CASSIA TORA ( THAKARA )

INTRODUCTION TO LESSER KNOWN

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT SPECIES OF KERALA

VOL. 10

COMMON NAME:- COFFEE CASSIA

OTHER NAMES:     ashraq,

bon medelua,

chakaoda arak,

ailman,

aelon,

cagace,

chagache,

chakramandrakam,

thounam,

kelbe-on,

sang saboyah,

appulantam,

pedda kasinda,

lug mig,

panvar.

BOTANIC NAME: - Cassia tora

MALAYALAM NAME: - THAKARA

CASSIA TORA FLOWER

Cassia tora is found as a weed throughout in the monsoon. It is an annual herb with many wonderful properties. This herb grows up to a height of 30 – 100 cm and has got pinnate leaves and  yellow colored flowers. It is used as a leaf vegetable in Kerala.       

NUTRITIVE VALUE:-

Protein              0.7g

Fat                     2g

Fiber                  0.9g

Carbohydrates   1.4g

Energy                17Kcal

MEDICINAL VALUE:-

It is reported that Cassia tora helps in maintaining normal cholesterol levels in the body. Cassia tora is also very helpful in treating skin diseases .

FOOD VALUE:-

Tender leaves and flowers of the Cassia tora is used as a  vegetable for preparing 'thoran' and its dry seeds can be used as a coffee substitute.

METHOD OF CULTIVATION :-

Cassia tora seeds

Cassia tora is found as awed throughout in the Monsoon.There is no specific method for its cultivation. It can be cultivated in all most all types of soils but well drained loamy soil suits well. Beginning of the mansoon season is the best sowing time. Dry seeds are are required for sowing. Seeds should be soaked in water for 6 to 8 hrs and dried in shade before sowing to hasten germination. Complete germination of seeds takes about 5-6 days time.