Salted Black Beans or Fermented Black Beans, also called “Tausi” in the Philippines are small salty and savory black beans that are often associated with fermented soy bean pastes. Instead of being a paste though these are preserved as a whole bean that has been softened by salt. These black beans are often cleaned then…
Cilantro is a delicate herb used to add color, fragrance, and a subtle citrusy flavor to a variety of dishes. The most popular uses are in salads, salsa, as a garnish and more. A versatile herb that many people either love or hate, this flat leaf spice-herb has a lot of benefits to those willing…
Chicken Feet is a delicacy eaten in a lot of countries. While it does not look appealing to some, it does bring a lot of health benefits to the table. This popular ingredient is often cooked stewed, braised, steamed, turned into broth, soup, or stews, or fried. The feet are cleaned of the outer layering…
Lanzones or also called “Lansium parasitisum”,”Longkong” or ”Langsat”. Is a sweet, slightly tart, and juicy fruit grown throughout Southeast Asia. A tropical fruit associated with the Philippines whose province in Camiguin has created a special holiday or rather festival to honor and celebrate its harvest. Though it just barely began its domination in the global…
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that may not be the prettiest or fanciest fruit. But this brown shelled ingredient is favored by many for having a sweet sour taste that just wakes you up, and adds that extra ‘oomph’ to the dish making it livelier. Plus adding so much health benefits as well. These are…
The Kalabasa squash in Filipino, or spelled ‘Calabaza’ vegetable, is a Spanish generic term for the winter squash, in English this is called ‘West Indian Pumpkin’. A tropical vegetable similar to a pumpkin. The meat has a beautiful bright orange hue, quite firm and hard raw, but turns soft and tender when cooked. It gives…
Muscovado sugar or Barbados sugar is a dark brown-colored partially 100% unrefined cane sugar that has been evaporated, leaving it to contain natural molasses, giving it a deep toffee-like taste and moist texture. While many find it the ideal low carb option, as a sweetener with higher vitamins and minerals compared to other options, sugar…
Yakult or “Yakult probiotic drink” is a popular and probably very familiar drink to many kids and adults alike. A small sweet beverage that came from Japan during the 1930’s, now spread all around 40 more countries around the world. This Japanese probiotic drink is made with milk and the fermented bacteria “Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota”…
The Upo vegetable, also called the ‘Bottle gourd’ or ‘Calabash’ (with the scientific name Lagenaria siceraria) is a nutrient-dense tropical vegetable-fruit with a high carbohydrate content. Often cooked in savory dishes usually stews, soups, or sautéed with pork or beef, or when dried are turned into traditional crafts. Loved by many for being budget friendly, it’s…
Bay Leaves from the Bay Tree or “Laurus Nobilis’ originating from the Mediterranean, are an aromatic leaf-herb commonly used fresh, dried, or powdered in cooking, with some traditions using it to repel bad energies or to attract good vibes (and money). This herb with a strong aroma, has a slight bitter yet complex taste when…
