Farm to Table Sunday:
Last Sunday was one of those days that stays with you forever, a day that nourished both our bodies and souls at Dona Eco Farms. We set out to enjoy the peacefulness of the farm, with the weather playing its part perfectly—a mix of gentle sunshine and cool breezes after a refreshing rain. We had no plans for lunch, just a simple visit to the land that gives us so much. But as soon as we arrived, nature had a surprise waiting for us.
All around the field, delicate little mushrooms, known as “Bali Chattu” or Sand Mushrooms, peeked out from the moist earth, as if inviting us to share in the farm’s bounty. These tiny treasures, no bigger than a coin, are rare and grow only during the monsoon season. Finding them was like uncovering hidden gems, and we couldn’t contain our excitement. There’s something special about Bali Chattu—their aroma, their flavor, it’s something only those who’ve tasted them can truly understand. These mushrooms have become scarce in today’s world of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making our discovery even more precious.
Without a second thought, we decided to make the farm our dining room for the day. Slowly, patiently, we gathered the mushrooms, careful not to damage their delicate forms. After cleaning them thoroughly, ensuring no sand was left, we started to prepare our meal. We reached for the onions we had hung in the room, a harvest from the Rabi season. Chopping them finely, we heated mustard oil, added a pinch of jeera, and then tossed in the onions and mushrooms. The fragrance that filled the air was mouthwatering, teasing our taste buds as we tried to be patient.
But the feast was just beginning. We wanted to create a wholesome meal, so we picked some potatoes, a ripe tomato, a raw banana fresh from the plant, and a brinjal, all grown right there on our farm. We made a flavorful ”Dalma’ with these farm-fresh vegetables. As we wandered the farm, we found fresh Saga and desi cucumbers, which we added to our simple yet satisfying menu.
In our rush, we had forgotten to bring plates, but the farm provided once again. I quickly cut a few banana leaves to serve as our plates—nature’s own dishware. Just as we were about to dig in, I remembered the lemons and green chilies. I cut the lemons, their scent fresh and invigorating, and crushed a green chili with some salt, mixing it with the lemon juice. The combination was perfect—a burst of tangy, spicy flavor that only enhanced our rustic meal.
Sitting there, surrounded by the land that nurtures us, eating the food we had just harvested, we felt a connection to the earth that’s hard to put into words. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience, a memory that lingers in our minds and hearts. There’s something profoundly satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from, how it’s grown, and the love and care that goes into it.
That day, we didn’t just eat; we celebrated life at Dona Eco Farms. The joy of sharing that meal, the taste of the mushrooms, the freshness of the vegetables, the simplicity of using banana leaves as plates—it’s a memory that brings a smile to our faces even now.
In a world where convenience often takes precedence over quality, it’s easy to forget the importance of knowing where your food comes from. But days like this remind us that the food we eat, especially when it’s grown with care and respect for the land, is a true gift. It keeps us healthy, not just physically but emotionally, connecting us to the earth in the most beautiful way.
So, always take a moment to consider the journey your food has made to reach your plate. Knowing what you’re eating and where it comes from isn’t just important—it’s essential. It’s the key to a healthier, happier life, one that we are privileged to live at Dona Eco Farms.