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Pahadi Fruit Orange: Malta, which grows in the hills of Kumaon, is a unique fruit rich in Vitamin C, which gives many benefits in winter, from increasing the body’s immunity to improving heart health. For the local people, it is not just a fruit, but a centuries-old natural medicine. This is the reason why Malta Saan has become the main traditional dish of winter in every house from Bageshwar to Almora, Pithoragarh and Chamoli.
Bageshwar: Malta found in the hills of Kumaon is considered an excellent source of Vitamin C. This fruit is not only famous for its sweet and sour taste, but also plays an important role in increasing the immunity of the body. Its fragrant presence is visible everywhere in the hill gardens in winter. Bageshwar, Almora, Chamoli, Nainital and Pithoragarh districts are the main centers of malta production. Local people have been using it both as medicine and food for years. This is the reason why Malta is counted among the healthiest fruits in the world.
Malta is a powerful natural source of energy for the body in winter. The antioxidants present in it protect against infections, and also provide warmth to the body. Regular consumption of Malta is considered beneficial in controlling high blood pressure, improving heart health and reducing weight. People living in the mountains make it a part of their daily diet, because it relieves fatigue and keeps the body hydrated. Doctors also recommend it as an immunity booster. Therefore, consumption of Malta in winter season is very useful for health.
Malta San has a special identity among the traditional dishes of Kumaon. This recipe is made in every home during winter, which is considered a confluence of taste and health. Hill people especially serve it in festivals, fairs and family functions. Its specialty is that it does not burden the body like a heavy dish, rather after eating it the body feels light and energetic. Local elders say that Malta San was used as a natural medicine in the mountains since ancient times. The popularity of this dish made from natural ingredients continues even today.
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The first step in making malta malt is selecting fresh malts. In Kumaon, people always choose malta with dark color and aroma. These are peeled and cut into small pieces, so that the taste of curd and spices can mix well. Immediately after peeling, a little salt is added to bring out the malt juice and enhance the natural sweetness. Chopped Malta slices are considered the foundation of this recipe. This is the reason why every housewife of Kumaon takes special care in cutting and preparing Malta, so that there is no loss in taste.
The use of curd in Malta San gives it a creamy texture and coolness, while the jaggery provides natural sweetness and minerals. The curd in the mountains is often homemade, which makes the taste even more special. The mild sweetness of the jaggery balances the sourness of the malta, giving the recipe an amazing taste. Curd, jaggery and malta together make a balanced food, which contains vitamins, calcium, iron and fiber together. It is considered a nutritious snack in the traditional thali of Kumaon, which is liked by both children and elders.
The food of Kumaon is considered incomplete without Bhang chutney. When this chutney is added to Malta Saan, the taste increases manifold. Made from hemp seeds, green chillies, salt and lemon, this chutney gives a unique kick to Malta Saan. It is also known for its medicinal properties in the mountains, because it keeps the digestion healthy and gives warmth to the body in cold weather. Local people always use freshly ground hemp chutney. Without this, the taste of Malta Saan is considered incomplete, and the identity of Kumaon also fades away.
In Kumaon, people add pomegranate seeds, chopped carrots, ginger, green chillies and sometimes radish to make Malta Saan more nutritious. The freshness of all this is perfectly balanced with the sourness of Malta and the coolness of curd. All these ingredients not only enhance the taste, but also provide vitamin A, fiber and antioxidants to the body. Especially the light crunch and color of pomegranate seeds makes Malta Saan more attractive. For this reason, it is famous as the most favorite traditional winter dish in the mountains.
If you are visiting Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, then Malta San should not be missed. Fresh malta is readily available in local markets, and in many villages it is an everyday food in winter. Pahari people also serve this dish to welcome guests. Malta San gives energy to the body, improves digestion, and provides warmth in cold. This is a dish made from completely natural ingredients, which does not contain any kind of artificial spices or oil. Therefore, it is counted among the most healthy and delicious traditional dishes of Kumaon.
