Author: Archana

Once a Physiotherapist now a Wordsmith. Field Botanist. Bonsai. Proud Indian. Fauji Wife. Doting Mother and Mother-in-law. Devoted Grandmother. Reluctant Cook. Happiest on a road less travelled. 60s are the new 40s ;-)
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A is for Asparagus

Hello and welcome. The first post is possibly the most difficult in a challenge- a long one will discourage readers and an uninteresting one will drive them away…


I am using my 2016 April AtoZ Blogging challenge to identify herbs and in the process increase my knowledge about herbs. The chosen ones will be herbs I have seen (in my city or in my travels) or used (as medicine or in cooking).


My memories of Asparagus are ancient dating to my school days (trust me, thats a long time ago) when we were served Asparagus soup at some hotel and I remember liking it a lot. Over the years, I have had to choose between umpteen soup varieties but the asparagus soup has never appeared before me again! Asparagus is now fairly commonly available in the bigger super markets in Pune but the price is discouraging. Growing them seemed to be a good option. This meant giving up some of the prized (sunny) spots in my balconies which are occupied by my Bonsai. A decision I dont regret as we now have source of fresh, chemical free herbs. 🙂


Here are a couple of images of my Asparagus.

The growing plants
Tiny seedlings from Asparagus seeds


















































Asparagus officinalis or Garden Asparagus is said to be native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean but is now naturalised in India. It has thread like delicate leaves and I am waiting for my plant to flower. According to this website, the flowers are small and hard to see and are attractive to bees. Asparagus officinalis belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Here is a link to the key to the Asparagaceae family .


Another variety is the Asparagus racemosus also called Shatavari. This has huge medicinal properties especially for women’s health.


Here is a Pasta and Roasted Asparagus made by a dear friend. She says that Asparagus is an easy vegetable to cook with and needs minimum preparation. Just blanch/ steam / saute it and add sauce. Alternatively roast in the oven and season as desired. Viola, a healthy tasty meal for you! 

Pasta and Roasted Asparagus by Vishakha


Aerva lanata is a yet another “A” herb that I was able to identify – also called Mountain Knot Grass. I have seen it in Orissa and was flowering in mid January. The white flowers stood out against the almost bare soil and this is what it looked like…

April AtoZ, herbs, aerva lanata






Do you have an Asparagus recipe to share?


Tomorrow, I have an interesting herb for you.
Till then, Happy Blogging!
🙂

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2016 April AtoZ Theme Reveal

Its my fourth attempt at the AtoZ Blogathon, one that I plan to use with a purely selfish purpose… Let me give you a brief background..


My theme for the 2015 April AtoZ posts was Gardens in Pune. It took me around my city and I got the opportunity to discover some relatively unknown fantastic gardens. I am really glad that these posts helped me guide a few friends to visit and enjoy some of these gardens. Yet another positive development was a Times of India report dated 16 November 2015 about a proposed study by the Physical Education Department of the Savitribai Phule Pune University to survey major public parks in Pune to develop a plan to maximise use of open spaces in the city. Wow! My survey had revealed that some parks already had or were in the process of installing exercise equipment which folks can take benefit from… 


I have realised that 26 April AtoZ posts need a lot of research and I stand to benefit if I choose a topic that about which I want more knowledge. I have been observing trees for a few years and the most important aspect of identifying a tree is to be humble. 
Look Down. 
Fallen leaves, flowers, fruit provide vital identification clues. It was under these trees that I noticed carpets of beautiful flowers on tiny plants. What were their names? When would they bloom? Are they native plants?


I have decided to use my 26 posts in the April 2016 AtoZ to try and identify such plants. Botanically speaking they are herbs – which means the plants are small, they bear seeds and its parts are not woody. However generally speaking, the word herb refers to ingredients used to flavour food like spices and condiments.  


This means that a herb can be a spice but a spice need not be a herb!


A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 3-21-2016


Without much fanfare, as you may have already guessed… my theme for the 2016 April AtoZ is Herbs. I have taken the liberty to use either their botanical names or local names to comply with the AtoZ theme. At my stage in the study of field botany, I am happy and satisfied to be able to narrow down the identity of a plant to the genus level. Its been a journey that has been eye-opening and humbling as it literally got me on my knees…. as I had to reach down to photograph, observe the specimens. Majority of the chosen herbs are only a couple of feet tall and the flowers are about the size of a finger nail. 


Obviously there are several species for every alphabet but I shall write about only one and mention a few more. Most of these are ones seen in and around Pune or during my travels. Where ever possible, I shall include my source for identification or a clue about identification in the field. 


As usual, some alphabets have been a huge challenge… 


There is so much beauty to be enjoyed if only one looks.


Do join me as I embark on a herbal AtoZ this April!
🙂

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April AtoZ Challenge 2016

Its that time of the year when I begin worrying about my blog.
Reason: the April AtoZ Blogging challenge has been announced and I have signed up.





I guess I can be a ‘veteran’ as I have participated in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 challenge yet the task of 26 posts almost in a row is daunting. What should I write about? Suddenly everyone and everything around me seems to become a subject for a blog post.


Experience has taught me that its a good idea to stick to a theme and I shall certainly be doing that in 2016 as well. I would like to take this opportunity for a focused study of some topic. The question is which one??


My topic search is on and I hope to end my dilemma soon and get down to scheduling posts. This way I will have time to read some wonderful blogs from around the world.


What about you? Do you blog regularly? This is a good opportunity to reconnect with your blog and your readers… This is the AtoZ challenge list and you can sign up on the same page.


Go on.. what are you waiting for
🙂


I am staking claim to the AtoZ Challenge with the Blogchatter community.


Good luck and see you around.
Take care!
🙂
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