Ingredients, Vegetables, Wild Foods

Aakur/Ankur: The Monsoon special edible fern

Aakur

Aakur/Ankur is an edible fern that grows in marshy and mangrove areas. In fact, it is considered to be a delicacy in Goa.

Scientific Name

Acrostichum Aureum

Common Names

Akur, Aakur, Aankur

Appearance

aakur
Aakur/ Ankur

Ankur means shoots/sprouts. Just as the name suggests these are tender shoots of a fern that are edible. They are long, and slender, and look quite similar to asparagus. It is like the “desi asparagus”.

Availability

Ankur is a local and seasonal vegetable. It is mainly available during monsoons like moras, takla etc. It has to be prepared and consumed fresh just like any leafy green and hence is available for a short period.

Collecting this edible fern is an art since the person needs to go to marshy areas and select just the right sort of ferns. With more and more land undergoing construction and urbanization, the availability and demand for this seasonal produce are reducing.

Nutritional Content

Some article suggests this vegetable is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It relieves constipation and gastric issues but there is not much research/studies available to support these claims (My study of the nutritional profile still continues)

Usage

  • Stir-Fried veggies
  • Gravies like tonak
  • Butter garlic aakur

Do try out aakur and let me know if you know of any interesting recipes for the same.

Author: Aditi Prabhu

Nutritionist-Dietitian

2 Comments

  1. Hi v good information about the taikilo my family is v fond recipes. I have ordered for seeds that I can sow them in garden

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