IT IS difficult to miss the otherwise nondescript Indian elm around April, when its paper-thin winged seeds start floating down from the denuded branches. The tree, also known as jungle cork tree or Holoptelea integrifolia in scientific lexicon, is native to the country, and is referred to as chilbil, papri, kanju and several other names in local languages. In Delhi, where the tree dots roadsides and parks, its seeds are often swept unceremoniously to the sides. And I would not have noticed them, had a colleague not brought a bagful of dried chilbil seeds for me.
These are nutritious and have snack for served as a ready-to-eat children for ages, the colleague said to me, adding that the seeds are also called bandar ki roti or bread for monkeys.
A little research into the seeds, however, revealed that the beautiful winged seeds (or samaras) are more than just a snack for children. When green, they can be consumed raw, mixed with salads, or can be cooked along with other vegetables. When dried, the seeds are used as a dry fruit after removal of the wings. These can be used to prepare kheer (see recipe). Several ethnobotanical surveys suggest that the seeds are consumed by tribal communities, particularly those in Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district, Bihar's Gaya district and in Himalayan Terai region.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health
BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara