Why Is This Vegetable Popular In Mithilanchal Region?

Nature has provided many things to combat several small and big problems related to our health. There are many plants and trees, whose every part is useful, from having medicinal properties to other health benefits. One such plant is pumpkin, also known as Kadima or Kushmanda. It can cure many diseases ranging from stomach issues to heart and skin. This special vegetable is grown abundantly in the Mithilanchal region of India.

Mithila region is known for its delectable feast. But one thing that the region is quite famous for is that no meal is considered to be complete without the Kadima vegetable. Since the pumpkin plants are creepers, it is quite a common sight in this part of India to see the plants on the roof of the house. It generally weighs around 5 kilograms and various types of dishes are prepared and served.

In an interview with Local18, Subodh Kumar, a farmer from Mithilanchal shared that pumpkin, aka Kadima has “great importance in this area”. He shared that eating this vegetable is excellent for the body as it is filled with essential nutrients. Kadima is planted everywhere in the region because of its medicinal properties. What makes it special is that from rich to poor, everyone grows it either at their home or in their fields or farms. He shared that you can also plant it on the roadside.

A few of the most famous and common food items that are made with Kadima are Tarua- a dish of thinly sliced vegetables coated with rice batter and deep fried, a dalna using chickpea or gram dal to Kadima. One can also make dalna using various vegetables including pumpkin as well. It is said that once you try out the Kadima dish prepared by the locals during the feast, its taste will always linger on your tongue.

Pumpkin is an excellent vegetable that helps in removing bad cholesterol (LDL) from the body. It is also known to help with diabetes. Experts have found that it contains antioxidants which may help against cancer. Kadima is also known to get rid of stomach worms, and liver problems, cleanse the blood, and tackle skin-related problems among others. Pumpkins are a powerhouse of omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids, amino acids and zinc. It is also rich in Vitamins A, C and E. Even its peel has anti-bacterial properties that prevent infection.