Bathua Cultivation is very popular in many country. Bathua is a fast-growing weedy. It is native to North America, where it is also called lamb’s quarters. It is a very nutritious plant with many edible parts, such as roots, shoots, leaves, and flowers. In addition to its nutritional benefits, Bathua has several medicinal properties in traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for promoting digestion and strengthening the kidneys and spleen.
In modern use, it’s mainly used for the treatment of serious digestive disorders. Other applications include use as a laxative and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and gallstones.
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Bathua in the USA:
In the United States, it is considered a weed, and no special uses are recorded for it. In China, however, it is a popular vegetable that can be found in markets, or even in many people’s gardens. In European cuisine cultivation of lamb’s quarters was introduced by the Spanish during the colonization of the Americas.
In India, it is used as a herb commonly eaten with rice or added to lentil dishes in Kerala, particularly in ayurvedic medicines and ghee roast also known as Aviyal.
Nutritional Benefits Of Bathua:
- Bathua is very low in calories: the raw leaves contain only 6 calories, while the raw roots provide a measly 2 calories.
- 1 oz of Bathua provides only 18kcal or roughly 4% of the daily recommended caloric intake for an average adult.
- Nutritional composition of Bathua: it is also a rich source of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C and several B vitamins including folic acid, niacin, and riboflavin.
- Bathua is a good source of fiber: one cup provides 20-34g of dietary fiber, which is 19% of the recommended daily intake.
- Bathua also contains a small amount of protein: less than 1% of the daily recommended intake.
- Bathua contains trace amounts of calcium and magnesium, but these minerals are not bioavailable to humans because they are bound to other compounds in the plant.
Nutritional Facts about Bathua:
- 100 grams / 3.5 ounces of raw Bathua contain 6 calories,
- 1.6g of protein,
- 0.3g of fat, and 18.8 grams of total carbohydrates (with 2.6g dietary fiber and 1.7g of sugars).
- It has a mild flavor but a slightly bitter taste and is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron but contains an insignificant amount of sodium. ( 1 )
- Raw tubers contain 0.
How To Start Bathua Cultivation?
Bathua is easily cultivated. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting and requires little or no care. Plants can be propagated by cuttings or seeds, but tubers are the parts most widely used in cooking. In addition to its nutritional benefits, Bathua has several medicinal properties in traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for promoting digestion and strengthening the kidneys and spleen.
In modern use, it’s mainly used for the treatment of serious digestive disorders. A small pack of seeds will create a huge Bathua farm and you can cultivate your crop. Cultivation is easy and one plant grown in little space can be harvested up to 10 months a year. It’s best grown in full sun and fertilized with composted manure or compost.
Select the good land:
Good and fertile land is most important when you are contemplating planting your seeds. Make sure the soil has enough fertility and must be rich with organic material.
A small patch of land will do, as long as it is well-drained.
Planting time:
Like many herbs, Bathua needs plenty of suns to thrive. It also likes full sunlight, so you should sow your seeds at least six weeks before the planting season begins (spring in a northern location, autumn in a southern one).
Fertilizing:
Bathua requires very little care and can be grown in harsh conditions, but remember that the plants grow quickly and will soon exhaust the soil. Make sure to fertilize them regularly to keep them healthy.
Watering:
Bathua grows fast, so you must water it every few days. It needs more water in the early growing season because it is actively growing. To get a bigger harvest of Bathua you know how to grow it in your place and how much to grow them? Well, 70-75 grams per square meter is good for production and the proper Bathua harvesting technique will help you get better production.
Controlling Weeds:
If you had selected the good land, then it may not require any weeding to grow well. In some cases, the land might be heavily infested with weeds and it is a big challenge to eliminate them. During the first week of growth, you have to weed your seeds properly so that they get enough nutrients and space for growth.
Diseases And Pests:
In case you had selected the land which is heavily infested with pests and diseases, then it may also affect the growth of Bathua. Like any other plant, Bathua is also prone to attack by pests and diseases which can ruin your plantation.
Disease Control:
There are various methods to control the diseases that can attack your plant. But it is always better to prevent them, rather than cure them. If you are new to this activity, it is recommended that you buy a plant that is known for its disease resistance. This will reduce the risk of affecting your plantation with diseases.
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is another effective way of controlling diseases and pests.
Conclusion:
We hope you have got to know the culture of Bathua and other important things about this plant. Enjoy its benefits and try to grow it in your place.
