KERALA FOOD HABITS

The Namboothiris of Kerala used to follow a full yet simple and unique life style. Their natural hospitality was related in a way to their art of cookery. Uninvited guests were invariably offered food. True to the Upanishad Manthram "Athithhi Devo Bhavah:", they honoured their guests. The simplicity in their life style was reflected in their food habits too. Their scientifically systematised preparations used ingredients that were locally and seasonally available. Their eating habits were also scientifically evolved. Some of the habits are followed even now.
Eat only after Bath
Taking food only after having a bath is an example of being scientific. Bathing was not only for physical cleanliness, but also for total rejuvenation of the body and mind. Namboothiris discouraged eating when the body was tired and mind disturbed. But children had to be fed soon after bath.
Nutritious Food
The general practice was to avoid very rich food, be regular and give priority to food prepared from seasonal, locally available ingredients. Food that helped in the growth of the body and its existance and which suited the local climate was selected, like horse gram ("Muthira") in cool weather, mango in summer and jackfruit during the monsoons. The realisation of the importance of the type of food resulted in turning this practice into an art, and in producing eminent Namboothiri cookery experts.
The kitchens in Illams were given a sanctified prominence, paralleling that of the "Thitappally" (where Nivedyam is cooked) in a temple. Those who were not in any way connected with the preparation of food were banned entry.
Adukkala Namboothirimaar (Kitchen Namboothiris)
There used to be such a category of Namboothiris [Click here] though apparently not in central Kerala. There were quite a few who had traditionally taken up cookery for a livelihood, in the great temples and in aristocratic families. The Muttassu Namboothiri family, for example, were assigned to the Vaikkam Siva temple for preparing "Praathal" (feast in the Oottupura). There were specific Adukkala Namboothiris for food preparation during the Murajapam [Click here]. Namboothiri children (both boys and girls) used to start assisting in the kitchen at an early age, in addition to studies. In some areas, Namboothiri women (Antharjanams) had a greater role in cookery. Making "Appam" for offering at Trichambaram (Kannur district) temple was their prerogative. Even small feasts in some areas were prepared by them. Royal and some non-Braahmanan families often employed Namboothiris to do their kitchen work. They realised the dignity of labour.
Simplicity in Food Habits
As mentioned in the beginning, the simplicity of their life-style could be seen in their food habits too. Right from childhood, mothers ensured that children ate lots of good but simple food in a timely manner.
Vegetarians
Namboothiris were strict vegetarians. This low protein diet resulted in larger food intake, for which they were well-known. Namboothiris were generally immune to many of the diseases. The current global thinking and conversion to vegetarianism and natural foods perhaps have a similar basis. Timeliness and avoidance of mid-meal snacking added to their dietary discipline. Traditionally they ate only two meals - mid-morning around 10 - 11 and night 7 - 8.
Eating Habits
Meals used to be served and eaten in a calm atmosphere. Children were not allowed to make noise. These were practised even during major feasts, to the extent feasible. Food was served on plantain leaves and eaten with the right hand while seated on the floor or on wood "Palakaas" (seats). For males, "Keezhila" (two small strips of plantain leaf) was placed under the "Naakkila" (unsplit, terminal portion of a leaf), and pointing outwards. For major feasts, the leaf was withered ("Vaattuka") over fire. In some areas, the two parts of a leaf split along the mid-rib were placed under the main leaf with their margins facing each other. During the off season, when there was a shortage for banana leaf, the sheaths of banana stem were used, often called "Pondi", for eating.
Only after serving "Kutikkuneer" and doing "Praanaahuthi", accompanied by chanting Manthram, other items were served. There is a shorter version of the Manthram for Kutikkuneer at the end of the meal. In a way, this practice ensured all to start eating and get up after meal, at about the same time.
In Namboothiri Illams, leftover food was not stored for later use, not even from the noon to the night meal. Untimely meals were avoided or skipped altogether.

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