Gangtok, Sept. 30 -- High in the misty forests of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal, a seasonal delicacy known as Nakima (Tupistra nutans) has been nourishing communities for generations. This rare perennial herb, thriving between 1,500-2,000 meters in shaded Himalayan woodlands, is more than just a wild vegetable-it is a natural storehouse of nutrients and medicinal compounds that fit perfectly into today's quest for a healthier lifestyle.

A Plant with Character and Flavor

Nakima bears slender lance-shaped leaves and delicate white or yellow flowers resembling orchids. Locals harvest its edible shoots and blossoms during September-October, a brief window that makes it a much-anticipated seasonal treat. The vegetable is slightly bitter, yet its...