WALNUT: ACHROTE IN URDU HISTORY AND USES

WALNUTS, ACHROTE in URDU, (Juglans regia)


Walnut trees are native to the Balkans, the regions around the Caspian Sea, northern India, Pakistan and the Himalayan region. There are many different types of walnut tree, but the common one is the Persian walnut which now grows in Britain, mainland Europe, Asia and North America. The black walnut is native to North America as is the white walnut.

The Latin name, Juglans regia derives form Jovis glans, or Jupiter (Jove)’s nut and regia meaning royal. It was believed that in “the Golden Age” of mythology, mortals ate acorns while the gods ate walnuts. The English name walnut comes from Teutonic roots, wallnuss or welsche nuss, meaning foreign nut.

It’s thought that the Romans introduced the walnut tree to Europe from Persia somewhere around 4 AD. Pliny writes about this and in the 1580’s John Gerard wrote that the walnut tree was a common sight in English orchards and fields. It is prized for its timber, and as well as being used to make strong furniture, it has been the favourite wood for gunsmiths for centuries; one example is the Lee Enfield rifle used in World War I. All walnut trees produce attractive timber which is hard, dense and tight-grained ranging in colour from the creamy white of the sapwood to the dark chocolate of the heartwood. The one most favoured for its timber is the common Persian walnut.

The walnut shells produce a strong dye, and you should take care of your hands and clothes if you handle walnut shells as the dye is very durable. The dye is used for cloth, although in ancient times the Goths used to punish miscreants by daubing them with the black dye obtained form walnut husks.

There are quite a few legends associated with the walnut tree, too many to relate here, but because it tends to kill any surrounding vegetation it was considered a sinister tree which harboured evil spirits. Paschal II cut down a walnut tree in Rome because he believed the evil soul of the Emperor Nero live in it. In Bologna (Italy) it is said that witches gathered under a walnut on Midsummer’s Eve to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Generally in Europe a large crop of walnuts was thought to be a sign that a bad winter could be expected. If you dream of walnuts, then your partner may be unfaithful, while in the language of Flowers the walnut signifies Intellect and Stratagem. In folklore it was said that carrying a spider in a walnut shell wherever you went would protect you from getting a fever. Finally there is an old Russian proverb which goes like this:-“A dog, a wife and a walnut tree; the more you beat them, the better they be.”

In the Kalash Valley in Pakistan the walnut tree is revered by the Kafir-Kalash people, who believe that the walnut tree protects them from all harm and evil. They offer misri and ground walnuts to the faeries to appease them in their spring festival.

The walnut tree is a wonderful source of healing and health protection. In traditional Chinese medicine its parts are used as a kidney tonic, while in the subcontinent it is used to treat skin disease and as an aphrodisiac, (probably because it is rich in Omega-3). The leaves have astringent properties and are used to treat herpes, eczema, scrofula and syphilitic skin complaints.

Culpeper wrote that walnuts, onions, salt and honey could be missed to make an effective treatment for bites from any poisonous creatures and rabid dogs. However, if you make an infusion of 25 grams of dried bark or dried leaves (you need more if using fresh leaves) in 1 pint of boiling water and let it stand for 6 hours or longer, then strain it, you can apply it externally for skin complaints or drink a wineglass of the infusion three times a day to purify the body. The powdered dried bark of a walnut tree can be used as a laxative and purgative. The juice from the unripe (green) husks can be boiled with honey and used as a gargle to ease sore throats and mouth ulcers. The distilled water obtained after boiling the green husks can be used as a cooling drink for fever sufferers. The oil from the nuts is supposed to be good for colic, and can also be applied externally on skin diseases.

Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 and antioxidants and as most Westerners are lacking in Omega-3, doctors recommend 4 walnuts a day or a serving of walnuts a week to keep us healthy. Modern medical research has found the ellagic acid in the manganese and copper contained in walnuts blocks the metabolic pathways in our bodies which can lead to cancerous cell growth. This helps neutralize potential cancer-causing substances and helps prevent cancer cells from replicating. Walnuts are particularly effective in lessening the risk of prostate cancer, so if a man has a diet which contains tomatoes, walnuts and pomegranate juice, he can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Walnuts also contain melatonin which is a powerful antioxidant and helps you have a good night’s sleep.Omega-3 generally is good for inflammation of the joints, boosts energy levels and stimulates the brain. It also lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Apart from the uses of walnuts already mentioned, they can be used in cooking; you can sprinkle chopped walnuts on green salads, or toss salads in walnut oil (it’s expensive but has a great taste) although is best used on salads, to make a nutty dish you can mix a little with olive oil to fry foods. Unripe or green walnuts can be pickled and sugar produced from the walnut tree sap can be made in the same way as maple syrup. You can make a really tasty walnut dip with cooked red lentils, pureed with walnuts and cinnamon, cloves, and grated nutmeg, along with fresh coriander leaves and a tsp of coriander seeds, with a little olive oil to get a consistency of a dip. You can add your favourite spices and herbs to get the taste you want.

If you dry the leaves they are a good brown colour and are fragrant enough to use in a pot pourris. An artist I know crushes the shells and uses the pieces to decorate the frames surrounding his pictures. In Pakistan, strips of the bark from the walnut tree are sold on the street as an alternative to toothbrushes and toothpaste. When you brush your teeth with a piece they become very white.

Try to make your own dip with cooked red or yellow lentils, walnuts, olive oil and your favourite herbs and spices. Keep experimenting until you get it just right.

If you want a main dish recipe for walnuts, try our Nutty Chicken recipe. This has Taste and is a Treat.

SHISHAM OR INDIAN ROSEWOOD TREE HISTORY AND USES

THE SHISHAM TREE OR INDIAN ROSEWOOD


The Shisham or Indian Rosewood tree is the symbol of the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is not a native to this area, but native to the area around the Himalayas. It was brought into the Punjab to be cultivated for use as timber and for fuel for steam trains. It is a much-prized tree, but is susceptible to a disease called ‘Dieback’ which is caused by fungi which target particular species. At the moment this is a cause for concern in Pakistan.

It is used to make furniture, and is valued for its durability and the attractiveness of the wood grain. You may have seen decorative boxes made from it but in Pakistan it is used for furniture and in the construction industry. Musical instruments are made from it too, as are the tubes for hookahs, walking sticks and artificial limbs. The bark and wood ash are used to make dyes, and it produces good charcoal.

It is second only to teak in the Punjab, as teak is more widely grown and more expensive. However the Shisham tree is also used in traditional medicine on the subcontinent, and it is believed that it can be beneficial to sufferers of many diverse illnesses.

Some women use the sap from the leaves to lighten their skin colour, and to get rid of dark patches on their skin. The juice from the leaves mixed with honey is said to relieve painful eyes, and if you were to drink 10-15 ml. of the juice it would instantly banish heartburn and indigestion. The powdered bark of the Shisham tree is used in decoctions to treat STDs and is also said to be good for leprosy. It has been found that rosewood oil can stimulate new cell growth, and regenerate tissues, so it could prevent too many wrinkles. The oil is also good for acne and is used in some perfumes.

The leaves, roots and bark can be used as a stimulant, and a decoction of the bark can be drunk to purify the blood, and if you put a paste made from the bark on boils and pimples, they will soon go.

Recent medical studies have shown that the Shisham tree has astringent qualities and can help to prevent heart diseases.

Unfortunately, you can’t eat it, like the other trees we’ve been writing about recently, the Neem tree and the banyan, for example. However why not try our Chicken Jal Frezi recipe?

APRICOT: KHORMANI IN URDU: RECIPE LAMB WITH APRICOTS

APRICOTS OR KHORMANI in Urdu


The apricot is a close relative to the plum, as you can see from its Latin name (Prunus armeniaca). It is also in the rose family, and as the Romans believed it came from Armenia, it got the name armeniaca. However it is now thought that the apricot originated in the Himalayan region as well as in China and Armenia. It was taken along the Silk Road by traders in ancient times, which is how it comes to have such a long history of cultivation. The first mention of cultivating apricots was made 3000 years ago, when they were being grown in India. The ancient Greeks thought that their gods drank the juice and pulp of apricots- their nectar, they believed was the juice of this fruit. In Eastern countries, they are known as “moon of the faithful” and in ancient Persia they were called “eggs of the sun”.

Alexander the Great is said to have taken the apricot tree to Greece, and Lucullus, the Roman General is believed to have taken the trees back to Rome when he returned from Armenia, hence the name. According to Pliny, by 100 BC apricots were being cultivated by the Romans, and Apicus included them as ingredients in his recipe book written in the 2nd century AD. The Romans introduced them to the rest of Europe, but they disappeared after the fall of the Roman Empire, only to be reintroduced to Spain when the Moors carved out their empire in the 12th century. In the 16th century, Henry VIII’s gardener took a tree to Britain from Italy and an apricot tree was grown successfully in England for the first time by Lord Anson at Moor Park Hertfordshire. This was the first European variety of the apricot tree, and was called Moor Park.

The kernels of the apricot may be obtained by cracking the hard case that surrounds them; they taste like bitter almonds, but contain cyanide and shouldn’t be eaten in quantities. For example 15 will kill a child. However, if they are roasted, the cyanide is neutralized. These kernels also contain amygdalin (vit B17) which a few decades ago was believed to be an effective cancer prevention remedy. However, recent studies have proved that this is not the case; or rather there is no sound clinical data to support this idea. They are used to flavour amaretto biscuits and Amaretto di Saronno, and to give an extra bite to apricot jams and preserves. Apricots are rich in minerals, particularly potassium, are low in fat content and cholesterol free. However dried apricots act as a mild laxative and so should not be eaten in too great a quantity.

They oil from the apricot kernels is used in soaps, cosmetics, and skin products because it has a softening effect.

There are some strange stories about apricots: one is that a kernel placed in a woman’s uterus was a form of contraceptive it was believed. In the Amtrac Platoon eating apricots was considered to be bad luck. This dates back to the Vietnam War, a US soldier was shot by snipers after eating tinned apricots.(He should have stuck with peaches.) Apparently even after the troops went home from Vietnam, they still believed that apricots brought bad luck.

In Pakistan they eat the dried fruit to break the fast during Ramadan, along with the more traditional dried dates. Of course, they eat the fresh fruit too in season, and use it to make pickles and desserts. The recipe below has more of a North African flavour and is one of my favourites.

LAMB WITH APRICOTS

Ingredients

250 gr whole dried apricots or dried apricots

1 kg lean lamb cut into cubes
10 large red chillies, deseeded and soaked in hot water for 10 mins
1 inch ginger root, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp cumin seeds
3 tbsps oil
1 onion, finely chopped
10 cloves

½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

½ tsp ground cardamom seeds

500 gr tomatoes, peeled and chopped

salt
1 tbsp gur, (or jaggery) or muscavado sugar as a substitute
2 tbsps malt vinegar
coriander leaves for garnish

Method

Grind the chillies, ginger, garlic and cumin with a little water from the soaking of the apricots and chillies.

Pour half the mixture over the cubes of lamb, and marinate for 1 hour.

Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion, over a low heat for about 20 mins, stirring occasionally to prevent it burning. It needs to be a translucent golden brown colour.

Add the other half of the spice mixture and all the dry spices. Stir well for a few mins. Add lamb and brown on all sides.

Now add the tomatoes, salt and whole apricots if using them.

Cover and cook on a low heat for an hour, until the meat is almost tender, add water if necessary, with the gur, vinegar and pieces of dried apricots if using these instead of whole ones. Cover again and simmer for 15 mins.

Remove from the heat and garnish with the shredded coriander leaves.

Serve with pilau rice.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

TULSI OR HOLY BASIL: RECIPE STIR FRIED CHICKEN WITH TULSI

TULSI, TULASI or HOLY BASIL (Ocimum tenuiflorum)


Tulsi or Holy Basil is closely related to the Mediterranean basil so commonly used in European cuisines, but it is not the same as you can see form the pictures on this sit of both types of basil. Tulsi or Holy basil is native to the Asian continent and is a sacred plant for Hindus so is not generally eaten on the subcontinent, as the peoples on this continent tend to respect each others’ religions.

Tulsi is a short-lived perennial with smaller flowers than the Mediterranean basil, and has four ‘nutlets’ or seeds. Unlike the sweet basil seeds (tukh malanga), the seeds of Holy Basil do not produce mucilage. It used to be grown in large pots in the courtyards of Hindu forts and temples, and is still used to purify the body. This is entirely in keeping with the findings of modern medical researchers who have found that Tulsi has antibacterial properties and kills bacteria. It is effective against fungal diseases which attack rice crops. It is still grown in pots in Hindu homes and many women offer blessed water to their Holy basil or tulasi plant and walk around it praying. Hindus believe that offerings to their god and goddesses are not complete without tulasi leaves.

Krishna enjoys offerings of tulsi leaves as it is believed that the Holy Basil plant is the earthly embodiment of the nymph Tulasi who was so beloved by Krishna. It is believed by others that it is actually the earthly embodiment of the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu. The Brahmins believe that it is sacred to both gods, and that it guides all who grow it to heaven. In Hindi the name tulsi or tulasi means ‘incomparable’. It is used in Hindu marriage and funeral ceremonies and is used extensively in traditional medicine.

It was mentioned in the Rig Veda written around 1500 BC, and is noted in the medical treatise, Charaka Samhita which was written between the 2nd century BC and the 2dn century AD., so it has a long history of use. A mixture of its leaves, seeds and black pepper are given to pregnant women suffering from malaria, in India, while in Thailand the leaves and often the whole plants are used to stop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and flatulence. The fresh flowers are used to cure coughs and colds. The oil from the plant is an effective mosquito repellant.

In Ayurvedic medicine it has been used as an antidote to snake bites and as a medicine for coughs, colds, bronchitis and diabetes. It is often taken as a drink with lemon juice or cardamoms. Modern medical research has found that its oil contains eugenol which is a natural antiseptic and it can not only kill bacteria but also reduce inflammation. It also contains rosemarinic acid which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant also contains an acid which gives protection to enzymes present in the liver which help break down fats; this is important for diabetes sufferers. It helps lower cholesterol levels too.

Holy basil is used in some creams and ointments to treat eczema, although people with sensitive skins should avoid applying parts of the plant directly onto their skin as it can cause adverse reactions.

The woody stems are carved into prayer beads for Hindus and it is used as a flavouring in Thai cuisines. Thais tell me that it is sometimes confused with a close relative called Thai basil, but it is not the same and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for it as the two plants do not produce the same flavours.


STIR-FRIED CHICKEN WITH HOLY BASIL
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil for cooking
1 tsp sesame oil
4 green chillies, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
100 gr minced chicken (or beef or pork)
1 tbsp nam pla (fish sauce)
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
pinch sugar
½ cup Holy basil leaves
1 egg per person, beaten

Method

Heat the oil and fry the chillies and garlic until brown and pungent. Add the meat and fry till it is no longer red.

Add the sugar, soy sauce and fish sauce. Stir until the liquid has been totally absorbed then add a little water and the Holy basil leaves. Stir until the leaves have wilted.

In a separate frying pan fry the beaten eggs in a little oil.

Serve the stir-fry on a bed of rice and top with egg slices.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

CAROB: THE CHOCOLATE SUBSTITUTE

CAROB


Carob is native to the region around the Mediterranean Sea, and is best known for being a chocolate substitute. I’d probably seen carob before, but the first time I realized I was looking at a carob tree was in Antalya in Turkey, when a runaway camel was recaptured because it had stopped to eat the carob pods on a tree. The beast had quite a feast before being found, and I locked myself in a carpet shop until the camel had gone, as I had a phobia of camels, having been bitten by a particularly foul-tempered one.
                                                                                                             
    Carob trees are evergreens and another name for them is Saint John’s Bread, because when John the Baptist was in the desert, the Bible says that he ate wild honey and locusts, locusts being a name for the beans, rather than the insects. Before cultivation of sugar cane and sugar beet, carob was a useful sweetener. It was used in ancient Egypt, and seeds were found in the tombs of the pharaohs when they were excavated. The gum from the beans was also used in the embalming process.

It was used as a sweetener by the ancient Egyptians and carob juice has been enjoyed by people from many cultures on high days and holidays. In times of famine, people eat it, but at other times I guess they leave it for the camels. The tree is drought resistant and they can live for more than 50 years, and that is just as well as they don’t provide beans until they are 15 years old. Then a large tree might produce a ton of beans at one harvest. The gum produced by the beans is used commercially as a gelling agent, a thickener and a stabilizer/emulsifier in ice creams and desserts. It’s added to babies’ powdered milk because it prevents infant diarrhea.

It was recorded in 4BC by Theophrastus, and it was planted by the ancient Greeks, who had sweet tooths. The Romans used to eat the green (unripe) pods as a sweet. Apart from being better for your health than chocolate it has other medical properties. It doesn’t contain theobromine which means that it is safe for your four legged friend the dog. In traditional medicine it has been used to treat prostate infections, and powdered carob is said to be good for coughs, sore throats and to cure warts, when applied directly. Carob is rich in trace elements and minerals as well as vitamins A, B and D. Modern medical research has suggested that it may control cholesterol levels and help to control diabetes. It also has astringent properties. It was popular with opera singers in the 18th century as it was supposed to keep the voice in good shape- useful for opera singers. They chewed the pods and seeds or beans. Modern medical researchers have agreed that it is a good anti-diarrhoeal treatment. The pods are used for cattle feed when the beans have been removed.

You can drink carob powder like cocoa, but may need to add honey rather than sugar, it seems to taste better somehow. You can substitute the same quantity of carob powder for cocoa powder. It’s better for your health and won’t bring you out in spots as cocoa powder sometimes does.

MARJORAM: HERB AND GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

MARJORAM


Marjoram and oregano are very similar herbs, but there is a subtle difference. Marjoram packs less of a culinary punch than oregano, as it has a milder flavour. Now marjoram is called Origanum maiorana, and has undergone a name change, which is confusing. However, its taste hasn’t changed, so it really doesn’t matter. It’s still a substitute for oregano and vice versa. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area. All marjorams are oregano, but not all oreganos are marjoram-so now you know! They are all members of the mint family of herbs.

The Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite is reputed to have favoured both oregano and marjoram, and because of this it was believed that if a girl anointed herself with marjoram she would dream of her future husband. The ancients also believed that if wild marjoram grew on a grave the spirit of the departed was happy. Marjoram was also planted on some graves to ensure the happiness of the soul of the departed.

In ancient Greece and Rome, bridal couples wore wreaths of marjoram on their heads as crowns, and these symbolized love, honour and happiness. It was believed that when marjoram was added to food it would nurture love. In the Middle Ages it was used as a strewing herb to mask unpleasant smells.

In Germany marjoram was hung over doors to protect the members of the household form witches spells. In Britain it was thought that if sprigs of marjoram and wild thyme were laid together by milk in a dairy, they would prevent the milk turning sour, or curdling during a thunderstorm.

Marjoram has traditionally been used in medicine to relieve pains; those in the joints, from arthritis, sprains, bruises and muscles. To relieve pains like this you should grind marjoram leaves into a paste with hot water and a little oatmeal (which helps with consistency only) or rub oil of marjoram on the affected areas.

Modern research has shown that marjoram is a minor antioxidant and has some antifungal properties. Gargles made from the leaves can help a sore throat and ease sinus congestion and hay fever.

It is good in a herb butter with dill and thyme.



HERB AND GARLIC BREAD
Ingredients
1 French stick
50 gr butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, crushed or very finely chopped
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 tbsp fresh dill leaves, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1tsp dried thyme
freshly ground black pepper to taste


Method
Cut the French stick into slices, but do not cut all the way through, so each slice is still attached to the stick.

Mix all the other ingredients together, and spread the herb and garlic butter on each slice of bread.

Cover with aluminium foil and cook in a medium oven for 20 mins.

After 15 mins, undo the aluminium foil at the top of the bread to allow the bread to crisp a little. Cook for 5 mins and serve.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

BAMBOO SHOOTS:RECIPE-STIR-FRIED CHICKEN WITH BAMBOO SHOOTS

BAMBOO SHOOTS

Bamboo shoots are mainly used in Chinese and South East Asian cuisines, although they grow quite profusely on the Indian subcontinent and are exported from Bangladesh. Bamboo can be used for furniture as a wood substitute and is used to make flutes or diki in India. They can also be used to make paper and the charcoal from bamboo makes for an excellent air purifier. Bamboo is known as “the Grass of Heaven” perhaps because its leaves are considered an aphrodisiac. There is one type of bamboo called Rhino Bamboo because of its shape and this commands a very high price on the Asian markets, as it looks very similar to a rhino’s horn and is believed to have the same aphrodisiacal qualities.

Bamboo plants are prehistoric plants and used to grow to heights in excess of 250 feet. Now they can reach over 60 feet, but are dwarves compared to their prehistoric relatives.

Freshly cut bamboo glows in the dark as it contains antioxidants which prevent it browning when exposed to air, and these spring into action when the bamboo is cut as a self defence reaction. These antioxidants counteract bacterial infections and so can be useful to the human body when they are digested. If you use fresh bamboo shoots they need to be boiled for 45 minutes before they can be used in a dish, as they contain hydrocyanic acid. If you use tinned bamboo shoots or prepackaged ones that they have already been processed and are safe to use in a recipe.

Bamboo is a grass and the fastest growing plant on the planet, so it is sustainable. It has been used for over 7000 years as records from China show. They have been used as medicine since ancient times, and are still considered effective for coughs, colds, sinus congestion and sore throats on the subcontinent. A powder is made from the bamboo, mixed with chillies, cardamoms, cinnamon and sugar to treat these minor ailments. The juice from the young shoots can be applied to wounds to stop bleeding and infection, and also the tender young shoots can be made into a poultice and applied to wounds. The leaves can be made into a decoction and used to treat diarrhoea and stomach upsets. 120 ml of juice from the shoots can be taken daily as a tonic. The leaves and shavings of the bamboo can be used in a decoction to stop burning sensations in the stomach and is a coolant.

Of course, pandas love bamboo, so there’s no reason for us not to enjoy it as they prefer different varieties to the ones we generally eat. We are not depriving pandas of food when we have bamboo shoots. They are usually used in stir fried dishes but can be grated and used in salads to for an added crunch. They have a fairly mild flavour, but as they are so rich in minerals as well as vitamins and are a good source of fibre, without containing loads of calories, they really are good for our health. Pickled bamboo shoots are used as a condiment too.



STIR-FRIED CHICKEN WITH BAMBOO SHOOTS

Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts cut into slivers
1 small tin bamboo shoots, cut into slivers
10 water chestnuts halved
1 handful bean sprouts,
1 carrot, cut into 2 inch, thin slices
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely sliced or spring onions
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 inch ginger root, finely chopped
3-4 green chillies finely chopped
1 head of broccoli cut into florets
2 tbsps soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine or white wine
1 star anise
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp sesame oil
oil for frying



Method

Heat oils and fry chicken quickly, sealing all sides, with star anise and cumin seeds. Add all the vegetables except tomatoes and stir fry for 3-4 mins. Add soy sauce and wine, with tomatoes and stir well to mix. Add the bean sprouts last. Fry for 5 mins maximum.

Remove from the heat and serve with rice, noodles or rice noodles.

This has Taste and is a Treat.