Nainital: As winter approaches in Uttarakhand, the aroma and taste of a special dish returns again in the kitchens of hill houses, this special dish is mountain lemon. In the hills of Kumaon and Garhwal, it is not just a dish, but a confluence of tradition, taste and health, which has remained an integral part of winter plates for generations. With sour, sweet and mild spicy taste, this dish not only makes the mouth water, but also works to strengthen the body.
In the cold season, when the mountains are cold and people wait for the sunshine, lemon juice proves helpful in increasing the immunity of the body. Vinita Pandey, a local resident of Nainital, says that Sana lemon is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which prevents seasonal diseases like cold and cough that occur in winter. In hilly areas, large sized ‘Pahari Lemon’ and ‘Khatta Chuk’ are used to make Sana Lemon, which is considered special for both taste and nutrition.
How is dried lemon prepared?
The process of making Sana Lemon is as interesting and traditional as its taste. The tradition of preparing it while sitting in the winter sun in hill houses is years old. A large sized mountain lemon is cut and radish, fruits, sugar, jaggery, hemp seeds and curd are mixed in it. The balanced mixture of salt and mild spices gives it a unique and spicy taste. After keeping it in the sun for some time, it becomes ready to eat. Its nature is hot, due to which it works to provide warmth to the body in cold weather. This is why it is prepared and eaten especially in winters.
important part of hill culture
Sana lemon is not only a delicious dish but also a symbol of mountain culture. It has special significance in every house during traditional festivals, family get-togethers and cold weather. If it is served with dal-rice, mandua roti, jholi-bhaat or local vegetables, it enhances the taste of every thali manifold. Vineeta tells that earlier when there were less facilities in the mountains, people used to depend on such natural and local food items to nourish the body in winter. Even today this tradition is still alive, in fact now Sana lemon is gradually becoming popular in urban areas also.
Along with taste, it is also beneficial for health.
Mountain lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C, its consumption strengthens immunity. And improves the digestive system. Its consumption maintains warmth in the body, while due to its antioxidant properties the skin and overall health also improves. Its consumption increases energy in winter.
The real superfood of the mountains
Even though many types of instant foods are available in the markets today, the mountain taste like Sana lemon is not found in any modern dish. This taste is directly related to the soil of the mountains, the traditions of the mountains and the life there. In fact, it is the real ‘pahari superfood’ of winter, which everyone eats with gusto and always remembers it till date.
