Kachnar (orchid tree)

Bauhinia purpurea, B. variegata

flower · vegetable

Flower buds cooked in curry or pickles in northern India, tasting of tangy green beans.

Origin

India and the Himalaya

Season (United States)

February to April

Preparation

The buds are picked closed, washed and blanched for a few minutes, then drained before the curry or pickle.

Did you know?

Its two-lobed leaves look like a camel's hoofprint.