PRODUCT INFO White Turmeric resembles ginger in its shape and size. Each rhizome, or underground stem, is multi-branched with nearly transparent, pale-brown skin that will darken with maturity. Each rhizome and off-shoot can measure anywhere from 5 to 12 centimeters long. The flesh is a pale ivory to light yellow and has an aroma that combines unripe, green mangos and ginger with the earthiness of a carrot. White Turmeric has a bitter flavor and has a mild pungency very similar to ginger. White Turmeric is a good source of starch and therefore energy.The oils contain curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory, and other compounds that provide antimicrobial, antifungal, antiulcer, antivenom and anticancer benefits. USES White Turmeric is used in its raw form as well as in powdered form. In India, fresh 'Mango ginger' is washed and peeled and then cut or sliced into strips and pickled or sliced into thin rounds and served atop green salads. In Indonesia, White Turmeric is cut into pieces and dehydrated, oven or air-dried and powdered for use as a dried spice. In larger quantities, the powder is used as a substitute for arrowroot or barley. In Thailand, young roots are used as a vegetable and in curry pastes. Fresh White Turmeric can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The peeled root can be frozen for up to 6 months. SEASON White Turmeric is available in the spring and through the fall months.
PRODUCT INFO Shiitake mushrooms range in colors from amber to paper bag-brown. Each mushroom has an umbrella shaped cap with a curled rim. Their caps have a cream-colored supple-firm interior. Unlike mature shiitake mushrooms, Shiitake mushrooms are entirely edible as their thin stalks are still tender when young. When cooked, shiitakes release a garlic-pine aroma and have a rich, earthy, umami flavor. These shiitakes are farm raised and harvested on protein-filled sterile sawdust logs that have been inoculated with shiitake spores. The individual logs can produce over 4 pounds of mushrooms during their lifetime. They are also 100% recyclable; once the logs are exhausted they can be used for composting or as a natural fertilizer. USES Shiitake mushrooms, like mature Shiitake, are widely used in Asian cuisine. They are not limited to Asian recipes, though, and as a cultivated variety, they may be substituted in recipes calling for "wild mushrooms". Pair shiitake with Asian mustard greens, eggplant, rice, noodles, garlic, soy and chile. May be sauteed, roasted or skewered and grilled. Season Shiitake mushrooms are harvested on logs year-round. Their growth, and hence availability, is dependent upon how well the log feeds them.
PRODUCT INFO The pods of the Drumstick or Moringa tree are long, smooth-skinned, dark green, and three-sided. The pods, which can reach anywhere from 6 to 18 inches in length, are soft when mature and have bumps that run the length of the pod, revealing the seed nodes. Within the pods is a fleshy pulp and pea-sized seeds encased in wing-shaped hulls. The Drumsticks are tapered at each end. Moringa pods are bitter with a somewhat sweet taste; their muted flavor allows for a variety of seasoning options. Drumstick pods are rich in nutrients like iron, vitamin c, beta-carotene, copper and iodine. USES Young Drumstick pods are ready to eat when they snap apart when bent in half. If the pod is too old, it becomes fibrous and woody. Drumstick pods are typically prepared by cutting into one or two inch pieces and adding to soups, curries, and Sambhar. They are pickled, boiled, steamed, and fried. Drumsticks can be prepared much like green beans or asparagus. The pods can be sliced lengthwise and the pulp scooped out and eaten; in India this is a delicacy. SEASON Moringa Drumstick are available year-round in warmer, tropical regions.
PRODUCT INFO Sadao leaves are small to medium in size and are elongated and oval to lanceolate in shape. The green leaves are thin and tear easily and have a smooth texture. The edges of the leaf can vary with some jagged spots mixed with flat sides. The leaves grow on small, but thick stems and each stem can grow 5-15 leaflets. Sadao leaves are tender and have a very bitter taste. The sadao plant also bears fragrant white flowers that are edible and offer a bitter, green flavor when cooked. Sadao leaves are an excellent source of antioxidants such as rutin and quercetin. USES Sadao leaves are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, sauteing or stir-frying. The young leaves are often parboiled or pickled and eaten as an accompaniment to other dishes. Sadao leaves are also traditionally served with Nam Pla Wan, which is a Thai dipping sauce that uses tamarind juice, fish sauce, dried chilis, shallots, and palm sugar. This sweet sauce helps cut the bitterness of the Sadao leaves to create a sweet and sour, savory combination. Sadao leaves pair well with meats such as chicken, pork, beef, and white fish, tomatoes, aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions, fish sauce, and other sweet dipping sauces. Sadao leaves will keep up to a week when stored fresh in the refrigerator. SEASON Young neem plant are available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Bottle Gourds are creeping vines. The dried mature fruit is used to make shake instruments. Young gourds have light green rinds, white flesh, soft, because they contain up to 96.8 percent of water. Young gourds can be eaten with the peel. If it's a bit older, it needs to be peeled off before cooking. and if you don't want the cut gourds to be dark Soak in salt water Young gourds are usually blanched to eat with chili paste. Add to kaeng liang, som kang, or stir-fry with meat. But should not be boiled or fried for a long time because the meat will be messy. USES The old gourds have a thick peel. The outer bark turns creamy white and hard. The flesh is dry until hollow, light weight, cut off the pole and remove the seeds for planting. The hard bark also has many uses, including: The Chinese use it as a portable water container. It is also considered as a symbol of auspiciousness. It is believed that it will help money grow, have good fortune, and that the gourd is shaped like the number eight. Therefore used to solve feng shui as well. Some African tribes cut it in half and use it as a food container. SEASONS Bottle Gourd is available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Betel Leaves are medium to large in size and oblong to heart-shaped, averaging 7-15 centimeters in length and 5-11 centimeters in width. The dark green leaves are flat, broad, and pliable and have a smooth, but slightly leathery texture. There is also a central vein the runs the length of the leaf with many smaller veins branching throughout. Each Betel Leaves tapers to a point on the non-stem end and grows on climbing vines. Betel Leaves are chewy and have a sharp, tangy, and peppery taste.Betel Leaves are used primarily for their medicinal properties and as wrappings for other ingredients. They are most commonly used as a wrapper for the areca nut or tobacco and when chewed they impart a peppery flavor. The leaf is also chewed along with other barks and leaves such as sweetened coconut, lime, cardamom, anise seeds, licorice, and fruit preserves. USES Betel Leaves can also be found as a street snack with chocolate syrup poured over them or used as an edible garnish for other dishes. Paan leaves pair well with dried shrimp, coconut, mint, garlic, ginger, chiles, carrots, peanuts, chocolate, and lime. Betel Leaves will keep up to three days when unwashed and stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. SEASONS Betel Leaves are available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oily heads or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family. Some species (particularly Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons (Citrus limon). The name cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe (�º�?�¼�²�·, 'boat') and pogon (�?�?�³�?�½, 'beard') "which mean [that] in most species, the hairy spikelets project from boat-shaped spathes. USES If using fresh lemongrass, use only the lower bulbous portion of the stem. It can be pounded and used whole or cut in slices. When using the ground powder (sereh) use one teaspoon as an equal to one stalk of fresh. It is advisable to soak dried sliced lemon grass for two hours before using. When wrapped in a paper bag, lemon grass stems can last 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. The stems can also be frozen for several months. Always wrap and store separately, as lemon grass will impart its flavour to other foods. SEASON Lemongrass is available year-round.
Turmeric is the rhizome, or root stem, of a tropical blade-leafed plant. The rhizome has an abstract finger-like shape with a rough skin marked with knobs and rings. Turmeric rhizomes often grow up to 3-4 inches long and one-half to one inch in diameter. Its skin's color is a combination of pale earth and orange. The flesh is a vibrant carrot orange color and its flavor warm and peppery with very distinct bitter undertones. It is most often boiled and then dried for powdered form, in which it turns its trademark color. PRODUCT INFO Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a tropical flowering perennial that falls within the same family as ginger and is one of two rhizomes with an appearance similar to the spicy root. It's cultivated and harvested for its roots, though its leaves are also used in some cultures. USES Fresh Turmeric's gentle carrot/ginger-like flavor lends itself well to both sweet and savory applications. It adds freshness to curries and soups, and can be pickled or fried. Its vibrant color is a wonderful addition to any dish, but can also stain clothing and porous surfaces. SEASON Turmeric is available year-round
PRODUCT INFO Thai pumpkins are medium to large in size, averaging 8 to 14 pounds, and have a flattened, round to ovate shape. The rind is deeply ribbed, textured, firm, and thin, sometimes covered in a powdery coating. When young, Thai pumpkins are dark green, covered in tan speckles and mottling, and as the pumpkin matures in storage, it transitions into to a uniform tan to light brown hue. Underneath the rind, the flesh is dense, bright orange-yellow, and has a drier consistency, encasing a small central cavity filled with ivory seeds and stringy fibers. Thai pumpkins develop a smooth, creamy, and soft texture when cooked and have a rich, sweet, and subtle, spice-like flavor.Thai pumpkins are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production within the skin. The pumpkins also provide potassium to help balance fluid intake, manganese to activate enzymes in the body, and some fiber to stimulate the digestive tract. USES Thai pumpkins, botanically classified as Cucurbita moschata, are large, ridged fruits that grow on a vining plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The name Thai pumpkin is a general descriptor used to encompass multiple varieties of pumpkins commonly grown in Thailand. Pumpkins have become a favored secondary crop in Thailand and are planted as an additional source of income. The thick-fleshed pumpkins are valued for their resistance to disease, high yields, large size, and easy-to-grow nature. Thai pumpkins are also being cultivated in the United States through exotic farms and in home gardens as a specialty variety. The main variety of Thai pumpkin that is cultivated in both Thailand and the United States is also known as Rai Kaw Tok. SEASON Thai pumpkins are available year-round in Thailand.
PRODUCT INFO Winter melon are large fruits, averaging 15 to 80 centimeters in length, and have a bulbous, round to oblong shape with blunt, curved ends. The melons are covered in a thin but tough, light to dark green skin, often enveloped in a textured, chalky layer of wax, depending on the variety. Young Winter melons also bear a pale, fuzzy coating of hair that disappears as the fruit matures. Underneath the hard surface, the flesh is thick, firm, aqueous, and white, encasing a large central cavity filled with pithy membranes and cream-colored oval seeds. The seeds are edible once cooked and have a nutty, neutral taste. Winter melons are not typically consumed raw and contain a mild, vegetal, and subtly grassy flavor reminiscent of a watermelon rind or cucumber. When cooked, the flesh becomes transparent and softens, absorbing accompanying flavors. USES Winter melons are an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and fiber to stimulate and regulate the digestive tract. The fruits also provide antioxidants to protect the body against environmental aggressors, magnesium to maintain healthy nerve functioning, phosphorus and calcium to promote strong bones and teeth, and contain lower amounts of folate, zinc, and iron. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Winter melons are viewed as a cooling or yin ingredient and are used to reduce inflammation and balance the body through their alkaline properties. SEASON Winter melons are available year-round, with a peak harvest in the late summer through fall.
PRODUCT INFO Langsat fruits are small to medium in size, averaging 3-7 centimeters in diameter, and are round to slightly oval in shape, growing in large clusters of approximately ten fruits. The thick rind is hard, leathery, and tan to pale yellow, developing brown spots and blemishes as the fruit matures. The rind is also covered in fine hairs giving the fruit a fuzzy appearance. Underneath the surface, there is a white, spongy, and very bitter layer that is easily separated and peeled, and the flesh is thick, translucent-white, and is typically divided into 1-5 segments. These segments are juicy, tender, and soft with a texture similar to grapes, and the flesh may be seedless or contain a few bitter seeds. Langsat fruits are very sour when young, but as they mature, the fruits develop a sweet-tart flavor with light acidity, reminiscent of grapefruit and pomelo. Langsat is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, fiber, and also contains some iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. USES Langsat is best suited for raw applications as its sweet and tangy flavor is showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The rind is easily peeled and removed from the flesh, and the segments can be consumed whole, discarding the small bitter seed. Langsat can be served as a snack or as a fresh dessert. It is also commonly segmented and mixed into fruit salads, green salads, juiced or blended into fruit drinks, or coated in syrups for a sweeter flavor to add to ice cream, desserts, and pastries. In addition to fresh preparations, Langsat can be combined into sauces, jams, and jellies for a sweet-tart preserve. Duku pairs well with other tropical fruits such as snake fruit, lychee, and rambutan, mint, basil, and cilantro. The fruits will keep for 3-4 days at room temperature and up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. SEASON Langsat fruits are available year-round in Southeast Asia, with a peak season in the fall through early winter.
SKU: 364115376135191 Green okra has a torpedo-shaped pod ranging in length of five to six inches when harvested mature. The pods are pale lime to lime green color, their exterior has furrowed lengthwise grooves. The skin can often be fuzzy to prickly, which can cause an allergic reaction to sensitive skin. The flesh bears a tender spongy membrane with many small white seeds. Okra is known less for its lean flavor and more for its sticky sap that creates the flesh's gelatinous texture. PRODUCT INFO Green Okra is a member of the mallow family along with cotton, cocoa and hibiscus. The okra plant produces broad oak-shaped leaves with bold yellow and white hibiscus-like blossoms. The fruits sprout in vertical patterns from the plant's stems. The sign of a plant flowering indicates fruits will develop quickly within 3-5 days. Young fruits must be harvested daily as the fruits are known to grow so fast you can almost see them growing in front of your eyes. One plant can produce up to 100 okra. Okra left on the stem too long will become tough and essentially unfit for use. Okra is grown for fresh-eating but it also has many other purposes. Okra plants are grown commercially for pickling and canning alone or as a canned soup ingredient, while the seeds are also harvested for making oil and in some cultures are ground and used as a coffee substitute or supplement. USES With okra, harvesting young tender fruits and knowledge of how to cook it are two key ingredients. Okra is historically not eaten alone, rather paired in a multitude of recipes alongside ingredients with bold, complex flavors and varying textures. Okra is most often used as a soup or stew ingredient, though its textures and flavors are truly enhanced when fried and grilled. Okra pairs well with basil, bacon, beet greens, butter, cream, garlic, ham, lemon, kale, onions, parsley, olive oil, pickled vegetables, chile peppers and peppercorns, paprika, tomatoes and turnips. SEASONS Okra is available year-round
Galangal rhizomes widely vary in size and shape and have a cylindrical, branched appearance with many shoots and bulbous knobs. The semi-smooth skin is light brown to tan, firm, hard, and is covered in darker brown rings. Underneath the woody skin, the flesh is pale yellow to ivory and is fibrous, dense, and aqueous with a spicy, floral aroma. Galangal is crisp and has a pungent, earthy, woodsy, and mustard-like flavor with subtle citrus undertones. PRODUCT INFO Galangal, botanically classified as Alpinia officinarum, is the underground rhizome of a tropical shrub that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Also known as Siamese ginger and Thai ginger, there are two main species of Galangal known as Greater Galangal and Lesser Galangal, varying in size, shape, and taste, but both species are used to flavor culinary dishes. Galangal has been utilized for its medicinal properties in Asia for thousands of years and is predominately used today to flavor Southeast Asian cuisine. Galangal adds a warm, sweet, and pungent flavor to dishes, similar to ginger but stronger in flavor, and can be found in fresh, dried, and powdered form. USES Galangal is primarily used in Southeast Asian cooking, lightly crushed or pounded as an aromatic to add an earthy and pungent flavor. The rhizome can be thinly sliced and added to stir-fries, boiled into curries, cooked into satay, mixed in applesauce, lightly tossed into salads, or used to flavor soups such as tom kha gai, a Thai coconut soup, or samlor kor ko, which is a Cambodian vegetable soup. It can also be used in stews, rice, and noodle dishes. Galangal is often mixed into seafood dishes as it has a flavor that can mask fishiness and is also commonly boiled into a tea. The rhizome can be found fresh or in dried and powdered form, and when ground, the flavor becomes milder but earthier. Galangal root pairs well with meats such as poultry and fish, shellfish, garlic, onions, tamarind, chiles, lemongrass, bell peppers, and green onions. The fresh rhizome will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator, and ground Galangal will keep up to one year when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. SEASONS Galangal is available year-round.
Fingerroot, also known as Chinese ginger, Chinese key, Chinese-keys is the low herb which creeps in soil. It has rhizomes which is thick, aromatic and yellow brown of size 5-30 x 0.5-2 cm in size. The petiole of the plant is hairless, grooved and 7-16 cm long. Leaves are lanceolate and erect in shape with pointed tip and smooth surface. The leaves have light green color of 5-11 cm wide. The flowers are pink to yellow to white which is tubular and 50-52 mm. It grows in lowland tropical regions. The flowering time occurs in January to February and April to June. It grows well in humid and hot climate. Fingerroot is native to Southeast Asia and China but also cultivated in India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. PRODUCT INFO Fingerroot is a medicinal as well as culinary herb also called Chinese ginger that is native to China and Southeast Asia. As the shape of rhizome resembles fingers, it has got named as fingerroot. It is known as krachai in Thai. This plant belongs to Zingiberaceae family. This plant is either perennial or biennial that has tall leaves and pink to purple flowers. USES Fingerroot is a vital ingredient used in many Asian countries and also used as a condiment in food. Traditionally it is used for the treatment of various illnesses as a tonic for childbirth, preventive remedy for leucorrhea and beauty aid for teenage girls. Rhizomes are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Leaves are used for alleviating poisoning and allergies. It is also used to cure infections. The study shows that the isolated bioactive compounds found in fingerroot helps to treat various diseases. It is used to accelerate the development of stronger drugs to counteract diseases in future. SEASONS Finger root is available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Thai eggplants can have an elongated, cylindrical shape to a small, globular shape, averaging 2-3 centimeters in diameter. The outer skin is smooth and glossy and ranges from dark green, light green, to white. The vivid green hues begin at the fruit's stem and then fade to a creamy white in a striping pattern. The inner flesh is pale green to white and contains many small, brown, edible seeds. Thai eggplants are crunchy and mild with a slightly bitter taste. USES Thai eggplants can be consumed in both raw and cooked applications such as grilling, frying, baking, pureeing, stewing, stuffing, and pickling. This eggplant is unique because unlike other eggplant varieties that require cooking, it can be used in raw preparations, such as salads and crudite. The seeds are edible but can be difficult to chew. In cooked applications, Thai eggplants are most commonly used in curries, and when cooked they become soft and soak up the sauce with ease. They can also be sliced and added to stir-fries or battered and fried into a tempura side dish. Thai eggplant pairs well with aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions, herbs such as basil, oregano, cilantro and parsley, nightshade family members including tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, as well as coconut milk, soy sauce, shellfish, and poultry. Thai eggplants will keep up to three days when stored in a cool and dry place. SEASON Thai eggplants are available year-round.
Kaffir lime leaves are small to medium in size and oblong in shape, averaging 3-5 centimeters in diameter and 8-12 centimeters in length. The top of the thick leaves is glossy and deep green, while the underside of the leaves is porous and a pale, matte green. Kaffir lime leaves grow in pairs and grow in a double leaf formation, which means two leaves grow on either side of the stem and appear to mirror each other. There is a prominent central midrib or vein and the tips of the leaves can be slightly rounded or very pointed. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong citrus taste and aroma that is said to be a blend of mandarin orange, lemon, and lime. PRODUCT INFO Kaffir lime leaves, botanically classified as Citrus hystrix, grow on a thorny bush that can grow to be 1-10 meters in height and belong to the Rutaceae, or citrus family along with oranges, lemons, pomelos, and grapefruit. The kaffir lime plant is valued for its fragrant leaves and its fruit's peel and is popularly used in culinary and medicinal applications in Southeast Asia. Also known as the Kieffer lime, Bai Magrood, Thai lime, Limau Puru, and Makrut limes, Kaffir limes have been given new names in various cultures to respect and avoid the use of derogatory words. In South Africa, kaffir is an offensive slang word used in racist connotations, so many retailers have taken to calling the fruit by its scientific name, while others prefer the Thai word for the fruit, Makrut lime. USES Kaffir lime leaves can be used in both raw and cooked preparations such as boiling, steaming, and saut�?�©ing. They can be used fresh, dried, or from a frozen state and the thick leaves are never consumed whole, but rather steeped and later removed, or sliced very thinly. Kaffir lime leaves can be sliced and used in salads or shredded and used in fish cakes. They are also widely used in soups such as tom yum and hot and sour shrimp, curries, fried rice, pastes, and stir-fries. Their herbal citrus flavor can be used to infuse desserts such as custard and ice cream. Kaffir lime leaves pair well with lemongrass, basil, cardamom, curry leaves, mint, tamarind, turmeric, cumin, galangal, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, jasmine rice, meats such as lamb, chicken and pork, mussels, and coconut milk. They will keep up to two weeks when stored fresh in the refrigerator and up to one year when stored in a sealed container in the freezer. SEASONS Kaffir Lime Leaves is available year-round.
Kaffir lime leaves are small to medium in size and oblong in shape, averaging 3-5 centimeters in diameter and 8-12 centimeters in length. The top of the thick leaves is glossy and deep green, while the underside of the leaves is porous and a pale, matte green. Kaffir lime leaves grow in pairs and grow in a double leaf formation, which means two leaves grow on either side of the stem and appear to mirror each other. There is a prominent central midrib or vein and the tips of the leaves can be slightly rounded or very pointed. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong citrus taste and aroma that is said to be a blend of mandarin orange, lemon, and lime. PRODUCT INFO Kaffir lime leaves, botanically classified as Citrus hystrix, grow on a thorny bush that can grow to be 1-10 meters in height and belong to the Rutaceae, or citrus family along with oranges, lemons, pomelos, and grapefruit. The kaffir lime plant is valued for its fragrant leaves and its fruit's peel and is popularly used in culinary and medicinal applications in Southeast Asia. Also known as the Kieffer lime, Bai Magrood, Thai lime, Limau Puru, and Makrut limes, Kaffir limes have been given new names in various cultures to respect and avoid the use of derogatory words. In South Africa, kaffir is an offensive slang word used in racist connotations, so many retailers have taken to calling the fruit by its scientific name, while others prefer the Thai word for the fruit, Makrut lime. USES Kaffir lime leaves can be used in both raw and cooked preparations such as boiling, steaming. They can be used fresh, dried, or from a frozen state and the thick leaves are never consumed whole, but rather steeped and later removed, or sliced very thinly. Kaffir lime leaves can be sliced and used in salads or shredded and used in fish cakes. They are also widely used in soups such as tom yum and hot and sour shrimp, curries, fried rice, pastes, and stir-fries. Their herbal citrus flavor can be used to infuse desserts such as custard and ice cream. Kaffir lime leaves pair well with lemongrass, basil, cardamom, curry leaves, mint, tamarind, turmeric, cumin, galangal, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, jasmine rice, meats such as lamb, chicken and pork, mussels, and coconut milk. They will keep up to two weeks when stored fresh in the refrigerator and up to one year when stored in a sealed container in the freezer. SEASON Kaffir Lime Leaves is available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Green Thai papayas widely vary in size, ranging from 15-50 centimeters in length and 10-20 centimeters in diameter, and are oval and elongated in shape. The thin skin is smooth, slightly waxy, firm, and green. Underneath the surface, the flesh is crisp, white with pale green edging, and dense with a central seed cavity filled with white pith and many inedible seeds. When raw, Green Thai papayas are crunchy with a very mild and neutral taste similar to the flavor of jicama or cucumber. Green Thai papayas are a good source of vitamins A and C and also contain folate, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. Green Thai papayas are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as boiling or sauteing. The fruits are most well-known for their use in som tan, which is a Thai salad that mixes Green Thai papaya with fish sauce, lime, chile, garlic, and varying vegetables. Green Thai papaya can also be added to stews, pickled for extended use, grated, fried, and mixed with small shrimp to make okoy, or cooked into sour curries such as gaeng som. In Thailand, Green papaya is also blended into soups and is heavily spiced with chiles as the fruit has minimal flavor and showcases other spices. Green Thai papaya pairs well with long beans, carrots, daikon radish, chiles, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, shallots, turmeric, and peanuts. The unripe fruits will keep for a couple of days at room temperature but will then begin to ripen. Once ripe, papayas will keep up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. USES In Thailand, papaya is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used medicinally to help cleanse the digestive system. The leaves and sap are also used in traditional medicine to reduce the itchiness of insect bites and general swelling in the body. In addition to topical use, dried leaves are commonly steeped into a tea and are believed to stimulate digestion. Elongated papaya varieties are often seen in markets sold in slender pieces, stored over ice, so locals can buy the pieces daily as needed. Many Thai families also grow papaya in their home gardens to utilize the fruits, leaves, and sap year-round in medicinal and culinary applications. Season Green Thai papayas are available year-round in tropical climates.
Kaffir lime leaves are small to medium in size and oblong in shape, averaging 3-5 centimeters in diameter and 8-12 centimeters in length. The top of the thick leaves is glossy and deep green, while the underside of the leaves is porous and a pale, matte green. Kaffir lime leaves grow in pairs and grow in a double leaf formation, which means two leaves grow on either side of the stem and appear to mirror each other. There is a prominent central midrib or vein and the tips of the leaves can be slightly rounded or very pointed. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong citrus taste and aroma that is said to be a blend of mandarin orange, lemon, and lime. PRODUCT INFO Kaffir lime leaves, botanically classified as Citrus hystrix, grow on a thorny bush that can grow to be 1-10 meters in height and belong to the Rutaceae, or citrus family along with oranges, lemons, pomelos, and grapefruit. The kaffir lime plant is valued for its fragrant leaves and its fruit's peel and is popularly used in culinary and medicinal applications in Southeast Asia. Also known as the Kieffer lime, Bai Magrood, Thai lime, Limau Puru, and Makrut limes, Kaffir limes have been given new names in various cultures to respect and avoid the use of derogatory words. In South Africa, kaffir is an offensive slang word used in racist connotations, so many retailers have taken to calling the fruit by its scientific name, while others prefer the Thai word for the fruit, Makrut lime. USES Kaffir lime leaves can be used in both raw and cooked preparations such as boiling, steaming. They can be used fresh, dried, or from a frozen state and the thick leaves are never consumed whole, but rather steeped and later removed, or sliced very thinly. Kaffir lime leaves can be sliced and used in salads or shredded and used in fish cakes. They are also widely used in soups such as tom yum and hot and sour shrimp, curries, fried rice, pastes, and stir-fries. Their herbal citrus flavor can be used to infuse desserts such as custard and ice cream. Kaffir lime leaves pair well with lemongrass, basil, cardamom, curry leaves, mint, tamarind, turmeric, cumin, galangal, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, jasmine rice, meats such as lamb, chicken and pork, mussels, and coconut milk. They will keep up to two weeks when stored fresh in the refrigerator and up to one year when stored in a sealed container in the freezer. Season Kaffir lime leaves are available year-round.
The kaffir lime tree is native to tropical Southeast Asia and was spread to neighboring regions via exporters and trade routes. Today Kaffir lime leaves are available in fresh markets and frozen in specialty grocers in Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the United States. PRODUCT INFO Kaffir limes are widely used in Thailand as a household ingredient. Essential oils are extracted from the fruit's peel and are used for cleaning products, shampoos, and as a method to kill lice. The fruit's zest is used to flavor curries and soups, and the leaves are also crushed and used as potpourri or placed in a hot bath for a citrus aroma. Kaffir lime plants are so common and frequently used in Thailand that the majority of rural households have their own trees growing in their backyards. Kaffir lime leaves are small to medium in size and oblong in shape, averaging 3-5 centimeters in diameter and 8-12 centimeters in length. The top of the thick leaves is glossy and deep green, while the underside of the leaves is porous and a pale, matte green. Kaffir lime leaves grow in pairs and grow in a double leaf formation, which means two leaves grow on either side of the stem and appear to mirror each other. There is a prominent central midrib or vein and the tips of the leaves can be slightly rounded or very pointed. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong citrus taste and aroma that is said to be a blend of mandarin orange, lemon, and lime. USES Kaffir lime leaves contain some antioxidants. They also contain limonene and citronella, which both contribute to the flavor and fragrance of the leaves and have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Kaffir lime leaves can be used in both raw and cooked preparations such as boiling, steaming, and saut�©ing. They can be used fresh, dried, or from a frozen state and the thick leaves are never consumed whole, but rather steeped and later removed, or sliced very thinly. Kaffir lime leaves can be sliced and used in salads or shredded and used in fish cakes. They are also widely used in soups such as tom yum and hot and sour shrimp, curries, fried rice, pastes, and stir-fries. Their herbal citrus flavor can be used to infuse desserts such as custard and ice cream. Kaffir lime leaves pair well with lemongrass, basil, cardamom, curry leaves, mint, tamarind, turmeric, cumin, galangal, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, jasmine rice, meats such as lamb, chicken and pork, mussels, and coconut milk. They will keep up to two weeks when stored fresh in the refrigerator and up to one year when stored in a sealed container in the freezer. SEASON Kaffir Lime Leaves is available year-round.
