Tikhur- The East Indian Arrowroot

Tikhur - The East Indian Arrowroot

A few centuries ago Tikhur was a well-known food in the Indian subcontinent. Now only a few people know it. It is known by the names of Koova in Malayalam and Yaipan in Manipuri. In English, it is known as 'Narrow-leaved turmeric' or 'East Indian Arrowroot'.

Since it is not a cereal, it is consumed as a "Falahari Bhojan" during some Hindu festivals. For example the Navaratra celebrations. Devotees give up salt, onion, garlic, non-veg and cereals for nine consecutive days during the Navaratra. Their food contains fruits, milk, milk products, and tubers. The tubers like sweet potatoes, potatoes, sago (Sabudana), water caltrop flour (Sighara atta) and Tikhur are some of the noncereal sources of starch. Out of these, Tikhur powder is the most nutritious food. After the new scientific researches, Tikhur has caught the attention of nutritionists and dieticians. It is also a non-irritating diet for patients suffering from chronic ailments, recovering from fevers and experiencing irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs or the excretory system. It may also be used as a replacement for breast milk or as a nutritional supplement for babies.

Kheer of the Tikhur

'Tikhur' is obtained from the plant "Curcuma Angustifolia" which resembles the plant of turmeric. Even the smell and taste of the leaves of the 'Tikhur' plant is similar to the turmeric leaves. The production of Tikhur is more in the North-east and western coastal regions. The rhizomes of the plant are dried and powdered. The color is brilliant white. This powder is boiled with water or milk and sugar with cardamom powder is added. If the consistency of this recipe is kept thin like a paste, then it is called "Kheer of Tikhur" or "Halwa of Tikhur", and if thick and stiff and cut in square shape then it is called "Barfi of Tikhur". It is also used to make soup or Chutney and to thicken other recipes. The consumption of Tikhur removes toxic elements from our bodies. In the medical world, the capsule covers are made from the soluble starch of the Tikhur.

The plant is found under the shades of the trees (like Sal tree) in the Jungle. Tribal people collect it from there. Nowadays for commercial production, it is propagated with the rhizomes in the month of May-June.

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