Vegetarian? Here's A 'Bird' You Can Eat!

Everyone knows a hummingbird. But have you ever seen a hummingbird flower? You did? Great! Now, have you ever tried eating one? There! Gotcha!

Hummingbird or 'Bok' - one of the tastiest flowers ever! Photo credit:
3Point141@gmail.com

The hummingbird flower is one of the tastiest flowers ever! In fact its been over 3 years since I ate my last, but I can still feel the taste!  


Before you eat a hummingbird,remember 2 things: 1) A fully grown, about -to-bloom bud will taste better than one on full bloom. 2) Dig your fingers inside the flower and remove the thin, green stalk that you find in between the petal. That is a bitter, inedible part.


If you like your food in its original flavor, like I do, then chop the flowers in small or medium pieces and just saute with a pinch of salt and turmeric, if you will. That's it!


But if you want a more exotic dish, then get a handful of rava (semolina) powder. Make a thin paste with water, dip the flower and dip fry in oil. You can eat it as a snack or as a side dish at lunch/dinner.


The hummingbird grows all year through and you can eat it anytime! And when you do that, no real birds will be hurt :)

Lily Pop , Anyone?

Water Lily aka 'Bhet phool' aka  'Shapla'

Almost every family in the north east India owns a pond. And gracing almost every pond is a family of Water Lilies. White, red and purple, the Lilies are called 'Bhet phool' or 'Shapla'(which is also the national flower of Bangladesh) and are a great attraction among local kids. The reason? The pop seeds of the Lilies, or, as we kids called them 'Lily Pops.' 


Its very easy to make Lily pops. The seeds in the Lily pod look very much like mustard seeds. Dry them in the sun and fry them later in a vessel until they pop. Don't forget to put the lid on. Lightweight and munchy, they are quite a delight! And the fact that its a free treat adds to the fun :)


The stalks of the Lily is also edible. Peel off the outer fiber and cook the inner, softer, fleshy part like you would cook a zucchini or a ridge gourd (tori/turai). You can cook them as a separate dish or as an add on. The taste is unforgettable!


So, go ahead, give yourself a free gift - a bowl of Lily pops!