension of the blood vessels and promotes proper blood circulation to various parts of the body. As your blood vessels relax, your blood pressure reduces and the flow of blood is less restricted. Pineapples can help prevent such conditions as Stroke and Atherosclerosis.

HEALTHY BOWEL:

Pineapples provide the essential dietary fibre along with Vitamin C, which aids in Digestion & a healthy bowel. Pineapples have proved to soothe inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing gut inflammation and preventing diarrhoea. Also, it helps to digest protein-rich foods. Pineapples are a good source of fibre. It soothes the stomach and promotes digestion. It also hydrates the body and helps in regular bowel movements which may reduce the risk of constipation and protect against bowel diseases. It also strengthens the Kidneys by flushing out the toxins.

RELIEVES NAUSEA:

A glass of Pineapple Juice can help beat the morning sickness for pregnant women. It is also helpful for people suffering from motion sickness. Few glasses of Pineapple juice just before a long bus trip or a flight can reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.

IMMUNITY:

Pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties that may boost the immune system. Pineapples are a powerful source of Vitamin C, a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage and prevents joint pains and heart diseases.

BONE HEALTH:

In addition to Vitamin C, Pineapples also have plenty of Manganese which strengthens bones and connecting tissues. Manganese helps in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.One cup of fresh Pineapple Juice contains over 70% of the required daily dose of manganese. Kids, adults and elderly people should eat a few chunks of pineapple a day to keep their bodies strong.

HEALTHY SKIN:

Vitamin C in the fruit proves beneficial for the skin. Manganese in Pineapples supports healthy bones and tissues, while the antioxidant vitamin C promotes healing and helps your body absorb Iron. Antioxidants in Pineapples may reduce cellular damage by protecting cell membranes.

TREATS SINUSES & ALLERGY SWELLINGS:

Vitamin C helps to reduce mucus in the throat and nose. Adding Pineapples in your daily diet is believed to ease up up seasonal allergies.

TREATS COLD & COUGH:

Pineapples are loaded with Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds. This proves to be a great remedy for treating nasty colds & coughing. Bromelain present in Pineapples reduce swellings and respiratory problems. Enzymes in Pineapples helps to reduce the inflammation and clean up excessive mucus in the respiratory system. It is believed that a glass of Pineapple Juice can soothe the symptom of Cold & Cough faster than a glass of Orange Juice.

PREVENT ASTHMA:

Beta-carotene is found in pineapples can lower the risk of Asthma. It also helps to detox your body from harmful substances and reduce inflammation levels caused by stress, pollution and poor nutrition.

REDUCES BLOOD CLOT:

Bromelain present in Pineapples helps reduce excessive coagulation of the blood.

STRENGTHEN THE GUMS:

Astringent agents present in Pineapples help to tighten up gum tissues and even prevent oral cancer. Pineapple is believed to fix loosening of teeth or the retraction of the gums. Keep your teeth healthy and strong by munching some Pineapples.

TREATS ACNE:

Pineapples can be used both externally and internally to improve your skin condition. The anti-inflammatory qualities of Vitamin C, Bromelain and special enzymes found in Pineapples proves beneficial in treating Acne. Mix it with some turmeric for an amazing natural mask to treat your face.

TREATS FOOT CRACKS:

Scrubbing your feet with Pineapple helps to get soothing relief for inflammation and swelling, triggered by the cracks and make your feet smooth and radiant.

STRENGTHEN THE NAILS:

Pineapple is a good source of Vitamin A & Vitamin B. These minerals helps to keep your nails strong and healthy. It could be applied topical and munched regularly.

CURE CHAPPED LIPS:

Pineapple helps to hydrate the body. Mix Pineapple with Coconut Oil to soothe chapped skin and Lips.

HAIR GROWTH:

Vitamin C & Antioxidants present in Pineapples are a powerful source which helps fight against free radicals that damage hair growth. Pineapple extracts, when applied to the scalp, are known to provide vital nutrients to the follicles to make your hair grow better, thicker, and shinier.

PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH:

Pineapple provides a good source of Amino Acid called Tryptophan which helps the body to produce Serotonin otherwise called the HAPPY HORMONE. Amino Acids along with Nutrients like Vitamin B is essential to keep your mind stable, producing enough energy and positivity.

HOW TO SELECT, STORE & USE A PINEAPPLE

HOW TO SELECT A PINEAPPLE

Choose fresh-looking pineapples with green leaves and a firm shell. The pineapple should also have a small amount of “give” when squeezed gently.
You should be able to smell the distinctive pineapple smell when you put your nose close to the bottom of the fruit.

HOW TO STORE A PINEAPPLE

Pineapples will keep longer if refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag, up to 3-5 days.
If using within 1-2 days, store pineapples at room temperature.

HOW TO CUT A PINEAPPLE

To cut a pineapple, start by cutting off the crown and bottom. Kee the Pineapple upright and cut away the peel. deep enough to remove the eyes. Cut in half lengthwise, then halve each half to give you four quarters. Cut out and discard the core from the centre of each quarter. Cut into chunks or simply Slice it up and enjoy!

PINEAPPLES IN YOUR DAILY DIET

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapples are naturally sweet, eat them as such or prepare a Sugarless Pineapple Juice it becomes a healthy way to cut down your calories. Pineapples can be added into your daily diet, some easy ways to enjoy Pineapples are to :

Eat Pineapple plain as a snack.
Drink it as a Pineapple Juice.
Use Pineapples in a Fruit Salad.
Add Pineapple or Pineapple Juice to a smoothie.
Fresh Pineapple Juice can be added into your favourite drink to convert it into a fancy Mocktail like Virgin Pina Colada or a Cocktail.
Add Grapes & Pineapple to a piece of Cheese and serve it as an appetizer or dessert.
Can convert it into Wines.
Can make a wonderful & flavour-filled Pineapple Fried Rice.
Pineapple is used in various Curries like Pineapple Pulissery, Pineapple Rasam, Madhura Curry, Nyonya Pineapple & Chicken Curry etc.,
It is also used while making Salads & Pickles.
Can make wonderful Desserts like Pineapple Ice cream, Pineapple Pudding, Pineapple upside-down cake, Pineapple Kesari etc.,

TRIVIA: Fun Facts About Pineapple:

Pineapple gets its English name from the look-a-like "PINECONE".
It takes almost 3 years for a single Pineapple to reach maturation.
Once harvested, Pineapples don’t continue to ripen.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BANANA

     This should have been my first post in this collection of Sadhya recipes I had been writing for this year's Onam. First served item in a Banana Leaf Meal. Banana an unavoidable piece of item in a South Indian Banana Leaf Meal. The tradition of serving a Banana is customary in South India when it comes to a Virundhu/Sadhya. Usually, a ripe Banana is served during the Sadhya/Virundhu. Banana is one fruit which has a ubiquitous presence in a Sadhya/Virundhu. In Kerala Sadhya Banana is served as such or sometimes in cooked form. Least to mention the Sadhya items prepared with Raw Plantains.
     Almost every part of a Banana Tree is useful. Bananas, the Stem and Banana Blossoms can be eaten, Banana Leaf can be used to serve, cook and decorate food & the Bark of the Banana Tree is used to make threads and papers. The stealer of the show is always Banana, for which the plant is cultivated. You can find Bananas throughout the world and it is one fruit which is cultivated and consumed in large.
     Bananas - Guilt-free Sugar treats. A versatile fruit which can be eaten as such or converted into wonder desserts & snacks. Banana is a sacred plant in Vedic lore. Fresh, ripe Bananas are considered to be Earth's pure nectar. It helps to keep your body cool & replenish fluids, refreshing and energizing your entire body. Bananas are the ideal delight for restoring electrolytes, its natural sugars will restore your energy levels as well.

BANANAS ARE POWERHOUSE OF NUTRIENTS

Banana is loaded with Nutrients, Anti-oxidants, Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C & Minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin which contribute to keeping us healthy.

Vitamin B6 in Bananas helps your body to

Produces Red Blood Cells.
Metabolize Carbohydrates & Fats, turning them into energy.
Metabolize Amino Acids.
Remove unwanted chemicals & toxins from your liver and kidneys.
Good for pregnant women as it helps in the development of the foetus.
Maintains a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin C in Bananas helps to

Protect your body against cell and tissue damage.
It helps your body absorb Iron.
It helps in the production of Collagen - the protein which holds your skin, bones and body.
Vitamin C in Bananas support brain health by producing Serotonin - a hormone that affects our sleep cycle, moods, experiences of stress & pain.

Manganese in Bananas helps your body to make collagen and protects your skin and other cells against free radical damage.

Potassium in Bananas helps your body maintain a healthy heart.

Low Sodium & high Potassium content in Bananas helps to regulate blood pressure.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BANANAS

Bananas can aid digestion and help beat gastrointestinal issues

Banana has a combination of a sweet and sour taste. The sweetness in it brings a sense of fullness and the sourness stimulates the digestive juices. Hence supporting digestion and building up metabolism. Banana is loaded with fibre, both soluble and insoluble. The soluble fibres help to slow down digestion and helps you to keep you full for a longer time. Eating foods that are high in fibre, supports normal bowel movements. Bananas are described as a laxative fruit too. This helps to relieve constipation, benefits regular bowel movements and also keep our gut healthy and safe from harmful bacterias.

Bananas are Energy Boosters:

Bananas contain three natural sugars – Sucrose, Fructose and Glucose. It is a fat and cholesterol-free source of energy. Natural Sugars in Banana will keep you cool & replenish fluids, refreshing and energizing your entire body. Bananas are the ideal delight for restoring electrolytes, its natural sugars will restore your energy levels as well.

Rich in Anti-oxidants :

Bananas are rich in Antioxidants, including Flavonoids and Polyphenol. Because of this, Bananas are believed to prevent various forms of cancer and DNA damage.

Prevents Colon Cancer :

Bananas are an excellent source of Dietary Fibre, Vitamin C and other antioxidants. With these components, Bananas can help combat the formation of free radicals which are known to cause cancer. The insoluble fibre content in Bananas helps in the reduction in the possibility of Colon Cancer.

High Mineral Content :

Bananas are loaded with Minerals like Potassium, Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron, Folate. The Iron and other minerals help in raising the level of Oxygen in blood and helps in increasing the Metabolism.

Lowers Hypertension/Blood Pressure:

Maintaining a low Sodium intake & increasing Potassium intake helps to maintain healthy blood pressure. The impressive amount of Potassium & considerably low amount of Sodium in Bananas reduce the tension in blood vessels and arteries, helps in increasing blood circulation and lowering the stress on the heart by eliminating hypertension.

Healthy Heart:

The Fiber, Potassium & Vitamin C content in Bananas support heart health and thus helps in reducing Heart diseases.

Helps Fight Anaemia:

The high Iron content in Bananas helps to increase the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. It helps to fight against Anaemia.

HOW TO SELECT & STORE BANANAS

Unripe bananas are highly astringent and cooling, helping to bind up the stool and prevent diarrhoea. Overripe bananas taste sour, perhaps even pungent, and are often soft or brown due to fermentation and alcohol content. Overripe bananas are Pitta provoking, causing looser stools. Perfectly ripe bananas are speckled. They taste smooth, sweet and mucilaginous.
Banana is a sensitive fruit and should be careful in its selection and storage. Here are some helpful tips on how to select and store green apples.

Selecting Bananas:

Unripe bananas will have a green hue, especially at the stem. Those with green tips are not quite ripe, When buying a Banana, select the ones with skins that are neither yellow nor too brown. If you can see brown/black speckles on its skin, it is a sign that the Bananas have ripened naturally.

Storing Bananas:

@Room Temperature:

Bananas stay good for about 2-3 days at room temperature, but they will continue to ripen if stored at room temperature.
Avoid keeping it in a plastic or paper bag as the gases they emit stimulate further ripening.
Bananas when kept along with other fruits, tend to speed up the ripening process of other fruits too.
Avoid putting Bananas in the refrigerator, it will quickly turn brown.
Remove the Bananas into individual pieces from the Bunch keeping its tip intact. This way we can avoid it falling off from the stalk when ripe ( A trick I learnt from Winnie Aunty).
Store it at room temperature lined up on a sheet of Paper, preferably.
Keeping down the stalk tip portion in a bowl of water helps to slow down the rapid ripening of the fruit.

In Refrigerator:

If kept in the fridge, the enzymes that cause them to ripen are deactivated. Instead, you might find the skin blackens quickly.
If you prefer an underripe Banana you can very well keep it in the fridge.

In Freezer:

Bananas freeze well.
Peel the skin off, cut it into slices and freeze in a Ziplock bag.
Frozen bananas can be blended in a food processor to make a delicious dairy-free ‘ice cream’ or pop them in your blender for a cool and creamy addition to a smoothie.

HOME REMEDIES WITH BANANAS

Diarrhoea - Eat 2 Unripe Bananas
Constipation - Eat a ripe Banana in the evening before bed.
Burning Urination - Eat one or two Bananas with a pinch of Cumin as a snack between meals.
Dry Cough - Eat a Banana with a teaspoon of Honey and 2 pinches of Pepper Powder twice, daily.
Asthma, Allergies, Rhinitis - Insert cloves into a peeled ripe banana, keep it overnight and eat it in the morning. Drink a Cup of Water with Honey after an hour.
Dry Skin, Wrinkles - Apply a face pack prepared with mashed Banana & Milk.
Warts - Cut a small portion of a Banana peel & tape it over the wart each night for a week. Use peel from a ripe banana.
Cracked Heel - Apply mashed Banana to the cracked area.
Mosquito Bite - The inside of a Banana skin can be used to calm an itchy mosquito bite, which helps to reduce irritation.

RECIPES WITH BANANAS

Bananas are not just delicious, but healthy as well, provided that it is eaten in the right way.

Bananas can be consumed in a number of ways. You can eat the whole fruit as such. Even the Banana peel is considered to be edible.
The best way is to consume it as whole fruit, this way it retains all the natural nutrients.
Can steam certain varieties of Bananas like Nendhra Banana. Steamed Banana is a perfect recipe for a balanced and filling Breakfast.
Can make Banana Shake or Smoothie out of it
Add Bananas to your Desserts, Pudding, Fruit Salads or Ice Creams.
When you have 2 or 3 Bananas too ripe to be eaten, the best way to use it up is in a Banana Cake/Muffin.
Can use Bananas to bake Banana Bread, Banana Oatmeal Cookies etc.,
Certain Banana Varieties are used to make Banana Fritters/Pazham Pori/Pisang Goreng.
Kerala style snacks like Unniyappam, Unnakkaya, Pazham Nira, Pazha Boli, Payasam, Unda Pori etc., are prepared with ripe Bananas.
Bananas can be converted into Indian Desserts like Kheer, Malpua, Halwa, Sheera etc.,
Raw Fruit(Plantain) is used to make Subzis, Kebabs, Pakoras & Vazhakka Bhajji, Vazhakka Fry, Chips etc.,
Delicious Kerala Curries like Kalan, Pulissery, Avial, Moru Curry, Madhura Curry etc., can be prepared with Raw Plantain.
A Kerala style Curry called Nendhra Pazha Pulissery is cooked with ripe Nendhra Banana.
In Chettinad Cuisine, they prepare a sweet Paniyaram with Bananas.
You can make Bananas into Banana Wines.

Important - Food Safety :

Some medical conditions can result in people having a high level of potassium in the blood. In that case, it is advisable to avoid eating Bananas.
People with diabetes can eat Bananas in moderation.

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DISCLAIMER:

Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.

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