Star Anise or the dried fruit of an “Illicium Verum” is an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China and Northeast of Vietnam. More familiarly known for its dried form of pods sometimes with seeds inside, connecting in the middle to form a star-shaped spice with a distinct slightly bitter and sweet licorice flavor. You’ll likely…
Cabbage is a deliciously versatile leafy vegetable that is rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that very much helps with gut health. This vegetable belongs under the ‘Brassica Oleracea’ species that makes them a relative to kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and the cauliflower. Grows the whole year round and goes along with many savory…
Lye water also known as ‘lime water’ or ‘alkaline solution’, is an ingredient made from alkaline water and sodium carbonate (baking soda). A key ingredient that gives dishes that familiar chewy texture that noodles and some breads like pretzels and bagels have, it also adds a yellowish tint. This caustic liquid is only used in…
Glutinous Rice Flour is flour made from short or long grain sticky white rice milled to a fine powder. A versatile ingredient used in many traditional and modern Asian dishes, as well as an easy to find gluten-free flour alternative. Unlike rice flour, these gives the dish a chewy texture that can be used to…
Green Onions also known as ‘Scallions’ or ‘Spring Onions’ have a crisp texture and a mild onion-like taste, typically used as a seasoning, in soups and stews, salads, as a garnish for a pop of color in a variety of dishes, or using the small white bulbs of the scallions as an onion substitute. A…
The Sugarcane plant ( scientific name Saccharum officinarum), is a tall perennial grass of the Poaceae family, used in the production of sugar. Native to Southeast Asia, this tropical water intensive crop that stays in the soil for a whole year, these are used not only for sugar production, these are turned into drinks, syrups,…
In the last few years, many alternatives to cow milk and other dairy products have come out. However, almond milk has easily become the talk of the town. Whether it is lactose-avoiders, vegans or culinary enthusiasts, people worldwide are turning to almond milk because of its mild flavor and rich texture that works with almost…
Glutinous rice or in Tagalog ‘Malagkit Rice’ went from a simple common component in Southeast and East Asian dishes to a worldwide superstar. Following the health trends and diet culture. There are a lot of factors on why many have decided to try out and use glutinous rice, from wanting to be more healthy, because…
Purple Yam is a delightful ingredient for the eyes and taste buds. This pretty purple colored starchy root crop also known as ‘Ube’ or “Dioscorea alata’ is not only desired for its warm vanilla-like taste and added coloring that makes everything look good. These are also a good source of vitamins, carbohydrates, and potassium. There’s…
Corn Flour is flour made of ‘maize’ or ‘corn’ that comes from the dried corn kernels grinded until it turns into powder. A whole grain finely milled flour that includes the whole kernel-grain meaning that it also includes the bran and the germ. While it does have similarities to ‘cornstarch’ both being made of corn…
