.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
The incessant showers this year have led to a deluge. If the paddy fields in the khazans have gone underwater for the biblical forty days and forty nights as in Noah’s times, the vegetables on the hillsides have been battered by the rain and rotted due to the excess soil moisture.
The turmeric which had sprouted anew from the dormant rhizomes, in the ground or from new planting, has survived.
Farmers have been harvesting turmeric leaves since the beginning of August for sale in the market. These are available in bundles of twenty, fifty or a hundred leaves depending on the local demand.
FESTIVE EATS
Attol (made of chickpea dal) or methiamchi pez (prepared using fenugreek grains) on the first day of August was followed by Nag Panchami, celebrated with patoleo on August 9.
On the same day, we celebrated, with a ‘Friday Balcao’ dedicated to Alexyz, the noted cartoonist (who incidentally, also used to do a fun centerspread, titled ‘Sunday Xacuti’, on GT Weekender once upon a time).
This Saturday, August 17, 2024, we will celebrate the ‘Patoienchem Fest’ at Malar on the island of Divar, prior to the Pasoi or walk around the village, both organised by Goa’s festakar, Marius Fernandes. There will also be a flag parade with floats at the Bonderam by the Sao Mathias Sports Club.
The sweets for all these events require turmeric leaves, which impart a delicate flavour to the preparation.
Turmeric is an easy-to-grow spice, botanically known as Curcuma longa, and locally known as haldi or holod. It has anti-microbial properties and is used in ayurveda, local herbal medicine.
When a company from the US recently tried to patent some applications of turmeric, India successfully contested the claims and prevented the patenting of India’s traditional spice and ayurvedic medicinal plant.
Sadly, India did not did not contest the disqualification of wrestling star, Vinesh Phogat, at the Paris Olympics as vociferously. Imagine hearing the whistle blowing for a hundred grams, not miles!
MEDICINAL & CULTURAL APPLICATIONS
Turmeric is a traditional antiseptic, skin care and wellness item in India, including Goa. The use of turmeric is reported to prevent Alzheimer's and heart diseases.
Recent studies indicate that the use of turmeric may reduce the incidence of cancer, too.
It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The curcumin is said to help overcome symptoms of depression, which may be the reason why a new groom is offered a glass of hot milk with turmeric on the first night after the wedding!
Starting with the Konsachem Fest in Raia, Salcete, on August 5, and continuing through Ganesh Chaturthi, turmeric is a part of our culture, religion and traditions. Even weddings are preceded by ceremonies such as Haldi and Ros, or anointing of the bride with turmeric paste and coconut milk.
We, Goans, use turmeric in our curry or umonn, whether it’s prepared with prawns, fish or vegetables. Turmeric is also an important ingredient of our prawn Caldinha contaning ladyfinger, radish or mature cucumber.
Turmeric is propagated by planting pieces of the underground stem that is modified to look like a root. Botanists call it rhizome, as in ginger, and it is self-perpetuating if left in the ground.
It can also be harvested annually to prepare the spice, and some of it can be planted back as per need. Pratibha and Suvarna are two recent varieties now grown in Goa.
Let us spread the aroma and the flavour of our culture and traditions.
(The author is the former Chairman of the GCCI Agriculture Committee, CEO of Planter's Choice Pvt Ltd, Additional Director of OFAI and Garden)