<p> At a time when prices of rice, especially that of Sona Masoori variety, have skyrocketed, Basmati rice — popular for its distinct flavour — has turned unaffordable for common man. But, a wonder spice called ‘allspice’ — available at ‘organic mela’ here — brings the rich flavour of Basmati to your cuisine for just Rs 10.<br /><br /></p>.<p>A single leaf, which resembles a huge blade of grass, is enough to add flavour and aroma to the pulav.<br /><br />A turmeric oil extract, sold at Uthana outlet, just two drops in a glass of hot water when consumed is said to cure anaemia, allergy, blood pressure, low-cholesterol level, cold, phlegm, diabetes, cancer and a lot of other diseases, according to the promoters. A bottle, sold at Rs 110 is sufficient for more than a month, said the stall owner.<br /><br />Compact discs (CDs) imparting details on organic farming and alternative crops, dairy farming, rearing of sheep, cattle, fish, emu and other birds attracted the onlookers.<br /><br />Banners were seen highlighting the importance of consuming flax seeds or (agasa beeja), which are rich in Omega fatty acids and loaded with essential nutrients, which indirectly helps in controlling obesity, low-cholesterol and blood triglycerides and prevents clots. Consume a spoon of flax seeds in empty stomach, followed by a glass of water, it is sure to reduce the risk of colon cancer, said the stall keeper of Grameena Natural, Kuvempunagar.<br /><br />Crowd<br /><br />Organically grown spices, jaggery, dals, oils, pulses and cereals were available at all stalls, crowded by enthusiastic people. While both men and women, who are used to advertisements selling corn flakes as a healthy breakfast were surprised to see flakes manufactured using wheat, millets and multi-millet bread.<br /><br />For lovers of chutney powders, there was a wide range, making it difficult to choose. While fresh vegetables and greens, as usual, attracted a huge number of people, who are health conscious, some of the stalls had stocked ‘obbattu’ stuffed with organic jaggery and huruli (horse gram) that found many takers. <br /><br />Women<br /><br />Women were seen drawn to beauty products, based on aloe vera, herbal shampoos, gels, soaps and a lot more.<br /><br />Saplings of various plants, especially papaya, betel and herbs were sold like hot cakes. Bottles of fresh honey were sold at many outlets, one of them boasted of natural honey from the forest and not from bee collectors. <br /><br />The two-day ‘organic mela’, organised by horticulture department at Curzon Park had been inaugurated by deputy commissioner Dr Ramegowda on Saturday morning. A steady stream of people to the fair proved that it received good response from the locals. The fair ends on Sunday.<br /></p>
<p> At a time when prices of rice, especially that of Sona Masoori variety, have skyrocketed, Basmati rice — popular for its distinct flavour — has turned unaffordable for common man. But, a wonder spice called ‘allspice’ — available at ‘organic mela’ here — brings the rich flavour of Basmati to your cuisine for just Rs 10.<br /><br /></p>.<p>A single leaf, which resembles a huge blade of grass, is enough to add flavour and aroma to the pulav.<br /><br />A turmeric oil extract, sold at Uthana outlet, just two drops in a glass of hot water when consumed is said to cure anaemia, allergy, blood pressure, low-cholesterol level, cold, phlegm, diabetes, cancer and a lot of other diseases, according to the promoters. A bottle, sold at Rs 110 is sufficient for more than a month, said the stall owner.<br /><br />Compact discs (CDs) imparting details on organic farming and alternative crops, dairy farming, rearing of sheep, cattle, fish, emu and other birds attracted the onlookers.<br /><br />Banners were seen highlighting the importance of consuming flax seeds or (agasa beeja), which are rich in Omega fatty acids and loaded with essential nutrients, which indirectly helps in controlling obesity, low-cholesterol and blood triglycerides and prevents clots. Consume a spoon of flax seeds in empty stomach, followed by a glass of water, it is sure to reduce the risk of colon cancer, said the stall keeper of Grameena Natural, Kuvempunagar.<br /><br />Crowd<br /><br />Organically grown spices, jaggery, dals, oils, pulses and cereals were available at all stalls, crowded by enthusiastic people. While both men and women, who are used to advertisements selling corn flakes as a healthy breakfast were surprised to see flakes manufactured using wheat, millets and multi-millet bread.<br /><br />For lovers of chutney powders, there was a wide range, making it difficult to choose. While fresh vegetables and greens, as usual, attracted a huge number of people, who are health conscious, some of the stalls had stocked ‘obbattu’ stuffed with organic jaggery and huruli (horse gram) that found many takers. <br /><br />Women<br /><br />Women were seen drawn to beauty products, based on aloe vera, herbal shampoos, gels, soaps and a lot more.<br /><br />Saplings of various plants, especially papaya, betel and herbs were sold like hot cakes. Bottles of fresh honey were sold at many outlets, one of them boasted of natural honey from the forest and not from bee collectors. <br /><br />The two-day ‘organic mela’, organised by horticulture department at Curzon Park had been inaugurated by deputy commissioner Dr Ramegowda on Saturday morning. A steady stream of people to the fair proved that it received good response from the locals. The fair ends on Sunday.<br /></p>
