Aurthor: Marissa Ananias
An afternoon Story: From Dry Soil to a Warm Meal
The Process of clearing the soil from weeds, gathering then, and burning the weeds
The alm afternoon in the garden marked the beginning of our preparations for the upcoming rainy season. My father and I went down to the field, where our main focus was clearing the land of wild grass that had grown densely across the garden. This was
a crucial step, as the land would soonbe planted with corn. Once the weeds were gathered we burned them a traditional and efficient method for clearing the area and preparing the soil to become fertile and ready for planting.
The process of picking cassava leaves and lemongrass, and collecting 'mangga stones' to be used for traditional bricks
Amid the process of cleaning the garden, I also took the time to do a small harvest. I picked fresh, green cassava leaf tips and pulled out clumps of fragrant lemongrass. Both ingredients were destined to become our dinner that evening. Beyond preparing food ingredients, I also collected several piles of mangga stones, a type of stone that serves a special purpose: in the future, we will process these stones into hand molded traditional bricks to be used for construction needs.
The process of preparing cassava leaves to be served.
After finishing all the work in the garden, I returned home. The transition from the garden to the kitchen marked my shift from a field worker to a home cook. I immediately prepared the cassava leaves: separating them from their stems, boiling them, and draining them. The lemongrass and other spices were mashed and made ready. The cooking process was quick yet full of care. The spices were sauteed, and then the cassava leaves were added. In no time, a simple yet delicious dish. Sauteed cassava leaves was served warm in a bowl.
This afternoon I experienced was not just an ordinary daily record, but a complete reflection of a simple yet meaningful cycle of life. Every effort made in the garden be felt directly at the dining table. From preparing the soil to plant future food such as corn, harvesting ingredients needed for the construction such as mangga stones a type of stone traditionally used to make hand molded bricks each action reflects sustainability in everyday life.
The entire process shows a deep dedication to self sufficiency, where that hard work done on the land transforms into nourishment, future plans, and comfort at home. We were not only cultivating the garden: we were building, harvesting, and nurturing our own lives in a way that is efficient and full of warmth. This productive afternoon brought together the hard work of the outdoors with the beauty of home cooked meals, creating a meaningful reminder of togetherness and gratitude.