Pithoragarh: In today’s era, when most of the food available in the market is full of chemicals and preservatives, the people of the mountains are returning towards pure and natural things. Because these things have been a part of their diet for centuries. These include Air Potato, which has been eaten for generations in the hilly areas, which is seen as a superfood in the mountains.
Gethi, which is also called Kandamool, Pahari Potato, Vine Potato in many places in the mountains, is a tuber that grows on vines along the paths and bushes of the fields. In the mountains, it is not only considered a vegetable, but it is also seen as a native medicine beneficial for health.

How is Gethi eaten?
Gethi is cooked in different ways in hilly areas. At some places it is boiled and eaten with salt and pepper, at other places it is roasted or made into a spicy vegetable. If cooked properly, it tastes good and is not heavy on the stomach. Even today in rural areas, people include Gethi in their daily diet according to the season.

Beneficial from stomach to strength
Talking about health, Gethi is considered very beneficial for the stomach. It contains plenty of fiber, which improves digestion and provides relief from problems like constipation. Apart from this, iron and essential minerals are also found in Gethi, which gives strength to the body and helps in removing weakness. This is the reason why everyone from children to the elderly eat it in the mountains.

Also read: Leave Napier-Barseem! This green grass of the mountains is a superfood for animals, which increases milk production along with health.

Gethi was used like
Hemwanti Devi, a resident of the village, says that in olden times, when medicines were not easily available, then local things like Gethi were the only support for the people.
Hemwanti Devi says, “In our times, Gethi was included in the daily diet. If you have an upset stomach, feel weak or are tired of work, eat Gethi. It is like a medicine, but completely pure and pure.”

need to come back today
Today there is a need that we should again give place to such traditional and nutritious things in our plates. Gethi reminds us that good health lies not in expensive supplements or packaged food, but in local and natural food. This simple looking vegetable of the mountains contains within itself a deep treasure of health.