Yakult or “Yakult probiotic drink” is a popular and probably very 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”…

The Upo vegetable, also called the ‘Bottle gourd’ or ‘Calabash’ (with the scientific name Lagenaria siceraria) is a nutrient-dense tropical vegetable-fruit with a high carbohydrate content. Often cooked in savory dishes usually stews, soups, or sautéed with pork or beef, or when dried are turned into traditional crafts. Loved by many for being budget friendly, it’s…

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 yet complex taste when…

Pechay or familiarly called “Bok Choy” in English, is 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. Found…

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. Affordable, flavorful,…

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…