[First appeared on Thursday, December 22, 2005]
Ferrying of cauliflowers is a common sight these days near any big market. Heaps of them come and go in all kinds of movers, be it a matador van or poor man’s van-rickshaw. Cauliflower tastes good and can make sumptuous fare. That is the reason we love to include cauliflower in a wide gamut of preparations, like curry or pakoras, not to mention everybody’s favorite syrupy khitchdi.
Earlier, we used to hear good cauliflowers grow in Dhapa. Indeed, when EM Bypass was still a big no-no, people who occasionally ventured there in winter, would invariably bring back ‘necklace’ of cauliflowers sporting proud smile. Over the years, Dhapa has come closer as the city expanded to the east. Now, a trip along the Bypass would easily fetch glimpses of farmlands growing cauliflowers and myriad other vegetables.
Steady supply notwithstanding, cauliflowers do not come as cheap as they used to even a few years back. The trend indicates people have more money than earlier, and are willing to pay extra. If that translates to better income for the growers, it’s a welcome sign. For, a good economy is one that allows rising income all the way down to grassroots.
Leave a Reply