Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 3: 'Patrode', a popular dish of coastal Karnataka and Malnad region that is made from Colocasia (taro) leaves, has been recognized by the union Ayush ministry as a traditional food under Ayush system of medicines.
The ministry has prepared a booklet in which names of 26 food items have been listed. Patrode has occupied a place of pride in this list. This booklet is also available in the website of the department now. Along with each of the items listed, photos, recipe, and health benefits have been listed.
Patrode is also popular in Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and North East states.
The ministry says that the taro leaves are rich in iron which helps in improving the haemoglobin level. It assists in reducing long term inflammation in case of paralysis. The leaves also have vitamin C and beta carotene in considerable quantities, the department says.
Some of the items included in the list of food items that are healthy and have medicinal properties and which are also popular also in Karnataka are Patrode, Ragi and banana juice, red rice gruel, beetroot halwa, buttermilk, rice pancake, bottle gourd idli, chilli chutney, millet, drumsticks leaves dosa.