Veggies to savour in Goa's monsoon

WILD MUSHROOMS

Locally known as tel alami or fuge alami, these are types of wild mushrooms found growing near big trees like mango or banyan. These flashy brown mushrooms are consumed by many of the local communities in Goa.

CASHEW TREAT

The cashew season is over, but the seeds left behind germinate during the first rain. These germinated young green cotyledons are used in the preparation of different delicacies. They are called kongala or ghodka in Goa.

SMILAX ZEYLANICA

This is a climber with a prickly stem. The tender shoots are cooked and eaten. It is called ghotvel and the tender stem is called ghotshire or akur in Konkani.

AMORPHOPHALLUS CAMPANULATUS

The tender leaves of this plant (elephant foot yam) are consumed during the first rains. These can give one itching sensation hence are cooked with souring agents like kokum or tamarind. It is called loothichi bhaji in Konkani.

CHLOROPHYTUM TUBEROSUM (SAFED MUSLI)

This is a rare plant found growing in plateau regions of Goa and is medicinally very important. It is also consumed as vegetable by some communities and is commonly known as phodashi or kavale.

CREPE-GINGER

Also known as cheilocostus speciosus, this is a medicinal plant growing along roadside ditches. It is called bonkali or pavo in Konkani and its young leaves are consumed as vegetable before it starts flowering.

DRAGON STALK YAM

Known as amorphophallus commutatus, this is one of those few vegetables consumed only during first rains. The buds of these plant are considered a delicacy. It is called sheval in Konkani.

JACKFRUIT SEEDS

These seeds are used in curries and vegetables or as addition to other leafy vegetable preparation. They are also boiled and consumed as snacks during heavy downpour.

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