The Versatile Lemongrass, Tanglad (scientific name Cymbopogon), what is it exactly? You’ve probably seen this ingredient the most Asian cooking, as a herb consumed or added as flavoring, in herbal teas, or turned into essential oils, or used as medicine. Known as a cluster of silky slim grass heads, called barbed wire grass, or fever…
Gabi (Taro) root vegetable is a edible root of a tropical herbaceous plant that is native to Southeast Asia, where it’s seen as a staple crop, these grow to around 5 feet tall, with the whole root crop, large leaves. it is popular in south east Asia, Philippines and India. It is used in some…
The Chinese Chives vegetable ( Kuchay ), Chinese leek, or called its scientific name ‘Allium tubersosum’ is part of the edible flowering plant family. This type of Chives are known for the similar traits to scallions or spring onions, being a perennial plant under the onion family that helps avert pests, which makes them great…
Why drink Ovaltine ? Ovaltine Chocolate Malt, in short ‘Ovaltine’ is a popular powdered chocolate milk drink brand. Known by its distinctive orange packaging and sweet cocoa aroma. A malt based, chocolaty drink that has around 110 years of heritage, from being the first complete milk fortifier powder, now to a beverage drink for kids…
Why try Moringa Leaves ? This leafy green plant is very much utilized medically as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, or anti-bacterial medicine or supplement. These are also used as an ingredient added into sunscreen, skincare, and haircare. Using everything from the leaves, roots, and flowers, and sometimes even seeds. This plant is considerably high in vitamins,…
What is ‘Kamoteng kahoy’ ( or in English, Cassava) ? A root vegetable that’s popularly added into many diets worldwide, especially in the Philippines and South America. An annual crop also known as tapioca or manioc root, an affordable and easy way to take in healthy calories and a number of nutrients. These are eaten…
What is Bagoong in the Philippines? Bagoong or in English shrimp or fish paste is a Filipino condiment is seen as either the negatively pungent condiment, or positively as the secret weapon that enlivens basic Filipino dishes. a condiment made of krill, different types of fishes, or shrimp, fermented with salt for weeks to a…
What is the Asian Vanilla aka Pandan Leaves ? These thin, fragrant, vibrant, green leaves are a staple herb, sometimes considered a spice in Malaysia, India, Thailand, and the rest of Southeast Asia. A prized plant known for its earthy, sweet vanilla-like taste. Pandan leaves have the power to make anything it touches into a…
What can Black Pepper do ? The black pepper or (Piper Nigrum) is part of the Piperaceae family of flowering climbing vines. A pungent spice native to Southern India, that is not only consumed or added into other recipes, but is also popular for bioactive compounds, having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. An ingredient you add…
Why try Mangosteen ? The Mangosteen, also called the “Queen of Fruits” due to its unique creamy texture and sweet-sour flavor. And the fact that a rumor started that Queen Victoria would grant anyone who brought her this magnificent fruit, a knighthood. Thus dubbed the fruit its title. A purple looking berry coming from Southeast…
