Lanzones or also called “Lansium parasitisum”,”Longkong” or ”Langsat”. Is grown throughout Southeast Asia. Is 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 market, this potato looking fruit has…
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that may not be the prettiest or fanciest fruit, but this brown shelled ingredient is favored by many for being 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 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, it has a beautiful bright orange hue, when cooked it turns soft and tender, giving off a mildly sweet, and warm taste. This pretty…
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 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” creating the sweet healthy…
The Upo vegetable, also called the ‘Bottle gourd’ or ‘Calabash’ (with the scientific name Lagenaria siceraria) is a tropical vegetable-fruit with a high carbohydrate content, eaten as a main dish, usually sauteed with pork or beef, loved by many for being budget friendly, subtle sweet and refreshing taste, and many health benefits. But what makes…
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 taste when dried as…
Pechay in English this is known to be “Bok Choy”, a biennial plant that can grow to a height of around 15-30 cm in the vegetative stage. A leafy vegetable that can be grown at home with just a container or a small pot, and is commercially a profitable vegetable that is grown in farms….
The galunggong fish or the blue mackerel scad, round scad, maachili or shortfin scad. Is a staple fish in the Philippines, a very relevant fish that the price of the round scad is said to be the barometer of the Philippine’s economy. Some even joke that this should be the Philippines’ national fish. The galunggong…
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…
