Homegrown Bananas

Nothing beats the joy of growing your own produce. These are the two big bunches of homegrown bananas and yet many more to come.

We planted our banana tree few years ago and since then it’s giving us bunches of bananas every year in our backyard garden.

As it’s raining here in India and we have been producing lots of bananas. We just gave away a huge basket full of bananas to my aunt and neighbours and there is one more basket which is in the kitchen. They taste so good like the pineapples.

Well to grow these banana plantains, I did nothing much. Simply feed it with fertiliser and mulch with compost which has lots of manure. Please keep in mind that bananas do require lot of sunlight and watering. Also, do not forget to trim down the banana leaves. These were grown in our backyard, so today we got stuck into the thinning down this overgrown tree.

Well, I have been keeping myself occupied everyday in the lockdown period. I was trying my hands on gardening as my gardener wasn’t coming so I was busy either making new recipes or helping my mother in gardening.

Most people have some extra time on their hands, so don’t panic in such pandemic situations instead stay calm and do what makes you happy like trying out new recipes, opting for some new hobby, going for LIVE session on Instagram, gardening or just talking and relaxing with your friends and family.

Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things. What are you doing during this lockdown? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, if you like this post do pin it ;

Snacking on the plantain chips which I made yesterday. It’s a mouth watering traditional dish of Kerala. Crispy banana chips, deep fried in coconut oil, seasoned with salt and black pepper. You can deep fry, pan-fry, air-fry, roast or bake them and pair it with your favourite salsa dip or enjoy them as it is.

I made a small batch of plantain chips yesterday. It is such a simple recipe that you’ll be amazed to know that it can be made in less than 10 minutes. I made these raw banana chips from my homegrown banana tree. I love how fresh, beautiful produce which is growing in our backyard can feeds our family.

Let’s check out the recipe. Take raw bananas, wash and peel them and chop the bananas into the round shape. Grease your hands with oil before peeling. Heat oil in a pan and deep fried the banana slices for 2-3 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper, mix well.

If you like this recipe pin this picture below, thanks!

Homemade Plantain Chips | Raw Banana Chips

Serve : 2-3 People
Preparation time : 5 minutes
Total time : 8-10 minutes
Author : The Food Root


Ingredients

4 Raw Bananas
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp black pepper
Oil for frying


Method

1. Grease your hands with oil and peel raw bananas chop them into slices.

2. Heat oil in a pan and deep fried the banana slices for 2-3 minutes.

3. Season it with salt and pepper, mix well.

Notes

1. You can thinly slice them, it can in any shape, long or round shape

2. You can deep fry, pan-fry, air-fry, roast or bake them and pair it with your favourite salsa dip or enjoy them as it is.



It’s all about finding calm amidst the chaos.. I know during this lockdown period lot of people are getting anxiety attacks and are getting depressed but see the brighter side to it, as time slows down you can rejuvenate and be grateful to do all your favourite things.

Lately, gardening has been my escape from the stress of quarantine life where I can show my experiences. What is yours? What are you doing during this lockdown period? Let me know in the comments below.

Planting, Growing and Harvesting Carrot

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Carrot

Carrot is the food root vegetable grown and consumed throughout the world. Carrots love to grow in a cool temperature just like Radish, Beet, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Leek and many other root vegetables.

There is something special about homegrown produce. Lately, I grew these carrots in my containers. These are some beautiful carrots which I picked up today. Chunky, long and straight.

Carrots are very versatile in various number of dishes. It has a crunchy texture and a sweet taste to it. The color of the carrot is usually red, orange and yellow. They are due to pigments, carotene which makes the carrot orange and anthocyanin makes it bit yellow, red and blue. Here's a step by step guide on how to to grow, plant and harvest carrots from seeds in a pot or a container

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Carrot - Here's a step by step guide on how to to grow, plant and harvest carrots from seeds in a pot or a container.

1. Grow Carrot in a Pot

I'm growing red carrots which is very common here in India. They are very easy to grow in winters. It's a cool weather crop. It prefers well-drained, moist and rich soil. Buy a 6 inches deep round container with holes while sowing carrots in containers.

While growing carrot in a pot you may plant 5-6 seeds in one single pot. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil, and water them gently. It needs well drained soil which are free from rocks. Sprinkle pinches of seeds thinly along the row and cover the seeds with soil. 

Take the containers or pots and fill them with well-drained potting mix by adding compost, manure or any other fertiliser before planting. Soil should be well drained and need to be free of rocks.

I generally grow carrots from the seeds. You can buy these seeds from the nurseries or even order them online. They need to be sown in late spring season, after the threat of frost has been passed.

2. Plant Carrot in a pot

Sow carrot seeds ½ inch to 1 inch deep and about ¾ inch to 1 inch apart. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil, and gently lamp down to firm. It needs well drained soil which are free from rocks. When your plants are 4 inches high, the carrots are ready to harvest.

When growing in carrot in a pot you may plant 5-6 seeds in a pot or containers while growing carrots. Sow the seeds very thinly over the top than cover with the quarter inch (1 cm) layer of potting soil.  Lightly water them in every 1 to 3 days.

3. Caring of Carrot

Carrot need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Water the plant regularly so that the soil do not drive out too quickly. After 2 weeks the roots will come up you need to give the support to the carrots with soil from all the sides so that they grow straight and healthy.

The plant will take 2 months to mature. After 1 month, put some fertiliser, compost or manure into the soil. To help your carrots grow as long as possible, soil surface should be cleared. It should be fertile, healthy, sandy and well-drained. It should be well dug, by removing any stones and rocks, as it tends to impede your carrots growth. 

The flies which can destroy the roots of carrots can be protected by alternatively growing companion plants such as leeks with carrots. Keeping the soil moist will help can also avoid this. Carrots doesn’t need additional feeding but needs organic mulching and fertilisers in the soil, after every 6-7 weeks, so that they remain healthy.

4. How to Harvest Carrot

If you have planted your carrots into the fall it’s best to harvest in winters. When your plants are 4 inches high. You may find that the carrots are large enough to eat.

Carrots take almost 2 months to get the first harvest after planting. Lift the carrots as they as soon as they reach the right size.

Storing and Preserving Carrot

Carrots can be kept in the refrigerator for at least 1 week or can be stored in damp sand boxes which can be kept in a cool, dark place.

How to use Carrots in cuisines

Carrots can be eaten both in raw and in every cooked forms. It can be pickled, stir fried, soups, smoothies, patties, salads and various other cuisines.

Health Benefits of Carrots

Carrots are low in calories and contains no fat. They are rich in Vitamin A, B8, C, L, Folate, Potassium, Iron, Copper and Manganese. Vitamin A keeps eye, skin, hair healthy. Vitamin C stimulates the activity of white blood cells. Potassium helps to increase blood flow and circulation, reduces hypertension and heart diseases. Other nutrients and minerals prevent to fight Cancer and keeps your body healthy.

I hope you loved our tips on Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Carrots and other useful information too. Do, let us know in the comment section below.

You can also go through our tips on Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Radish.

Happy Gardening!

Namaste!

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Radish

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Radish - Radish is the food root vegetable grown and consumed throughout the world. They are mostly popular in Southeast Asian countries. Radishes love to grow in a cool temperature just like Carrot, Beet, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage and many other root vegetables.

Radishes are grown in many varieties, and available in many different colors like red, white, and black. They have long, thick taproots that can range in size from 8 to 24 inches. They have a stronger flavor and are milder in taste. The green leafy tops are edible and add a zest of zing to salads.

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Radish - Here’s a step by step guide on how to grow, plant and harvest radish from seeds in a pot or container.

1. Grow Radish in a Pot

I'm growing white radish which is very common here in India. They are very easy to grow in winters. It's a cool weather crop. It prefers well-drained, moist and rich soil. Buy a 6 inches deep round container while sowing radish in pot.

I generally grow the radish from the seeds. You can buy these seeds from the nurseries or even order them online. They need to be sown in late spring season, after the threat of frost has been passed.

Take the containers or pots and fill them with well-drained potting mix by adding compost, manure or any other fertiliser before planting. Soil should be well drained and need to be free of rocks.

2. Plant Radish in a pot

Radishes are best sown from the seeds. They don’t need to be started indoors and transplanted. When growing radish in a pot you may plant 5-6 seeds in one single pot.

Sow radish seeds ½ inch to 1 inch deep and about ¾ inch to 1 inch apart. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil, and water them gently. It needs well drained soil which are free from rocks.

Lightly water them in every 1 to 3 days, till the seeds are germinated. It takes around 7-10 days in germination. They start growing about 6-7 weeks after planting.

3. Caring of Radish

Radish need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Water the plant regularly so that the soil do not drive out too quickly.

After 2 weeks the roots will come up you need to give the support to the radishes with soil from all the sides so that they grow straight and healthy.

As they grow in 6-7 weeks, put some fertiliser, composts or manures after every 2 weeks to the soil so that they remain healthy.

4. How to Harvest Radish

You can harvest Radish when they are matured, leaving rest of the crop to grow. Simply, pull the radish from the ground by twisting so that the radish doesn’t break.

After their mature stage, do not leave radishes in the ground for long, as their condition will deteriorate. Radishes take 4-5 weeks to get the first harvest after planting.

Storing and Preserving Radish

Radishes can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 week.

How to use Radishes in cuisines

I usually use both the roots and the foliage of radish in my cuisines and it taste amazing. The roots are can be eaten raw, pickled, stir fried, cooked in soups, shredded and dried for various dishes.

Health Benefits of Radishes

Radishes are low in calories and are packed with Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K. It's a good source of antioxidants, potassium and other minerals. It can boost immunity and regulates blood pressure. It also have a high water content, and keep the body hydrated.


I hope you loved our tips on Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Radish and other useful information too. Do, let us know in the comment section below.


Happy Gardening!
Namaste!

AUBERGINE

Aubergine is typically a fruit but eaten as a vegetable. It grow in the same manner like tomatoes and peppers. They are usually deep purple in color, vary in different shapes and sizes and are harvested in mid to late summers. You can find this vegetable at any farmer's market or at any grocery shop. They are the most versatile vegetable available all across the globe.

They can be planted both in containers or a small patch of the garden. Harvesting too early or harvesting too late, would lead to poor quality and poor storage and hence is a cause for bitter taste of the fruit.


They are long and narrow with edible seeds. They are usually 4-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. They are generally less bitter and more tender than the other varieties of eggplants.

Spices like Oregano, dried basil, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, goes well with Aubergine. There are various ways to cook aubergine. You can grill, roast, mash, stuff them with a flavorful filling and stir fry it. They are low in cholesterol and rich in antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber. Best eaten fresh, they can be added in stews, salads, soups, dips, curries and purees.

This season we have harvested heaps of Japanese aubergines. I'm planning to make an easy stuffed aubergine recipe this week. It's super simple, healthy and delicious.

Have you ever tried stuffed aubergine recipe yet? It has a smooth, creamy texture and a smoky taste. I'm going to share the recipe this weekend! So, do check this space out!

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

 You always have to create your own path. So take some time today and enjoy nature.

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.
- Audrey Hepburn

Sending you some spring vibes!!! Though it's hot here in North-India but I cannot wait to share this beautiful picture with you all. This is the picture of my courtyard garden. Not only it's green but it's bold and vibrant. It's simple, but it intrigued me the most. I can't get over this palette of the spring colors. I love the vibrant fields with spring flowers and the magnificent banana and guava trees. I think they'll need few more trimmings in coming week. I can't explain you the joy of waking up to these every single morning. I love spending my morning time in the garden with a cup of tea.

As much as I love food, nature is my second biggest passion (and decorating home is my third). Over the years, I've developed true interest in gardening. Earlier my world revolves around social media, movies, job. I was not aware of things that truly matters in life. I'm happy that I recognize the things that values me the most today but I feel it's a learning process.

Where flowers blooms, so does hope.

While talking about flowers, marigolds are the first flowers I remember growing. Not only they are easy to grow, but they are breathtakingly beautiful. They always make you smile. I simply love the fragrance of these! This is a glimpse of our terrace garden. I have planted a lot of marigolds in my courtyard and my terrace garden. It's easy to grow them outdoors but you can also grow them indoors. I always make a beautiful marigold centerpiece and decorate my home.

Some important things to remember before planting a Marigold flower!

• Mostly grown in springs and summers.
• Need bright sunlight and proper watering.
• Generally take about seven weeks from seeds to bloom.
• Seeds can be sowed in pots or raised nursery beds.
• Can be grown in wide range of soils.
• Keep pest away (I always grow them with basil and tomatoes).
• Do not need a lot a fertilizer either.
• Poor soil can also be benefited by adding in the organic granular fertilizer. 
• You just need to prepare the soil by digging down 5-6 inches to loosen it and add the organic granular fertilizer. 

I hope you will be inspired to create your own garden.

Happy Gardening!
Namaste!

SIMPLE JOYS!

What a stunning harvest!!! This is my first batch of tomatoes!! I can't thank my garden enough for feeding us with these delicious cherry red tomatoes. No one can beat the taste of a red, ripe tomato straight out of the garden!!!

I got a taste of how refreshing it can be to grow your own fruits and veggies in an era where food has become so processed and devoid of nutrients and flavor. Now that I have some time on my hands, I am setting up an organic fruits and vegetable patch in my garden. I've planted tomatoes, beetroots, eggplants, radishes, peas and spinach seeds in my garden. I'm working on it from last couple of weeks. I just can't wait to share the progress with you all!!

I think my plant is ready for another harvest!! For those who will be heading into Spring, do give it a try!!

Tomatoes are not difficult to grow. They are easy to care and are rich in vitamins A, B and C. You can plant marigold or basil with the tomatoes. Marigolds enhance the growth of tomatoes and it helps to keep bugs away and basil helps in improving the flavor of the fruit.

Growing tomatoes indoors or out is an easy and rewarding experience. I've grown this plant in a big pot on my terrace. If you want to maintain or harvest healthy plants, make sure the soil is properly conditioned. Adding compost and gardening soil is very beneficial. It enhances the fertility of the fruit. Remember to remove the yellow branches and mulch well. Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight and proper watering. Give them the much needed water and provide them with an area that is protected from wind and harsh weather.

So many tomatoes in just two plants, I can't wait for my another harvest!!! I'm amazed by how quickly and easily these tomatoes grow. Don't miss that luscious spinach, so vibrant and so green!!!

I hope you enjoy these pictures and I promise I'll be posting more!!

Have a great weekend and GO ORGANIC!!!