by Faiq Masoodi
SRINAGAR: As the Himalayan region of Kashmir increasingly encounters the influx of highly processed foods through globalised food chains, a unique public health initiative is taking shape to highlight haak (hāk), a traditional indigenous green that has been a cornerstone of Kashmiri diets for centuries.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo (UB) have partnered with prominent Kashmiri poet Zareef Ahmad Zareef to launch a creative campaign aimed at rekindling appreciation for this culturally significant vegetable, a formal statement issued by the University of Buffalo said.
Haak, a type of kale (Brassica oleracea var. varidis), has long been revered in Kashmir for its nutritional value and cultural significance. Historically, it has served as a vital food source, especially during conflict when other food supplies were scarce. Recent research by the UB Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab (UB Food Lab), in collaboration with the Sher-i-Kashmir Agricultural University of Science and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir), underscores haak’s importance.
Led by Khalid Masoodi, SKUAST-Kashmir’s research team has conducted preliminary in-vitro studies suggesting that haak may offer protective health benefits. The vegetable contains polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and vitamins C and E, all of which are known for their antioxidant properties. These findings highlight haak’s potential role in enhancing public health.
Despite its benefits, haak faces competition from the increasing availability of processed foods, which are often less nutritious. Data from the UB Food Lab reveals a concerning trend: younger Kashmir generations consume haak less frequently than older generations. This shift poses a risk to public health, as traditional foods like haak offer substantial health benefits that modern processed foods cannot match.
To address this challenge, the UB Food Lab has enlisted the help of Zareef Ahmad Zareef, a celebrated Kashmiri poet and environmentalist known for his deep engagement with Kashmiri culture and history. Zareef, who has a significant following among Kashmiris, has composed a new poem titled Haake Naame (“An Ode to Haak”). This poem aims to celebrate haak’s historical and cultural significance, appealing to the emotional and cultural values of the Kashmiri people.
Zareef’s involvement is part of a broader public education campaign designed to raise awareness about haak’s health benefits and cultural heritage. The poem, written and recited in Kashmiri, is intended to resonate deeply with local audiences, fostering a renewed appreciation for this traditional green.
Samina Raja, a key member of the UB Food Lab team, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “I am grateful for Zareef’s unmatched creativity and understanding of Kashmiri foodways. His poem will draw Kashmiris’ attention to the public health potential of haak in ways that a scientific journal article cannot. Art and science must work together to promote health and food equity.”
Zareef himself acknowledges the significance of this project, noting that while he has written extensively on Kashmiri history and culture, he had not previously addressed haak. Conversations with the UB Food Lab team inspired him to highlight this important vegetable in his latest work.
This initiative represents a convergence of art and science, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of Indigenous food systems in modern public health strategies. By integrating cultural narratives with scientific research, the campaign seeks to reinforce the role of traditional foods like haak in promoting community health and preserving cultural heritage.
As Kashmir continues to navigate the challenges posed by modern food trends, efforts like these underscore the importance of maintaining a connection to traditional food practices while addressing contemporary health issues.
