Indian Leaves- what is Mantharai illai/kachnar leaves/camel's foot leaves?, culinary uses of mandharai illai, how to purchase and store mandharai illai?
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Inside The Post -
What is Mantharai Ilai/Kachnar Leaves Uses/What are Camel's Foot Leaves/Mantharai Leaf/Kachnar Leaves Use/Thaiyal Illai
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT - "LEAF PLATES"
In India, serving food on leaf plates is a long-standing tradition and is considered auspicious. The various leaves and leaf plates are used for offering Naivedyam to God and prasadam to devotees. They are extensively used to serve food in eateries, during marriages, religious festivals, and family gatherings, particularly the mass distribution of foods, etc. The leaves from a different variety of plants are used as serving plates, and food wraps.
Among various leaves, Banana leaves are the well-known and highly used leaves throughout India. As a South Indian, I would love to eat food from fresh banana leaves. It definitely enhances the taste of the food. My next favourite plant leaf plate is MANTHARAI ILLAI or CAMEL’S FOOT PLANT LEAVES.
WHAT IS MANTHARAI/KACHNAR?
Mantharai plant is scientifically known as Bauhinia variegate. It is also called mountain ebony, butterfly ash, or camel’s foot in English. It is a deciduous tree, native to the southeast Asian countries of India, Sri Lanka and China. It is a medicinal plant used to treat various diseases. There is an ancient Tamil proverb that says,
“மந்தாரை உள்ள வரை நொந்தாரைக் காண முடியாது”
literally means -
(No human is weak until they have mantharai).
Leaves from this plant are collected and made into serving plates and cups. After banana leaves, mantharai illai is the next most used leaf for serving food.
APPEARANCE OF MANTHARAI ILLAI/KACHNAR LEAVES
Mantharai illai is formed of twin leaflets connate about halfway. The upper side of the leaf is dark green coloured and the bottom light green. To make mantharai illai, twin leaflets are cut into two individual leaves and then using 5-7 leaves stitched together to form a round plate.
To stitch mantharai illai, special wooden thin sticks are made out of cholam (small millet) stems.
FEW INDIAN REGIONAL OR VERNACULAR NAMES OF MANTHARAI LEAF
Tamil name – Mantharai leaf/Thaiyal illai (stitched leaves).
Hindi name – Kachanar/Kanchanar/Kachnar.
Malayalam name – Chuvanna Mandharam.
Punjabi name – Kanchnar.
Urdu name – Kachnal.
Telugu name – Rakta Kanchan.
Marathi name – Kanchana/Raktakancana.
Kannada name – Kanchavala.
FLAVOUR OF MANTHARAI LEAF/KACHNAR LEAVES
Mantharai illai has a natural dried leaf smell. However, when hot food touches the leaf imparts a unique earthy and woody aroma. In addition, it enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
INDIAN CULINARY USES OF MANTHARAI LEAF/KACHNAR LEAVES
Typically, mantharai illai is used in Temples, Hotels particularly small eateries, and family gatherings. The elaborated meals are always served on banana leaves and smaller meals like tiffin are served on mantharai leaves.
Mantharai illai is naturally waterproof, eco-friendly, and healthy. It is widely used as a food serving plate throughout India. In addition, mantharai illai is economical and convenient to use while hosting food to a larger number of people. It also reduces the hassle of washing.
It can be used to pack foods. Traditional meat sellers use mantharai illai to pack freshly cut meat. Mantharai illai helps to protect the meat from bacterial growth.
In the picture - Meat is placed on Mantharai leaf at the butcher shop
An iconic IDLI from Tamilnadu is called KANCHIPURAM IDLI. The cylindrical-shaped idli is traditionally wrapped in mantharai illai and steamed in a bamboo basket is a delicious variety of idli. The aroma of the mantharai illai is nicely infused in the idli and lends them a special flavour.
In the picture - Kanchipuram Idli Recipe
TIPS TO BUY AND STORE MANTHARAI ILLAI
It is available in the country's drug stores (Nattu Marundhu Kadai), shops near Indian Temples, and also in a few online organic stores.
HOW TO STORE MANTHARAI LEAF/KACHNAR LEAVES?
Always store mantharai illai in a dry place and away from any moisture content.
HAPPY COOKING!
with better ingredients for better food.
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