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…
The String Beans vegetable (scientific name Phaseolus Vulgaris), also called ‘Green beans’ or ‘French Beans’ are a great source of essential nutrients like Fiber, Iron, Vitamin A, C, K, and Folic Acid. This vegetable, grown during the fall and summer months, is known to be a delicious, crispy, tender vegetable that’s easy to cook, needing…
