Seasonal Produce Guide: What’s Growing Now in Bangalore

At Blooms Eco Village, we take pride in cultivating a diverse range of seasonal produce that not only supports local biodiversity but also provides our community with fresh, nutritious food. Here’s a guide to what’s currently growing in our fields, along with some delicious cooking tips to help you make the most of these seasonal offerings.

July – September: Monsoon Harvest

**1. Amaranth (Thandu Keerai)

Cooking Tips: Amaranth leaves can be sautéed with garlic and chilies for a quick stir-fry or added to soups and stews for a nutritional boost.

2. Cucumbers

Cooking Tips: Enjoy cucumbers in fresh salads, or slice them up for a refreshing side dish with a drizzle of yogurt and mint.

3. Indian Spinach (Basale Soppu)

Cooking Tips: Use Indian spinach in curries, stir-fries, or blend it into a green smoothie for a healthy start to your day.

4. Snake Gourd (Padavalakai)

Cooking Tips: Slice snake gourd thinly and sauté with onions, tomatoes, and spices for a delicious vegetable side dish.

5. Ridge Gourd (Heerekai)

Cooking Tips: Ridge gourd can be cooked with lentils for a nutritious dal or stuffed with a spiced coconut filling and steamed.

October – December: Post-Monsoon Bounty

**1. Carrots

Cooking Tips: Carrots are perfect for roasting with a bit of olive oil and herbs, or grate them into salads and sandwiches.

2. Beetroots

Cooking Tips: Roast beetroots and serve them with a tangy goat cheese salad, or blend them into a vibrant beetroot hummus.

3. Radishes

Cooking Tips: Slice radishes thin and toss them in a lemon vinaigrette for a crisp, refreshing salad, or add them to stir-fries for a bit of crunch.

4. Green Beans

Cooking Tips: Steam green beans and toss them with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or sauté with garlic for a simple side dish.

5. Spinach

Cooking Tips: Spinach can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from creamy spinach curries to fresh green smoothies.

January – March: Winter Abundance

**1. Broccoli

Cooking Tips: Roast broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or steam and toss with olive oil and lemon juice.

2. Cauliflower

Cooking Tips: Try roasting cauliflower florets with turmeric and cumin for a flavorful side dish, or blend into a creamy cauliflower soup.

3. Peas

Cooking Tips: Fresh peas are a delightful addition to salads, risottos, and pasta dishes, adding a sweet pop of flavor.

4. Lettuce

Cooking Tips: Use fresh lettuce leaves as a base for salads, or wrap them around fillings for a healthy alternative to tortillas.

5. Tomatoes

Cooking Tips: Enjoy tomatoes in fresh salsas, bruschettas, or slow-roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.

April – June: Summer Delights

**1. Bell Peppers

Cooking Tips: Grill bell peppers for a smoky flavor, or dice them into colorful salads and salsas.

2. Eggplants (Brinjal)

Cooking Tips: Eggplants can be roasted and blended into a smooth baba ganoush, or sliced and grilled for a delicious side dish.

3. Gourds (Bottle Gourd, Ash Gourd)

Cooking Tips: Bottle gourd can be cooked in a simple curry with coconut milk, while ash gourd is excellent in stews and soups.

4. Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Cooking Tips: Bitter gourd can be stir-fried with spices to balance its bitterness, or added to curries for a unique flavor.

5. Okra (Lady’s Finger)

Cooking Tips: Okra can be fried with a light batter for a crispy snack, or cooked in a tangy tomato gravy for a traditional dish.

Cooking Tips for Seasonal Produce

Maximize Flavor: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the natural flavors of your vegetables.
Preserve Nutrients: Opt for steaming or roasting over boiling to preserve the nutritional content of your produce.
Experiment with Recipes: Don’t be afraid to try new recipes and cooking techniques to make the most of each season’s bounty.
Go Fresh: Whenever possible, use your produce soon after harvesting to enjoy the freshest taste and highest nutritional value.

By aligning your cooking with the seasons, you not only enjoy the freshest flavors but also support sustainable farming practices. At Blooms Eco Village, we are committed to providing our community with high-quality, seasonal produce that nurtures both people and the planet. Happy cooking!