Juicy, juicy fruits
Srinivasapura: A scene common in the rural parts of the State at this time of the year is that of children with bandaged hands. Yes, they climb the rose apple tree to pluck the fruit and fall down accidentally. But, such falls do not deter them from climbing the tree to pluck rose apples, their favourite fruit. This fruit is liked by the people of all ages.
Rose apples have a long history. The fruit has not only found a mention in the Ramayana, but also in Da Ra Bendre’s famous poem Karadi Kunitha. According to the latter, Jambavantha ate rose apples at the end of krutha yuga on the banks of river Jambu. It is also mentioned in Shuka Sapthathi Kathalu, a book written by Palavekari Kadiripathi Nayaka in the 17th century.
The branches of rose apple trees are laden with bunches of this mouth watering fruit. Popularly known as jambu nerale in Kannada, this fruit is usually eaten after dipping it in salt water.
Rose apples are slightly expensive, costing no less than gold! They are being sold at Rs 80 to 100 per kilo. Because of the good price they fetch, some peasants are growing them everywhere.
Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, its botanical name is Eugenia Jombos. It's fruit, leaf and bark are used as medicine. According to native (naati) doctors, it is useful in the cure of many diseases. Unfortunately, these trees are being cut and sent to the saw mill as its timber has a great demand in the construction field.
R Chowda Reddy
Old is gold
Mandya: Some of the articles we once used to store food grains are seen today only in attics, along with unwanted items.
Take this container (shown in the photo below) for instance. Made with mud in a thick composition, this container is known as waade or gudana in Kannada, and is used to store raagi and paddy. It is no less than our modern day refrigerators, as food grains stored in these containers will last for years together.
Unfortunately, these items are now being replaced with fancy boxes made of steel and aluminium.
UMM