Author: alekya kutti

Just Taste the Berries
Berries are the culinary fruits of flora which means the plant or the tree which bears fruits from the flowers. Berries are basically called as aggregate fruits beause agregate fruits are formed from one flower which contains many ovaries in it. So,berries grow in bunches from one flower of the plant . These berries doesn’t contain any seeds inside them , they are just fleshy which can be eaten raw without pitting.

Blackberry

Blackberry is a soft fruit which is mainly used as ingredient in making ice creams , jam, desserts , juice and many more interesting food stuffs. Blackberry fruit is native to Europe, Central Asia, Africa , North and South America.
Benefits:
- Blackberries are rich in anti-oxidants and are very helpful in destroying cancer radicals formed inside the cell.
- They contain many phyto -chemicals which are essential for good health and it helps in reducing inflammation.
- Taking a cup of blackberries can protects immune system and lowers the risk of getting cancer as it contains vitamin C and antioxidants.
- It also reduces of the risk of getting heart diseases and promotes good digestion.
- Eating blackberries protects the skin from damage caused by UV -Rays and repairs the skin as it contains ellagic acid an antioxidant.and also inhibits the growth of skin cancer causing tumors from spreading .
- Blackberries are considered to be rich in nutrients , Vitamin C & K and essential manganese minerals.
risk factors:
- During autumns this fruit is not recommended as the tree which bears fruits is infected by many virus and it becomes the host for many pesticides.
recipes :
- The varieties prepared with Blackberry fruits are very interesting and fun to eat.
Some of them are:
- Blackberry candies
- Desserts
- blackberry ice creams and Popsicle
popiscle

blackberry ice cream
- Blackberry cakes and pastries
- Jam and jelly
- Blackberry cupcakes
steps to Prepare Blackberry Mojito:
1. Its a soft drink which can also be prepared at home very easily within less time.
2. Just grind some required amount of blackberries and add some mint leaves in a blender and keep it a side
3. To sweeten the drink add some chilled sugar syrup or essence to the mixture and stir well
4. Next squeeze a lime into a jar and if possible add white rum which is optional
5. And now add the blended blackberry and mint leaves into the jar in lime juice and shake it with a cocktail shaker or just add them all again in a blender for just 2 minutes
6. Now take a glass and pour the required amount of prepared cocktail into it and top with some soda and ice cubes and decorate with a lime peace and blackberry and a mint leaf
7. And here it goes your Blackberry Mojito is ready to drink
Raspberries
- Raspberries are the fruits which are grown in the low temperature areas especially near polar regions. Raspberries are mostly red in color and pink also. There are many species of Raspberries ,even Dark purple colored raspberries , yellow or golden color,Blue color and Black Raspberries.
red and black raspberries

Black raspberry

Golden or Yellow Raspberries

Purple Raspberry
- Raspberries are rich in minerals, vitamin C,Vitamin K, manganese and just 4% of sugar and no starch.
- Raspberry leaves are used in making herbal tea either dried leaves or fresh. Leaves are also used in preparing herbal medicines.
  blue raspberry
- Eating raspberry can keep you away from cancer like diseases
- It has good amounts of antioxidants and phyto nutrients which is essential for human beings..fully ripened raspberries contain more amounts of antioxidants than the normal one.
- It helps in increasing metabolism of the cells and clearing unnecessary fats and helps in reducing weight.So, i must say that raspberries are the excellent weight loosing fruits.
raspberry gummi ring candies

raspberry cany

raspberry sour chewing candies

raspberry icecream

raspberry cake

blackraspberry cup cake

Steps to prepare raspberry smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh raspberries
- 1 cup broken Almonds
- 1 apple
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of Non-fat yogurt
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup Sugar
- Honey
Preparation:
1. First make a paste of almonds and keep a side
2. Now add raspberries ,peaces of apple, banana into the blender
3. Now add the almonds mixture into the raspberries mixture with and sugar
4. Now at last add milk and honey and blend it for 2 minutes
5. Freeze this for about 1 hour and then serve it by pouring it into the glass by garnishing with raspberries.
Strawberry

strawberry hanging garden

strawberry smoothie

strawberry ice cream
- Strawberries are cultivated throughout the worldwide.
- Strawberries can also be cultivated in gardens at home.
- Its greatly consumed as fresh fruit or in varieties like ice creams, milkshakes, jams, pies,breads,cakes, and chocolates.
- It has same health benefits as other berries have like like reduced risk of diseases like cancer , cardiovascular , and anti -inflammatory diseases .
Blueberry
- Blueberry is another variety of fruit like blackberries and raspberries . Its native to north America . It has many health benefits .
- It is very useful in regulating blood pressure and maintaining sugar levels in blood.
- It helps in reducing depression and improves brain memory
- It contains many anthocyanins, and other pigments and phyto chemicals which helps in reducing the risks of diseases like cancer and inflammation
- Similar to other berries its also used as flavor to make varieties of ice-creams, jams, jelly,cakes,desserts, juices, smoothies etc..
blueberry yogurt ice cream

blue berry smoothie

Lingonberry or Cow berry
- Lingonberry or cow berry is cultivated mostly on ht elands of North America
- This berries are very useful in making many food products like Jam and as ingredient in some cakes, fruit juices, ice creams and breads.
- This fruit is rich in nutrients , vitamin C , vitamin A, Vitamin B,calcium, Magnesium, calcium .
- Eating cranberries can keep you away from diseases like breast cancer, diabetes mellitus,and rheumatism.
- Either the syrup or jelly of this fruit is used as traditional medicine to cure fever,disorders of gastrointestinal tract,kidneys and urinary tract.
Cranberry
- Cranberries are very similar to Lingonberry but they are little sour and bitter than lingonberries . It also has many health benefits as similar to Lingonberry .
- It is especially helpful in maintaining good immune system, cadiovascualr system and also anti-cancer agents.
- Its especially good for women health.
- Dried cranberries , cranberry ice creams and jams are the mostly consumed varieties of cranberry fruit.
cranberry juice

cranberry ice cream

Dried Cranberries
August 4, 2014
Scrumptious fruits you must eat and their benefits
Fruits are the ultimate natural source of vitamins, minerals, proteins along with some anti-oxidants and other substances which are very beneficial and essential for health to humans as a healthy diet. Humans and many animals are mostly dependent on fruits. Consumption of fruits in high amounts keeps us away from diseases like cancer,heart diseases,skin diseases etc… There are many kinds of fruits which grow in different atmospheric conditions at different regions.

Carambola:

Carambola fruit / star fruit
- Carambola is a fruit it is also called as star fruit or Carambola Apple.
- Its name differs from region to region.
- This fruit is native to the places like Indonesia, Bangladesh,India and Sri Lanka.
- The taste of the fruit is likely the mix of apple, pear,grapes and citrus family.
- It tastes differently in different stages of ripening.
Health benefits:
- Carambola contains Potassium, Vitamin C,sodium and acid.
- Its rich in anti-oxidants and contains low sugar
- It also contains Nitric oxide(NO) which varies at the ripening states
Risk Factors:
- This fruit is not recommended for those who are suffering with kidney failure, kidney stones and those who are suffering with kidney dialysis.
- The patients with kidney problems when consumed this fruit can cause hiccups , nausea, vomiting, and mental confusion.
Uses:
- This fruit when it is sour can be used for cleaning rusty materials or removing rusty stains from the clothes.
Recipes prepared using star fruits:

Carambola sour juice

Carambola smoothie

Carambola juice

Tambis
- Tambis is a fruit which is from the family of apple known famously as Rose apple .
- Its scientific name is Syzgium samarangense.
- It is also called as bell fruit, water apple, Jamaican apple etc…, and it is called with different names in different regions.
- This fruit is mainly found in the islands of Indian ocean, Andaman and Nicobar Islands .
- In India it is found in Andhra Pradesh in the dry land areas of Rajanagaram mandal ,here in Telugu it is called as Kammari Kayalu. In malyalam it is called as Chambaka.
Health benefits:
- Rose apples are very beneficial to Diabetic patients and also lowers blood pressure.
- It is considered to be good for brain, liver and blood.
- It is used as medicine in curing fever and asthma.
- Its seeds can be used to treat diarrhea
Risk factors:
- Excessive consumption of this fruit can result in certain health problems
- Excessive eating can cause itching in the throat and leads to coughing.
- Eating 3-4 apples per day can serve good excessive is not beneficial.
Litchi:
- Litchi fruits are mainly cultivated in China and India. It is also cultivated in many other countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Japan and several other places around the world. It tastes sweet and has perfume like smell in it .
Health Benefits:
- Litchi helps in maintaining good health and fat free body as it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.
- It contains good amounts of anti-oxidants,vitamins and dietary fibers.
- Eating Litchi can help to improve flow of blood in organs, in reducing weight and protects skin from UV rays.
- Its also source for Vitamin C, Vitamin B- complex,thiamine, niacin, and also minerals like copper and potassium.
- Litchi is grown in many areas to prevent and treat malnutrition.
Risk factors:
- Eating litchi’s is not recommended for children especially during the months of May and June , as the litchi’s are attacked by deadly virus called Encephalitis.
Recipes made out of Litchi fruits:

Litchy smoothie

Litchy juice

litchy jelly ice-cream

Palm fruit:

Ice apple or nungu
- Palm fruit which is also called Palmyra fruit or Ice -Apple, known as Tari in Hindi, Nungu in Tamil and Thati munjalu in Telugu.
- This fruit is sweet in taste and looks transparent jelly like thing. Its also fermented to make Toddy called kallu .
- Palm trees which are grown bulky especially in India , Indonesia,Malaysia, Nepal,Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Africa.
- Its scientific name is Barassus Flabellifer.
- In the states like Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh and some places the seeds are allowed to germinate and forms stems like structure,which are called as Palm sprouts called as Gagulu or Panai Kezhingu is eaten raw or either boiled or roasted.
- And if the fruit is fully ripened then the outer yellow layer is eaten and used in preparing varieties of recipes.
Health Benefits:
- Palm fruits are very healthy and it has been all around from many years.
- Palm fruits contain jelly like substance which is called Ice apple can be eaten or drink which is made out of it is taken as a cool drink during summer seasons.
- It gives instant energy as it contains Vitamin C and Vitamin B – complex
- The fruit pulp is used to cure many skin inflammatory conditions
- The sap which is collected from the tree is used as tonic and laxative to cure liver diseases and ulcers.
- When this sap is fermented it becomes a crazy drink called kallu(alcohol)
- The sap is also used to cure anemia, improves digestion and good for appetite.
Recipes made with Palm fruit:

steps to prepare Rose Milk Ice Apple:
- Boil thick milk in a vessel and cool it in a refrigerator for 1-2 hours
- Peel the Ice Apple (nungu) and cut into peaces
- after 2 hours mix rose syrup to the milk and add sugar and blend it for 2 minutes
- and then finally add nungu and serve it chilled
nongu paal

Sweet Tamarind / Camachile
- Camachile is a fruit which is similar to tamarind but its pulp tastes sweet and looks twisted and red in color.
- These trees are grown on streets in India and its also found grown in South America, Mexico, Philippines, Bengal , Caribbean, Florida and other places.
- This fruits are also called as Monkey pod. Its called as Seema Chintakaya in Telugu , Kodukka Puli in Tamil and Jungle Jalebi or Ganga Imli in Hindi.
Benefits :
- This fruit is used in preparing many meat dishes
- Its seeds are edible and useful in extracting oil out of them which contains only 10% seeds and good for reducing weight.
- Its also helpful in strengthening the gums of tooth ans preparing medicines
- The bark extract helps in curing diarrhea, tuberculosis and dysentery
August 4, 2014
Best Tomato dishes that you can prepare easily
- Tomatoes are known as red fruits or berries , but are mostly used as vegetables
- There are different species of tomatoes available depending upon the region to region and climate conditions. Tomatoes are native to Mexico.
- Like Bangalore tomatoes, cherry tomatoes which is available in different colors but almost all tomatoes are available in pure red color.
- Cherry tomatoes are the different variety of tomato which grows in very small size and red in color similar to cherries just like cherries so it is called as cherry tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes are originated from north Chile . These cherry tomatoes are cultivated since early 1800s.
- These cherry tomatoes are used mainly in salads , Mexican ans Spanish recipes, pizzas, and pastas.
- It can also be eaten raw or just boiled and roasted with salt and pepper.
- Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene, an antioxidant which is helpful in protecting cells in body and prevents skin cancer caused by UV-Rays.
- Eating tomatoes can keep you away from breast cancer and other cancer related diseases.
- Eating tomatoes can reduce sugar levels in blood and reduces fat
- Tomatoes contains carotene which improves blood serum level and also maintains good eye vision keeping away age related eye muscular diseases.
- Tomato contains 21% Vitamin C.
The tomato recipes that you could preparely easily are:

Tomato soup:

Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Ginger and garlic
- Pepper
- Butter cream
Preparation method:
1. Boil tomatoes along with ginger and add salt .and boil it still it is completely cooked.
2. Now grind the tomatoes with ginger garlic paste until the ingredients are completely smashed smoothly
3. Now take the mixture in the bowl add some butter cream with pepper powder sprinkled on it
4. You can also use coriander to sprinkle on the soup which tastes good
5. So hot soup is ready to be served .
Tomato Raita:

Ingredients
- Red Tomatoes
- Finely chopped green chilies
- Finely chopped onions
- Coriander leaves
- Thick curd
- Cumin powder
- Pepper powder
- Salt
Steps to prepare tomato raita
1. Take thick curd in a bowl and beat it until it becomes smooth
2. Take tomatoes and cut them into very small peaces
3. Now add the diced tomatoes , finely chopped green chilies to the curd
4. Now add cumin powder and salt to the mixture
5. Mix the mixture well and add more salt if required
6. Finally garnish with coriander leaves and now ready to serve with rice .
Tomato Coconut curry

Ingredients:
- Well ripened tomatoes
- Coconut milk prepared from raw fresh coconut by grinding the coconut peaces in the grinder and squeezing the milk from the paste yo u can prepare coconut milk
- Chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Asafoteda or Hing
- Cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- And Oil
Preparation method:
1. Heat the vessel and add oil and wait till it gets heated up
2. Now add cumin seeds and a pinch of Asafoteda when it splutters
3. Now add dices tomatoes and then add 1/2 spoon of red chili powder and turmeric
4. Let the tomatoes cook for 5-7 minutes
5. When the tomatoes are completely cooked add the coconut milk and stir well
6. Now let the mixture boil for just 5 minutes and then bring down the stove flame to simmer
7. Now the recipe is ready to serve .
Tomato chutney

Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Dry Red chilies
- Garlic
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Oil
Method to prepare:
1. Heat a pan and add dry red chilies and garlic cloves
2. Fry them still they turn into brown color
3. Now add tomato peaces into the pan and fry them until they are cooked completely
4. Now remove the pan with tomatoes from stove and allow it to cool
5. After few minutes add this full mixture into a grinder and make it into smooth paste
6. Now in another pan heat the oil and add mustard seeds to the heated oil and allow it to splutter and next add curry leaves for thadka
7. Now pour the paste tomato paste into the pan
8. Now the chutney is ready to eat .
Tomato Vermicelli / Bambino recipe

Ingredients:
- Bambino/semiya
- Tomatoes
- Red chili powder
- Salt
- Coriander leaves
- Onions
- Green chilies
- Turmeric powder
- Curry leaves
- Oil
Method to prepare :
1. First roast the Bambino in en empty vessel without any oil just dry and keep at a side .
2. Now heat a vessel and add oil and then add curry leaves,chopped onions ,green chilies and now fry them nicely .
3. Now add little turmeric powder and one spoon chili powder and then add tomato peaces and fry them still they are cooked properly .
4. Now pour one mug of water into the mixture and little salt to taste and allow them to boil for about 10 minutes
5. After that add the roasted bambino and let them boil still the bambino is cooked properly .
6. Now just simmer the stove and leave it for about 10 minutes still they are completely cooked
7. Finally the bambino tomato recipe is ready to eat
July 30, 2014
Madurai: Symbol of Tamil Culture
History of Meenkashi temple :
- Meenakshi Amman temple is an ancient temple which is located on the banks of river Vaigai in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.
- Meenakshi Amman Temple is also called as Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple. This temple is more than 2500 years old. This temple is dedicated to the deities mainlyMeenakshi who is the modern avatar of goddess Parvathi and Sundareshwar as Lord Shiva.
- The temple was originally built during 7th century by the first Pandya’s .
- Malayadwaja Pandya who was one of the kings who ruled Madurai, in South India.Meenakshi was the daughter of the king Malayadwaja Pandya and queen Kanchanamala.
- Meenakshi was a miracle child gift given by god to both the king and queen after their sincere performance of yagna to have children’s , as they din’t have children’s from many days.
- Meenakshi was a brave girl who was thought the art of war and martial arts. She got married to Lord Shiva . So Meenakshi temple was built after her and Madurai city was formed around the temple.
June 15, 2014