Papaya thoran - Kappalanga / Omakka thoran - Raw pappaya porial

Papaya, as we all know, is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, and C. It also contains vitamins E and K, potassium, and has many health benefits. 

It helps in weight loss, aids in digestion, boosts our immunity, good for diabetic patients, good for our eyes and skin. 

It is a natural cleanser. Papaya fruit is used as a face pack. So, papaya extracts are used in cosmetics.

Payaru thoran - Achinga payar thoran - Long yard beans curry - String beans curry

Achinga payar or Long yard beans or simply payaru is a common vegetable in Kerala. It needs no introduction to Keralites. It is cultivated in almost all the houses in the villages of Kerala. 

Payaru thoran is a simple, nutritious and yummy curry, which goes well with rice. 

Thorans are side dishes, with coconut and a few spices.

Gooseberry - Amla - Nellikkai thayir pachadi

Gooseberry is the nature's gift to us. It is rich in calcium and vitamins and has many health benefits. It is used in beauty products. Amla hair oil enriches hair growth.

It slows down aging, increases metabolic activity, boosts immunity and a lot more. 

Panakam - Panaka

Panakam / Panaka, the jaggery lemonade is a traditional offering to Gods, Sri Ram, Hanuman and Ayyappan. Panaka means a sweet liquid in Sanskrit. It is a healthy and refreshing drink. 

Moru kootan - Kerala Mor kuzhambu

Moru kootan is my favourite one. 

It can be prepared swiftly if we have some slightly sour curd or buttermilk. This can be made with Ash gourd, Chow chow (Vegetable pear), Colocasia (Chembu in Malayalam / Seppan kizhangu in Tamil) and Raw bananas. 

Here we go with Ash gourd Moru kootan.