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As vegetable prices continue to soar, sending ripples through family budgets, an encouraging trend emerges in the culinary landscape: a growing demand for local veggies. Amidst the economic challenges posed by escalating vegetable costs, consumers are turning their attention to the bounty of locally-sourced vegetables to strike a balance between nutritious meals and budget-conscious choices.
Embracing the flavours and freshness of seasonal produce, communities are rediscovering the value of supporting local farmers and reducing their reliance on imported or distant vegetables. This surge in demand for locally-grown veggies not only strengthens regional economies but also fosters sustainable agricultural practices and promotes a healthier lifestyle for individuals and families alike. In these times, the best decision could be to grow some vegetables in your own small backyard to save yourself from the rising prices of vegetables.
Why Should You Grow Your Own Veggies?
In times of soaring vegetable prices, growing your own veggies in your backyard presents a compelling solution that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides a means to offset the escalating costs and helps alleviate the strain on family budgets. By cultivating a diverse range of vegetables, individuals can have a steady supply of fresh produce at little to no cost, reducing their reliance on expensive store-bought options.
Additionally, homegrown veggies ensure greater control over the use of pesticides and chemicals, promoting healthier and more nutritious food choices for the family. Gardening also fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment as individuals witness the fruits of their labour blooming before them. Moreover, engaging in gardening activities can serve as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of daily life, offering a meditative and calming experience. Overall, growing one's vegetables in the backyard during times of high vegetable prices not only proves economical but also promotes sustainability, health, and a deeper connection with nature.
6 Common Veggies That You Can Grow Yourself
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are an excellent choice for home gardeners, known for their versatility and abundant yields. These vining vegetables can be grown vertically on trellises or stakes, saving valuable garden space and making them ideal for small backyard gardens. With a little support, cucumbers can reach impressive heights, and their lush green foliage adds an aesthetic touch to any garden. From slicing cucumbers for refreshing salads to pickling varieties for tangy snacks, these cucurbits are a must-have addition to any home garden.
Radishes
Radishes are the perfect choice for beginners looking for a quick and rewarding gardening experience. These cool-season root vegetables grow rapidly and can be harvested within a few weeks of planting, providing a sense of accomplishment early in the gardening journey. Radishes come in various shapes, colours, and flavours, from spicy to mild, adding a burst of colour and crunch to salads and dishes.
Beans
Beans offer an array of options for home gardeners, with both climbing and bush varieties to choose from. Climbing beans, such as pole beans, utilise vertical space effectively and can be trained on trellises or fences, making them suitable for limited garden areas. On the other hand, bush beans are compact and require less support, making them suitable for small gardens and containers. These legumes are not only easy to grow but also fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the surrounding plants.
Okra
Okra, a warm-season vegetable, thrives in hot climates and rewards gardeners with a plentiful harvest of tender green pods. This heat-loving plant can grow quite tall and produces beautiful hibiscus-like flowers before setting its pods. The young, slim okra pods are perfect for stir-fries, gumbo, and other culinary delights, adding a unique texture and flavour to dishes.
Brinjal (Eggplant)
Brinjal, commonly known as eggplant, offers a wide range of varieties suited for different garden spaces. Compact varieties are perfect for container gardening on patios or balconies, while larger varieties can thrive in garden beds. This warm-season vegetable is an essential ingredient in various cuisines, offering a rich and creamy texture to dishes like moussaka, baba ganoush, and curries.
Green Chillies
Green chillies add a spicy kick to dishes, and they are easy to grow in pots or garden beds. Whether you prefer mild or super-hot varieties, green chillies are a delightful addition to the home garden. These compact plants can produce a bountiful supply of peppers throughout the growing season, ensuring a fresh source of heat for your favourite recipes.
6 Locally-Grown Vegetables
Apart from growing your own veggies, you can also rely on local veggies to protect you from the price hike of vegetables. The following are some of the local vegetables that you can try:
Yam Leaves
Yam leaves are commonly used in Indian cuisine, especially in southern Indian states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They are often added to traditional dishes like "keerai" preparations or used in "sambar" (a lentil-based vegetable stew) to enhance the flavour and nutritional value. Yam leaves are readily available in local markets and are appreciated for their taste and health benefits.
Plantain Stems
In South India, especially in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, plantain stems are frequently used in traditional cooking. The inner fibrous part of banana stems is chopped and used to prepare "thoran" (a dry vegetable dish with grated coconut), "avial" (a mixed vegetable dish with yoghurt and coconut), or "kootu".
Suran (Elephant Yam)
Suran, or Elephant Yam, is a significant ingredient in Indian cuisine, particularly in states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. It is used to make delicious curries, chips, and fries. Suran is highly appreciated for its unique texture and ability to absorb flavours, making it a versatile and cherished vegetable in Indian households.
Cluster Beans (Gavar)
Known as "gavar" or "gawar" in India, cluster beans are a popular vegetable in the western and northern regions of the country. They are often cooked with spices, coconut, and gram flour to make a dry curry known as "gavar sabzi." Cluster beans are well-regarded for their crunchiness and nutritional value.
Arbi (Taro Root)
Arbi, or "arvi," is a favourite vegetable in India, commonly used in various dishes. It is often boiled and then cooked with spices to make "arbi masala" or used in curries. Arbi is appreciated for its starchy texture and ability to absorb flavours, making it a delicious addition to Indian meals.
Drumsticks
Drumsticks are a popular vegetable used in various regional cuisines. They are commonly found in South Indian curries like "sambar" and "rasam" and are also used in the preparation of "avial" and "poriyal" (dry vegetable dishes). The drumstick tree is highly valued, as almost every part of it, including leaves and seeds, has culinary or medicinal uses.
