Cashew, (Anacardium occidentale), evergreen shrub or tree of the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), cultivated for its characteristically curved edible seeds, which are commonly called cashew nuts though they are not true nuts. It appears as though one of its ends has been forcibly sunk into a pear-shaped swollen stem (hypocarp), called the cashew apple. The cashew apple, which is an accessory fruit (not a true fruit), is about three times as large as the true fruit and is reddish or yellow.
Jackfruit, (Artocarpus heterophyllus), evergreen tree (family Moraceae) native to tropical Asia and widely grown throughout the wetland tropics for its large fruits and durable wood. The greenish unripe fruit is cooked as a vegetable, and the brown ripened fruit is eaten fresh for the sweetly acid but insipid pulp surrounding the seeds. The seeds are cooked and eaten locally. Jackfruit is considered a staple food crop in Sri Lanka and other areas in South and Southeast Asia. Canned or processed jackfruit has gained popularity as a meat substitute in some places.
Mango, (Mangifera indica), member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) and one of the most important and widely cultivated fruits of the tropical world. The mango tree is considered indigenous to southern Asia, especially Myanmar and Assam state of India, and numerous cultivars have been developed. Mangoes are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and D. The mango is inextricably connected with the folklore and religious ceremonies of India. Buddha himself was presented with a mango grove that he might find repose in its grateful shade.
Papaya, (Carica papaya), also called papaw or pawpaw, succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae. Though its origin is rather obscure, the papaya may represent the fusion of two or more species of Carica native to Mexico and Central America. Today it is cultivated throughout the tropical world and into the warmest parts of the subtropics. It has been a popular breakfast fruit for many countries and is also used in salads, pies, sherbets, juices, and confections. The unripe fruit can be cooked like squash.
Cinnamon refers to Cinnamomum Verum or true cinnamon which is an endemic plant of Sri Lanka Every other cinnamon except Sri Lanka is from related species of plants and is called cassia Cinnamon is a spice derived by making shavings also known as quills of the inner bark of the cinnamon tree Cinnamon trade has a very long history and records show cinnamon in the spice trade of Egypt as early as 2000BC Cinnamon is often used to spice up chocolates deserts and beverages but also for alcohol flavoring and medicine Around 90 of the true cinnamon traded around the world is originated from Sri Lanka
Pineapple, (Ananas comosus), perennial plant of the family Bromeliaceae and its edible fruit. Pineapple is native to tropical and subtropical America and has been introduced elsewhere. The fruit has become a characteristic ingredient in the meat, vegetable, fish, and rice dishes of what is loosely termed Pan-Asian cuisine. The Portuguese were apparently responsible for early dissemination of the pineapple. They introduced it to Saint Helena shortly after they discovered that island in 1502. Soon after, they carried it to Africa and, by about 1550, to India.
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Cloves are mainly used as a spice, but also used for medicine, fragrance (pomander) and clove cigars. Cloves are harvested and traded mainly in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Tanzania and Zanzibar. When it comes to culinary purposes cloves are used in Asian, African, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are most often used to add depth to meats, curries, and marinades.
Cardamom, is a small spindle shaped seedpod with black seeds inside. The covers are thin and pale green (Elettaria) or dark brown (Amomum). Cardamom is the third on the list of the world�?�?�?�¢??s most expensive spices, right behind vanilla and saffron. Cardamom is used as a cooking spice as well as flavoring (mainly for tea and coffee). It is also used in medicine. Cardamom is native to India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangaladesh. Only a few other countries, like Sri Lanka, have also taken up cultivation.
Nutmeg is the seed of a type of evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans). Nutmeg is used as a flavoring for many sweet dishes from the cuisines of various countries, and as a spice in many savory dishes. Nutmeg is also an essential ingredient in many Christmas favorites such as mulled cider, mulled wine and eggnog. Nutmeg is also used for perfume and medicine. The common nutmeg is native to the Banda islands of Indonesia. The plant was a lucrative trade spice throughout history. Therefore after the Napoleonic war it was transplanted by the British to Sri Lanka, Penang, Bencoolen and Singapore. However records show that the plant existed in Sri Lanka even before this.
Mace is the reddish netlike covering surrounding the nutmeg seed. Mace is used as a flavoring for many sweet dishes from the cuisines of various countries, and as a spice in many savory dishes. Mace is used for pain, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Mace contains chemicals that might affect the central nervous system. Mace might also kill bacteria and fungi.
Turmeric known as Circuma longa, once processed from the rhizomes, is a deep organist yellow powder. It is used mainly to color foods. When it comes to flavor, the spice tastes slightly bitter and peppery with undertones of earthy flavor. Though used mainly as a powder, turmeric is also used fresh in its rhizome form in certain regions of the world. Turmeric is grown in Southeast Asian countries due to their tropical climes but is native to southwest India.
Ginger known as Zingiber officinale is the root of flowering plant. It is used as a spice for food, flavoring for beverages or in folk medicine. Ginger originated in South China and later spread all over Asia followed by the African continent. The spice was introduced to Europe from India in the 1st century AD. Today it is a very commonly used spice globally.
Moringa known as Moringa oleifera is a small deciduous tree native to tropical Asia but also naturalized in Africa and tropical America. Flowers, pods, leaves, and even twigs are cooked and eaten. The leaves, which can also be eaten raw when young, are especially nutritious and are high in iron, potassium, and vitamin C. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage. Moringa might also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Tahini is a paste of crushed sesame seeds that is highly used in Middle Eastern cooking. Tahini mixed with garlic, lemon juice, and salt and thinned with water constitutes taratoor, a sauce that is eaten as a dip with Arabic bread as part of a selection of meze, or hors oeuvres. Taratoor is mixed with ground chickpeas for hummus bi tahini, another hors oeuvre dip. Tahini is also used as a sauce ingredient for fish and vegetable dishes.
Coconut flour is a unique alternative to wheat flour. It's well known among low carb enthusiasts and those who have gluten-related disorders. It incorporates a delicate, powdery texture and white color, as well as a distinct flavor and aroma of coconut. In addition to its amazing nourishment profile, coconut flour may offer a few benefits when used as a portion of a healthy diet. These include improvements in blood sugar stability, digestion, and heart health.
Coconut sugar is an all-natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm flowers. It's often used as a substitute for processed, refined, and artificial sweeteners. The main benefit of this ingredient, and what makes it stand out from other sugars, is the way it responds to blood sugar. A dose of coconut sugar won't cause a spike as high as typical sugar substitutes. However, coconut sugar is not a true health food. It's still a sugar even if it has more nutrients than its substitutes.
Coconut chips are longer, wider pieces of coconut than what you will find in a bag of traditional shredded coconut. The strips of coconut are roasted in an oven until they are dry and crisp, with a texture that is more similar to that of a potato chip than the chewy strands of most shredded, untoasted coconut. It�?�?�?�¢??s the perfect ready to eat snack made from fresh organic coconuts. They can be utilized as appealing garnishes to form dessert pies, tarts, cakes, snacks, or used for food platters. Our coconut chips are an extraordinary alternative for an all day nibble."
Coconut Milk Powder is an amazing shelf-stable ingredient for dry applications, confectionery, or any recipe that calls for coconut milk. It is derived from the white liquid of the grated kernel of mature coconuts. It is a dairy-free ingredient for vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers. It has not added flavors, additives, chemicals or preservatives. Combine coconut milk powder with hot water to replicate coconut milk, or use as a flavoring for ice cream, yogurt, sauces, and beverages.
The snow-looking, nutrition-packed flesh of the coconut is extracted, washed, heated and ground into fine and medium grade powdery particles that are then oven-dried, sieved and packaged, retaining all its fatty goodness. Our shredded coconut products, while not completely void of moisture as its desiccated counterpart, comes in larger, flakey strands or pieces, and packs the same nutritious, original unsweetened goodness of the coconut flesh. Sweetened flakes can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. Use the flakes to add a tropical flavor to any dish.
\"Coconut water is a natural, fat-free drink. Low in sugars and calories, it is rich in essential electrolytes and vitamins. Once you choose up a fresh coconut and shake it, the fluid you hear sloshing around inside is the coconut water. Young coconuts contain the most coconut water, and as they mature, this water thickens and absorbs into the meat of the coconut. Some people cook with coconut water, though most enjoyed it as a soothing drink or as a healthy base for a smoothie.\"
