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…
Why use Ginger ? The Ginger (Zingber officinale) is a flowering plant native to Asia, where the whole ginger or ginger roots are used as a spice and folk medicine. This knobby, tender, aromatic herbaceous perennial plant, is a popular home remedy used to cure stomach pain, sore throat, and nausea. These are also, used…
The Eggplant, a fruit thats part of the nightshade family of Solanaceae species. This family includes bell peppers, white potatoes, and tomatoes. This is a seasonal vegetable planted in the second half of spring, growing in loam or sandy loam soil. Technically a fruit but treated and cooked as a vegetable, providing a deliciously good…
Bangus or Milkfish ? The national fish of the Philippines, the Bangus or ‘Milkfish’ or ‘Chanos chanos’ in English, is part of the Chanidae family that lives around the Pacific and Indian Ocean. A popular fish in Southeast Asia, these have a streamlined and symmetrical appearance with a fairly large caudal fin, and can grow…
Tomatoes a fruit or vegetable? This vibrant red berry is a popular ingredient, adding a taste of rich savory goodness into a dish. Originating from the western part of South America, these are cultivated as part of the nightshade family, distinguished by its rounded birth red color, edible pulps, eaten raw or cooked. A warm…
The famous or infamous Durian (scientific name ‘Durio’), a fruit that very much represents ‘either you love it or hate it’ very clearly. Popular in Southeast Asia, lovingly eaten by many if you love a less sweet fruit, that’s creamy almost custard in texture, and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. A Brief Introduction Called…
