Jujube Jelly

How many have been lucky enough to taste this scrumptious delicacy of the south? If the fruit, by itself is a delight, created by God, then, this delicious man-made tidbit, is a symphony to the taste-buds.

If the name does not ring a bell and you are still wondering what am drooling about, I’ll spell out the tamil equivalent - E-L-A-N-D-H-A-I V-A-D-A-I!

Elandhaipazham / Elandhai vadai is probably the most un-hygienic things I indulge myself to... Who cares about hygiene when it tastes so good! When Chinese cuisine is full of worms and other creepy reptiles, swallowing a couple of crushed worms won't kill me...

If, L.R. Eswari and Kannadasan honored the fruit with the famous number of the yester years 'Elandhapayam, elandhapayam..chekka chivandha payam', Ilaythalapathi Vijay added glamour with 'Elandhapazham, elandhapazham unakku dhan'

Yeah, so what if the fruit is sold in open strollers on dusty T.Nagar and Purasaiwalkam roads? So what if the fruit cannot be washed? A fruit is a fruit is a fruit! and a delicious one too!

Getting back to Elandhai Vadai, the rustic local brands sold in Kumbakonam and Mayiladudhurai districts are the best. Though it is very difficult to find them in Chennai, there are a few stores like Ambiga Depot which sells a cleaner looking version.

It is a pity that this fruit didn’t get its due recognition. On googling further, I find that this tiny blob is rich in Vitamin C! One good reason to have more jujubes..

Hail Jujube!