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.
Guavas - The fruit is roughly spherical with a furrowed smooth surface. The most alluring element of a Guava is its fragrance, a bouquet of bright tropical aromatics. The flesh is unique to many fruits, its texture a combination of a firm banana with the succulence of an apple. Tiny edible seeds pattern the flesh's core. The flavor of Guava is a reflection of its aromatics, though more subtle with notes of pineapple, papaya, banana and lemon. PRODUCT INFO Guavas variety for export from Thailand is Kimju and Pan Si Thong. Wrap with foam net to protect its skin and might wrap again by plastic shrink film. It can also pack on tray for 500g or 1000g depends on the size of Guavas. USES Although Guava is a fruit, its culinary uses are nearly unlimited. Guava can be eaten whole for simple fresh eaten. They may be used for applications both sweet and savory, fresh, cooked, hot and cold. SEASONS Guava can be produced nearly all 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 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 There are many different varieties of Cucumbers that can be divided into two different groups: pickling and slicing. Pickling cucumbers are smaller, can be oblong and short to long and cylindrical, and have thin, green skin which is ideal for pickling. Slicing cucumbers are large and cylindrical, averaging 15-20 centimeters in length, and have thick skin. The skin can be smooth or ribbed with small bumps and nodes depending on the variety. Slicing cucumbers are most commonly seen in the local market's produce section and can range in color from dark green, to yellow or white. The inner flesh is light green with pale, edible seeds and has a crisp, aqueous texture and mild floral and grassy flavor. USES Cucumbers are commonly consumed raw. Slice cucumbers and add to salads or a crudite plate. Marinate Cucumbers in oil, vinegar, and spices and serve with sugar snap peas and mint leaves. Shred Cucumber into a cheesecloth and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible and then mix with yogurt and dill for a tatziki sauce. It can also be sliced lengthwise, diced, and added to quinoa or bulgur wheat salad. Cucumbers pair well with mint, dill, tuna fish, chicken salad, tomatoes, green peppers, and onions. Cucumbers will keep for a few days when stored in the refrigerator. If only a portion of the Cucumber is used, wrap the remaining piece tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator to prevent dehydration. SEASONS Cucumbers are available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Big Cucumber, fruit length 15 cm or more, fruit width more than 2.5 cm, thick flesh, small intestine. For varieties in Thailand, the bark is green to dark green. especially the part near the fruit pole and the end of the fruit has a light green or white dot There is a white stripe that extends to the tip of the fruit. foreign species The result will be a uniform dark green color. USES Big cucumbers are commonly consumed raw. Slice cucumbers and add to salads or a crudite plate. Marinate Cucumbers in oil, vinegar, and spices and serve with sugar snap peas and mint leaves. Shred big cucumbers into a cheesecloth and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible and then mix with yogurt and dill for a tatziki sauce. It can also be sliced lengthwise, diced, and added to quinoa or bulgur wheat salad. Big cucumbers pair well with mint, dill, tuna fish, chicken salad, tomatoes, green peppers, and onions. Big cucumbers will keep for a few days when stored in the refrigerator. If only a portion of the Big cucumbers is used, wrap the remaining piece tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator to prevent dehydration. SEASONS Big cucumbers are available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Purple eggplants are long and thin, averaging 15-20 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in diameter. These fruits can be crooked or straight, and its thin outer skin ranges from violet to bright purple. The inner flesh is cotton white, semi-firm, and nearly seedless. Purple eggplants have a mild and sweet flavor without the bitterness associated with eggplant. USES Purple eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as braising, stir-frying, sauteing and grilling. Their tender flesh cooks quicker than most Purple eggplant varieties, and its flavor and texture will be at its peak when baked. Stir-frying Purple eggplant is the most popular preparation method as the eggplant has a meaty and flavorful texture. Purple eggplant holds up well to spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Complimentary ingredients include cumin, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fermented beans, chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, mushrooms, onions, sesame oil, chicken, pork, chickpeas, lentils, hardy greens, and summer vegetables such as tomatoes and squashes. Purple eggplant will keep up to one week when stored in a cool and dry place. SEASON Purple Eggplant is available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Small purple eggplant has both spherical and oval shapes. Properties of small purple eggplant no matter what color it is useful in many ways, for example, it is beneficial for diabetics because small purple eggplant contains substances that help strengthen the function of glucose, help drive parasites, help digestion, which helps the system. Excreted as well, in Small purple eggplant contains substances that are active against the growth of colon and liver cancer, help treat asthma, relieve bronchitis, lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood lipids. If anyone wants to lose weight, you can choose to eat eggplant to cook or eat fresh. USES Small Purple Eggplant Ingredients In addition to providing beautiful and appetizing colors It is also beneficial to the body as well. SEASONS Small Purple Eggplant is available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Ginger is an agricultural commodity which Thailand has the production potential. Mature ginger means rhizome of the harvested ginger at the age between 10-12 months after planting. Underneath the skin, the flesh is firm, fibrous, and ranges in color from yellow to brown. The rhizome is also highly fragrant with a warm, woody scent. When fresh, Ginger is juicy and crunchy with a pungent, spicy, and slightly sweet taste. SEASON Gingers are available year-round.
Ginger is frequently used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine as a warming element to reduce symptoms associated with nausea, indigestion, and muscle pain. The rhizome can be used fresh or dried and is also pressed into an essential oil for topical use. Ginger is made into an herbal tea in the Philippines called salabat, which is consumed to relieve nausea and to ward off flu and colds. Dried Split Ginger can be kept up to 24 months from manufactured date under good condition.
PRODUCT INFO The fruit of the Burmese grape is oval, colored yellowish, pinkish to bright red or purple, 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter, smooth-skinned, with 2-4 large purple-red seed. Fruit pulp with a blend of sweet and sour, rich in vitamin C. This is a small and a juicy fruit with good flavor. SEASON Burmese Grape is availble between February-May.
PRODUCT INFO Eryngii mushrooms are medium to large in size and are easily identified by their thick cylindrical stem and their small, flattened cap. The ivory to white stems can grow up to twenty centimeters in length, five centimeters in diameter, and are firm, dense, and chewy. The small, smooth caps are grey to brown and have rounded, curved edges. Underneath the cap, the stem and cap are joined by off-white, thin, short, gills, though dense and spongy in texture, lack aroma and flavor, but when cooked, the mushrooms have a savory umami flavor, a soft, crunchy texture, and a mild flavor reminiscent of abalone. Eryngii mushrooms contain riboflavin, vitamins B6, C, and D, niacin, potassium, fiber, and folate. They also contain high amounts of a naturally occurring amino acid, ergothioneine, which is an antioxidant. This particular antioxidant is stored in organs like the liver and kidneys and helps reduce the risk of chronic disease. USES Eryngii mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as grilling, roasting, baking, sauteing and frying. They can be sliced or torn into thick pieces and simmered or braised to create a crispy texture, or they can be cut into rounds to develop a tender, meat-like consistency. King Trumpet mushrooms are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, stews, tempura, chopped into meatballs or meatloaf, mixed into pasta, or grilled and served on top of barbequed meats. King Trumpet mushrooms pair well with legumes, grains, fish, poultry, scallops, Asian greens, ginger, garlic, chives, chiles, thyme, rosemary, peppercorn, soy, vinegar, dry white wines, blue cheese, grapes, and focaccia. They will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Season Eryngii mushrooms are available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Ear mushrooms are small to medium in size, averaging 3-8 centimeters in diameter, and are curved and wavy with an ear-like or cup-like shape. The fruiting bodies are brown to dark brown with a slippery or gelatinous texture and can be made up of smooth, wavy edges or many folds and wrinkles with some veining. With age, the gill-less and stemless fungus darkens, and the spores range in color from yellow, cream, to white. When cooked, Wood Ear mushrooms are firm, crunchy, and toothsome with a mild, musty flavor. Ear mushrooms contain iron, protein, fiber, and vitamins B1 and B2 USES Ear mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, stir-frying, and sauteing. Before cooking, the fungus should be rinsed, and any tough patches should be removed. Used for their chewy and toothsome texture, they can be added to soups, salads, or stir-fries and readily absorb accompanying flavors. Ear mushrooms are commonly added to Chinese hot and sour soup and to Szechwan and Hunan cuisine to soak up the spicier flavors. Outside of China, ear mushrooms are most commonly found in dried form and can easily be reconstituted. To rehydrate, the fungus should be soaked in water for at least half an hour. Ear mushrooms pair well with potatoes, fermented black beans, green onions, onions, ginger, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sesame oil, cilantro, parsley, bay leaves, allspice, snow thistle, cucumber, bamboo shoots, green peas, tofu, pork, ham, shrimp, and crab. They should be used immediately and will only keep for a couple of days when wrapped in paper towels and stored in the refrigerator. Season Ear mushrooms are available from early summer through early winter, while the cultivated versions are available year-round.
PRODUCT INFO Thai garlic (Kratiem) produces petite bulbs with six to eight cloves that grow surrounding the central scape. The outer wrappers are tight and firm with many beige layers varying with stripes and flushing of purple and tan. The inner wrappers are a dusty rose, and these encase the creamy ivory cloves. Thai garlic has a bold, pungent flavor with an aroma equally strong. The fiery flavor increases in intensity after the initial taste and will linger on the palate. When cooked, the heat will mellow to a medium spice. SEASON Thai garlic are available year-round.