Flower delicacies of the Northeast

November 15, ,2023

In Manipur, people consume this green vegetable combined with the stem and blooms. Botanists refer to this plant as Portulaca oleracea, and it's fantastic for making saag, a dry-fry meal that's also a great side dish.

Leibak kundo

It is a sprawling shrub (Phlogocanthus thyrsiforus) with tubular flowers, commonly found in Manipur. The flowers come in two shades—white and yellow.

Nongmankha

These are rare flowers, usually associated with a particular occasion in Manipur. During Cheiroaba, the new year of the Meitei community, people use thse extensively.

Chigonglei

In the Northeast, the blooms are considered a delicacy and are used to prepare vegetable soup, while in mainland India, they would be left undisturbed for the mustard seeds and oil.

Hangam

It is a banana blossom, known by its scientific name Musa paradisiaca. These may be found at all Northeastern local markets.

Laphu tharo

It will be a fixture in the Nagas' kitchens throughout the season. The Mizos and other local communities will also benefit from this.

Lomba or lengmaser

While the flower is cooked in oil, drumsticks are delicious in sambhar. However, this flower's uses are not limited to the Northeast, particularly in Assam.

Sajina

Some Assamese tribes use the blossoms of this deciduous tree to make recipes that include pounded rice.

Ghora neem

Monochoria hastate is known by this name in Assamese. Lower Assamese people consider this a delicacy and use it to prepare delicious fish dishes.

Bhat meteka