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Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
10 healthiest edible plants you can easily grow in your kitchen garden and save on groceries
Creating your own kitchen garden is a smart and satisfying way to eat healthier, live greener, and even save money on groceries. By growing healthy, edible plants at home, you get a steady supply of organic, pesticide-free vegetables and herbs, fresh from your garden to your plate. Whether you're aiming to boost immunity, improve digestion, or simply add more nutrient-rich foods to your meals, home gardening makes it easy. Even with limited space such as a balcony, terrace, or sunny windowsill, you can easily cultivate a variety of nutrient-dense vegetables and herbs. In this guide, we highlight 10 of the healthiest edible plants that are not only simple to grow but also deliver significant health benefits, from supporting digestion to boosting overall wellness. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your home garden, these plants are an ideal starting point. Healthy and easy-to-grow edible plants for your kitchen garden Spinach (Palak) Spinach is one of the most nutrient-rich leafy greens you can grow, packed with iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It supports healthy bones, strengthens the immune system, improves eyesight, and boosts energy levels. Spinach grows quickly in containers or garden beds and can be harvested multiple times, making it a convenient and nutritious addition to daily meals like dals, curries, smoothies, and parathas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Basil (Tulsi or Sweet Basil) Basil is a fragrant herb known for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects that support digestion, heart health, and respiratory wellness. It thrives in warm conditions and is easy to grow in small pots or windowsill planters. Whether you're brewing tulsi tea or topping pasta with sweet basil, this herb brings both health benefits and delicious flavour to your kitchen. Mint (Pudina) Mint is a fast-growing herb celebrated for its refreshing aroma and cooling properties. It aids digestion, helps relieve bloating, reduces nausea, and can even soothe headaches. Mint is ideal for container gardening and grows well with minimal effort. Use it to flavour chutneys, salads, herbal teas, or infuse your water for a detoxifying refreshment. Tomatoes Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They also provide vitamin C, potassium, and folate, all of which support heart and immune health. Homegrown tomatoes are far more flavourful than store-bought ones and are easy to cultivate in pots or grow bags. Use them in salads, curries, sauces, or enjoy them fresh off the vine. Carrots (Gajar) Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye health and a glowing complexion. They're also rich in fibre, aiding digestion and supporting heart health. Carrots can be grown in deep containers with well-drained soil and are ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Use them raw in salads, cooked in stir-fries, or juiced for a nutritious drink. Chilies (Mirch) Chilies are more than just a spicy addition to meals—they contain capsaicin, which can boost metabolism, improve circulation, and offer natural pain relief. They are easy to grow in containers and produce abundantly with just a little care. Fresh, homegrown chilies can be used in everyday cooking, pickles, or sauces, and you can control the heat level by choosing different varieties. Lettuce Lettuce is a low-calorie leafy vegetable high in fibre, folate, and vitamin K, which supports bone health and aids digestion. It grows quickly and is perfect for small gardens or balcony pots. You can harvest it leaf by leaf, making it ideal for fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches straight from your garden to the plate. Coriander (Dhaniya) Coriander is one of the most commonly used herbs in Indian cooking and offers several health benefits, including improved digestion, blood sugar regulation, and detoxification. It's incredibly easy to grow in small spaces and requires very little maintenance. Fresh coriander leaves add aroma and nutrition to curries, dals, chutneys, and garnishes. Garlic (Lehsun) Garlic is a natural antibiotic and a powerful immune booster that helps lower blood pressure and supports heart health. It's surprisingly easy to grow at home by planting individual cloves in pots. Once harvested, garlic can be used daily in your cooking or even eaten raw to take full advantage of its medicinal properties. Lemons (Nimbu) Lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost immunity, aid digestion, and support skin health. Dwarf lemon trees grow well in containers and require minimal care. Having fresh lemons at home means you'll always have a natural ingredient for detox drinks, salad dressings, or to brighten up your meals. These 10 edible plants are not only easy to grow but also incredibly beneficial for your overall health. Whether you're looking to boost your nutrient intake, reduce chemical exposure, or simply enjoy the joy of gardening, your kitchen garden can be a powerful ally. Start small, be consistent, and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh, organic food straight from your home. Also Read: 10 Medicinal plants you can grow at home for natural healing
NDTV
15-07-2025
- General
- NDTV
How To Make Pudina Anardana Chutney In Just 5 Minutes (Recipe Inside)
Chutney is a staple in an Indian thali. Without it, something feels missing from the plate, doesn't it? From sweet and spicy to tangy and sour, there's a chutney for every type of flavour preference. Among the many options, pudina chutney is one that enjoys huge popularity. Typically, pudina chutney has a spicy flavour but have you ever tried one with a sweet and tangy flavour profile? Introducing: Pudina Anardana Chutney! This unique chutney will surely take your taste buds by surprise. The recipe for it was shared by the Instagram page @cookwithshivangi_. Also Read: Chutney Tasting Bland? Add Tadka, And Here's How To Do It Right What Makes Pudina Anardana Chutney A Must-Try? This refreshing condiment offers an exciting twist on traditional pudina chutney. Unlike the regular version, this one boasts a distinct sweet and tangy flavour. Ready in under 5 minutes, it makes for a delicious accompaniment to your favourite Indian snacks and dishes. It will add a burst of flavour and aroma to every bite. Is Pudina Anardana Chutney Healthy? The answer is yes! Pudina anardana chutney is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Mint is known for its digestive properties, while anardana is rich in antioxidants. With a blend of spices and herbs, pudina anardana chutney is a guilt-free addition to your meals. How To Store Pudina Anardana Chutney? To keep your pudina anardana chutney fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Simply thaw and serve when needed. How To Make Pudina Anardana Chutney | Chutney Recipes Making pudina anardana chutney at home is a breeze! Here's a step-by-step recipe: In a mortar and pestle, pound some garlic and green chillies. Add fresh mint leaves and pound until the mixture is smooth. Add anardana, onion, coriander leaves and pound again. Mix in regular salt, black salt, roasted jeera powder, black pepper and jaggery until the flavours are balanced. And that's it! Your pudina anardana chutney is now ready to be devoured! Check out the full recipe video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shivangi Dubey (@cookwithshivangi_)
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Try These Ayurvedic Foods For A Cooler Summer
As temperatures soar across India during summer, our bodies experience a natural increase in internal heat, often leading to dehydration, fatigue, indigestion, and skin issues. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, summer aggravates the Pitta dosha, the energy responsible for heat, metabolism, and transformation in the body. To maintain balance, Ayurveda recommends specific cooling foods that help pacify Pitta, hydrate the system, and keep you energised throughout the hot months. Backed by holistic wisdom and now supported by nutrition science, these foods can be easily included in your daily routine for a more refreshing and healthier summer. Why Ayurvedic cooling foods matter in summer Ayurveda believes food is medicine, and every season demands dietary adjustments. In summer, cooling and hydrating foods soothe the overheated body and prevent seasonal ailments. These foods balance your doshas, boost immunity, and improve digestion. The Ministry of AYUSH recommends seasonal diets aligned with Ayurvedic principles for better health and wellness during extreme weather conditions. 1. Coconut water Naturally sweet and packed with electrolytes, coconut water is considered a 'Pitta-pacifying' drink. It cools the body, prevents dehydration, and aids digestion. It's also rich in potassium and magnesium, making it perfect for summer hydration. 2. Amla (Indian gooseberry) A powerhouse of Vitamin C, amla detoxifies the body and boosts immunity. Its cooling nature makes it effective in reducing body heat and improving skin health. Have it raw, as juice, or in the form of chyawanprash. 3. Buttermilk (Chaas) Light, probiotic-rich, and cooling, buttermilk improves digestion and prevents bloating caused by heat. Seasoned with cumin and coriander, it enhances its detoxifying and soothing properties. Ayurveda recommends it as a daily post-lunch drink during summer. 4. Sabja seeds (basil seeds) Sabja seeds, soaked in water, swell into a gel-like texture and are known to reduce body heat. Often used in sherbets and coolers, they aid digestion, reduce acidity, and act as natural body coolants. 5. Cucumber Crisp, hydrating, and alkaline, cucumber is one of the best summer vegetables. Ayurveda classifies it as a cooling food that soothes the stomach, hydrates cells, and helps eliminate toxins. It's ideal as a salad or juice ingredient. 6. Mint leaves (Pudina) Pudina is a classic cooling herb that stimulates digestion, clears nasal congestion, and brings down internal heat. It can be used in chutneys, buttermilk, or infused in water for an aromatic summer detox drink. 7. Watermelon This juicy fruit is 90% water and rich in antioxidants like lycopene. It reduces inflammation, quenches thirst, and prevents heatstroke. Ayurveda encourages its consumption in moderation and on an empty stomach for best results. 8. Fennel seeds (Saunf) Fennel seeds have a sweet, cooling effect on the body. A fennel infusion or simply chewing fennel seeds post meals can ease digestion, reduce acidity, and lower Pitta-related imbalances. 9. Gulkand (rose petal jam) Made from fresh rose petals and sugar, Gulkand is a traditional Ayurvedic coolant. It cools the digestive tract, relieves acidity, and prevents mouth ulcers. One spoon daily can keep internal heat in check. 10. Lauki (bottle gourd) Often overlooked, lauki is a hydrating vegetable with high water content and cooling qualities. It helps reduce high blood pressure and body heat. Consuming it as juice or lightly cooked curry is beneficial in summer. Ayurveda offers a time-tested guide to adapt your diet seasonally for optimal health. These cooling foods are not just delicious but also therapeutic, helping you manage summer heat naturally. By incorporating them into your daily meals, you'll feel lighter, refreshed, and more balanced. Let your summer plate reflect ancient wisdom for modern wellness. Eat cool, stay cool. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
