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Black Pepper (Prik Thai / Piper Nigrum): Thai Cuisine, Health Benefits & Uses

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Discover the aromatic world of Piper nigrum, the beloved black pepper known as "prik Thai" in Thailand! From culinary delights to traditional remedies , this versatile spice adds depth to every dish. Explore its rich history and uses at Hua Hin Services - your go-to resource for local flavors and authentic Thai ingredients. Dive into the story behind the spice that sparks global kitchens. Plant Description: Vine: Black pepper is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 meters in height. Leaves: The leaves are glossy, green, and heart-shaped. Flowers: The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in spikes. Fruit and Peppercorns: Fruit: The fruit of the black pepper plant is a small drupe, which is initially green and turns red as it ripens. Peppercorns: The dried, unripe fruit is used to produce black pepper. The outer layer of the dried fruit, known as the pericarp, is wrinkled and dark, giving black pepper its characteristic appearance. Black, White, and Green Peppe...

Khao Yum (āļ‚้āļēāļ§āļĒāļģ): A stunning Thai rice salad

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  Khao Yum (āļ‚้āļēāļ§āļĒāļģ) is a vibrant and healthy Thai rice salad known for its stunning presentation and complex, refreshing flavors. The star of the dish is the Nam Jim Budu sauce, a savory, tangy, and umami-packed dressing. This recipe breaks down the process into manageable parts. An Introduction to Khao Yum Khao Yum is more than a meal; it's an experience. It originates from Southern Thailand and is often a communal dish. The beauty lies in customizing each bite at the table. You get a base of fragrant rice and then add your preferred combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and toppings, all tied together with the unique fermented fish sauce. Difficulty: Medium (due to ingredient prep and sauce balance) Active Time: 45 minutes Serves: 2-3 Part 1: The Fragrant Rice (Khao Yum) The rice is typically made with Thai jasmine rice, tinted and flavored with a natural ingredient called Nga Dam (āļ”āļ­āļāļ­ัāļāļŠัāļ™) or Butterfly Pea Flower. If you can't find it, turmeric is a perfect s...

Sweet Potato Gardening in Hua Hin: Tips for Growing āļĄัāļ™āđ€āļ—āļĻ in Thailand’s Coastal Climate

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Sweet potatoes (āļĄัāļ™āđ€āļ—āļĻ) grow well in Hua Hin thanks to the warm climate and sandy soil. You can plant them year-round, but the best time is during the dry season from November to April.   Here's a detailed guide to help you grow sweet potatoes successfully in Hua Hin: ðŸŒą Choosing the Right Variety Popular types in Thailand include Japanese sweet potatoes (āļĄัāļ™āļŦāļ§āļēāļ™āļี่āļ›ุ่āļ™) and local varieties like āļĄัāļ™āļŦāļĨāļē or āļĒāļ­āļ”āļĄัāļ™āđāļāļ§. These varieties are known for their sweetness and adaptability to Thai soil and climate. 🛠️ Planting Tips Propagation : Use vine cuttings about 20 cm long with 6 nodes. Plant them at a 45° angle, burying 3 nodes in the soil. Soil : Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained sandy or loamy soil . Hua Hin’s coastal soil is ideal. Raised beds : Create mounds or ridges about 30 cm high to improve drainage and root development. Spacing : Leave 20–30 cm between plants. 💧 Watering and Care Initial growth : Keep soil moist for the first 2 months. Use drip irrigatio...

Recipe: Vegan Thai Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

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Discover authentic Vegan Thai Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) with Hua Hin Services ! This refreshing, spicy-sour dish features shredded papaya , tomatoes, chili , and lime . Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal. Visit our blog for easy recipes and more tips on Thai cuisine. Hua Hin Services brings you the best of local flavors ! ðŸĨ— Vegan Thai Som Tum with Makrut Lime āļŠ้āļĄāļ•āļģāļĄัāļ‡āļŠāļ§ิāļĢัāļ•ิāļŠูāļ•āļĢāđƒāļŠ่āļĄāļ°āļāļĢูāļ” (Som Tam Mangsawirat Sut Sai Makrut) Ingredients (serves 2) 1½ cups shredded green papaya 4 cherry tomatoes, halved 6–8 green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces 1–2 cloves garlic 1–3 Thai chilies (to taste) 1 Tbsp roasted peanuts (or cashews), crushed 1 fresh makrut lime leaf , finely shredded ½ tsp fresh makrut lime zest 2 Tbsp lime juice 1 Tbsp tamarind juice 1½ tsp palm sugar (or brown sugar) 1½ Tbsp soy sauce or vegan fish sauce substitute ðŸĨ„ Method In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until coarse. Add the palm sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, t...

Asparagus - āļŦāļ™่āļ­āđ„āļĄ้āļāļĢั่āļ‡ (Naw Mai Farang) - Asparagus officinalis

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Grow & cook asparagus (Naw Mai Farang) in Hua Hin ! This guide covers planting in the local climate , delicious Thai recipes like Pad Naw Mai Farang, and its great health benefits. A versatile veggie for any garden or kitchen.  Asparagus in Thailand: Your Complete Guide to Growing & Cooking āļŦāļ™่āļ­āđ„āļĄ้āļāļĢั่āļ‡ (Naw Mai Farang) Here at Hua Hin Services , we’re passionate about the beautiful plants and delicious produce that thrive in our local climate. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a vegetable that has seamlessly blended into Thai cuisine: Asparagus , or as we know it, āļŦāļ™่āļ­āđ„āļĄ้āļāļĢั่āļ‡ (Naw Mai Farang) . Although its scientific name, Asparagus officinalis , hints at European origins, this versatile veggie has found a happy home in Thai soil and on our plates. Let's dive into everything you need to know about asparagus, from planting it in your garden to serving it on your dinner table. What is Asparagus (Naw Mai Farang)? Asparagus is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back y...

Vegetarian Pad Naw Mai Farang (āļœัāļ”āļŦāļ™่āļ­āđ„āļĄ้āļāļĢั่āļ‡): Thai Stir-Fried Asparagus

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 Discover the vibrant flavors of Hua Hin with Vegetarian Pad Naw Mai Farang, a Thai stir-fried asparagus dish that’s both healthy and delicious. This quick, aromatic recipe blends garlic, soy, and crisp asparagus—perfect for a taste of Thailand’s coastal culinary charm. Try it today and bring a bit of Hua Hin’s food culture to your table! A Simple Yet Elegant Vegetarian Thai Dish Pad Naw Mai Farang, literally translated as "stir-fried foreign bamboo shoots," is Thailand's delicious interpretation of asparagus. Despite asparagus being a Western import to Thai cuisine, this dish has become a beloved staple in Thai restaurants and home kitchens. The name reflects the Thai people's initial perception of asparagus as resembling bamboo shoots from abroad. Why You'll Love This Dish This vegetarian stir-fry showcases the perfect balance of Thai flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic with garlic. The asparagus maintains its crisp-tender texture while absorbing t...

Vegetarian Omelette with Cha-Om, Sweet Potato Leaves, Indian Long Pepper, and Shining Bush

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 Hua Hin Services offers unique vegetarian recipes featuring local Thai ingredients. Try their flavorful omelette with cha-om leaves, sweet potato greens, Indian long pepper, and shining bush - a nutritious blend of exotic flavors and traditional cooking techniques for health-conscious food lovers. Ingredients: 4 large eggs (for a basic omelette) 1/2 cup cha-om leaves , washed and chopped 1/2 cup sweet potato leaves , washed and chopped 1 Indian Long Pepper , finely chopped 2 tablespoons shining bush leaves , chopped 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup bell peppers (any color), diced Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for cooking Instructions: Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop cha-om leaves, sweet potato leaves, shining bush leaves, onion, tomatoes, and Indian Long Pepper. Saute Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sautÃĐ until translucent. Add di...