Tourists from around the world call Kerala ‘God’s Own Country’ and visit for many reasons. They appreciate its pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, warm hospitality, tranquil backwaters, and, most importantly, its delicious cuisine. If you ask any of your friends who have visited Kerala what they like most about the state, their answer will likely be the food, especially Kerala cuisine. But why is Kerala cuisine so special? Have you ever thought of that?
People admire Kerala cuisine for its rich flavors. It primarily uses local produce, including coconut, vegetables, and available spices.
Coconut
People in Kerala use coconut in almost all food items in various forms, including grated, oil, and even milk. This adds a unique flavor and creaminess to all dishes.
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Banana Leaf
Another distinctive feature of Kerala cuisine is the use of the banana leaf. People in Kerala often serve traditional meals on it to showcase their culture and enhance the food’s natural aroma.
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Spices
The diverse range of spices used in its cuisine enhances the dishes, making them delicious and flavorful. People often use black pepper, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, dried chili, mustard seeds, curry leaves, cloves, and nutmeg for cooking.
Seafood
Kerala Meencurry [fish curry] is very famous around the world. The freshness in the curry makes this curry unique from other dishes. The sour taste in this curry leaves a long-lasting taste impression on everyone’s tongue.
Sadhya
Sadhya is a grand traditional feast served on a banana leaf during special occasions and festivals; for example, Onam, which is the biggest harvest festival in Kerala. The meal features over 20 different curries and dishes, all centered around matta rice, a staple food in the region. Some of the curries served in Sadhya include Parippu (moong dal with ghee), Sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew with tamarind), and Avial (a mix of vegetables with coconut, yogurt, and curry leaves), among many others.
Importance of Kerala Cuisine.
Do you know the healthy and important factors of Kerala cuisine?
- The use of fresh and seasonal ingredients makes the food healthy
- Kerala cuisine contains ayurvedic influence, like the use of turmeric, etc.
- Use of coconut as a healthy fat source
- Clean protein from seafood
- Moderation in cooking techniques
- High-fiber food with a low-processed diet
- The traditional methods for fermenting food help in building a healthy body
- Seasonal harvest without the use of chemicals that affect the human body
- The traditional way of serving food
- Nourishing both the body and mind, thereby promoting overall well-being and health
Kerala’s cuisine and its lasting taste will never disappoint anyone who tries it. Let such healthy food be recognized and enjoyed by everyone.
