Hidden Science: Rural Indian Mothers and Chemistry

 Rural Indian Mothers - They don't preach rather apply chemistry

Rural Indian mothers possess a stock of practical knowledge about chemistry, often learned through generations of experience and necessity rather than formal education. This knowledge is deeply embedded in their daily lives, influencing their cooking, cleaning, healthcare practices, and agricultural activities. Read till the end to get the hidden talent and don’t forget to mention your mother in the comment section below.

Here’s a glimpse into the chemistry that typical rural mothers in India engage with every day.

Cooking: The Heart of the Household

Cooking is where rural Indian mothers exhibit their profound understanding of chemistry. They know which ingredients to combine to bring out the best flavors and textures, often through intricate chemical reactions. Here are few examples:

1. Protein Denaturation and Coagulation: Heat or acid alters the structure of proteins, causing them to unfold and form a firmer texture.

Examples: Cooking eggs, making cheese from milk, or curdling milk with lemon juice.

2. Acid-Base Reaction: These are reactions between acids and bases resulting in neutralization, often producing salt and water or carbon dioxide as a by-product.

Examples: Baking soda (base) reacting with vinegar (acid) to create fizzing or using buttermilk (acid) with baking soda in baking.

3. Gelatinization of Starch: Starch granules absorb water and swell upon heating, creating a thickened mixture.

Examples: Making sauces, gravies, or puddings.

4. Fermentation: Biochemical reaction where microorganisms like yeast or bacteria convert sugars into alcohol, gases, or acids. 

    Mothers know that mixing rice and urad dal (black gram) and leaving the batter overnight in a warm place will lead to fermentation, producing carbon dioxide that makes the batter rise and results in soft, spongy dishes.

Examples: Bread rising (due to yeast), yogurt production (due to bacteria), or fermentation in pickles and kimchi.

5. Caramelization: The process where sugar is heated, breaking down into different compounds that create a rich, sweet, and nutty flavor.

Examples: Making caramel sauce, toffee, or bringing red colour to a curry or dish by adding sugar to hot oil.

    Me as an author of this article remeber those golden school days. When school time approached, I used to get angry with my mother knowing that coocking had not started. But my mother was able to finish coocking in just 25 minutes just by burning wood. Later when I became a Lecturer could realise how she was able to apply Elevation in boling point to boil rice and added a little salt to water so that high temerature can be maintaned. Its sure that she did not know exactly what is elevation in boiling point but was sure of the idea she applied.

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Use of Spices: Spices are a staple in Indian cooking. Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin, which has antiseptic properties. Mothers use turmeric not just for its flavor and color but also for its health benefits, understanding its role in digestion and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

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Preservation Techniques: Drying, pickling, and fermenting are common methods to preserve food. Mothers know how to use salt and sunlight to dehydrate vegetables and fruits, preventing microbial growth and ensuring food supplies during off-seasons.

Cleaning: The Natural Way

Rural Indian mothers often use natural substances for cleaning, avoiding commercial chemicals and relying on traditional knowledge.

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Ash and Clay: Ash from wood fires is alkaline and effectively cleans greasy utensils. Similarly, clay or soil can be used to scrub pots and pans, providing a gentle abrasive action.

Lemon and Tamarind: Acidic substances like lemon and tamarind are used to remove stains and disinfect. The citric acid in these fruits can break down grease and kill bacteria, making them excellent natural cleaners.

Herbal Disinfectants: Neem leaves and other herbs are used for their antibacterial properties. Floors and surfaces are often cleaned with water infused with neem, which acts as a natural disinfectant.

Healthcare: Traditional Remedies

The medicinal knowledge of rural mothers is a testament to their understanding of plant-based chemistry and its therapeutic effects.

Herbal Medicines: Many rural mothers use plants and herbs to treat common ailments. For instance, tulsi (holy basil) leaves are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties and are used to treat colds and coughs.

Turmeric and Milk: A mixture of turmeric in warm milk is a traditional remedy for sore throats and coughs. The curcumin in turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, while the warm milk soothes the throat.

Neem and Basil: Neem leaves and basil are often used to treat skin infections and wounds due to their antiseptic properties. Mothers create pastes or decoctions from these plants to apply on cuts and rashes.

Agriculture: Sustaining the Land

Many rural mothers are involved in agricultural activities, where their knowledge of soil chemistry and organic farming techniques plays a crucial role.

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Composting: They understand the importance of composting organic waste to create natural fertilizers. The decomposition process enriches the soil with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential for plant growth.

Pest Control: Natural pest control methods include using neem oil or chili-garlic sprays, which act as insect repellents. These methods avoid the use of harmful chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable farming practices.

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Crop Rotation and Polyculture: Knowledge of crop rotation and polyculture helps in maintaining soil fertility and reducing pest infestations. Mothers know which crops to plant together to support each other’s growth, enhancing biodiversity and soil health.

This is how we are concluding:

The chemistry known to rural Indian mothers is a rich tapestry of practical, everyday science that enhances their ability to manage households, ensure health, and sustain agricultural practices. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, is a blend of tradition and empirical understanding, rooted in observation and experience. This invaluable wisdom not only supports their families and communities but also offers insights into sustainable and natural ways of living that resonate with modern ecological practices.