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The Golden Superfood: Sweet Potatoes for Health & Vitality in Hua Hin

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Sweet potatoes deliver 400% daily vitamin A for healthy eyes, glowing skin, and strong immunity. Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin C, they're available at Hua Hin's markets (30-50 baht/kg) and perfect for our tropical lifestyle. Living in the sunny coastal paradise of Hua Hin , where outdoor activities and beach life are part of daily routine, maintaining healthy skin, sharp vision, and robust immunity becomes especially important. Enter the humble sweet potato—a nutritional powerhouse that's readily available in local markets and perfectly suited to our tropical lifestyle. Nature's Multivitamin in One Root Sweet potatoes stand out as one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, offering remarkable benefits for your eyes, skin, and immune system. A single medium-sized baked sweet potato delivers an extraordinary 400% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A—a crucial nutrient that works wonders for your body inside and out. Protecting Your Vision Und...

Easy Vegan Tom Kha Recipe with Tofu, Lemongrass, and Galangal

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Enjoy a delicious Vegan Tom Kha! This aromatic Thai soup features coconut milk, vegetable broth, lemongrass , galangal , and fresh veggies like mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, & tofu. Seasoned with lime, soy sauce, and agave, it's a flavorful plant-based delight. Serve hot with cilantro.   Ingredients: 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk 4 cups vegetable broth 1 stalk lemongrass , bruised and chopped into 3-inch pieces 3-4 slices of galangal (or ginger if galangal is unavailable) 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or oyster mushrooms work well) 1 medium-sized carrot, sliced into thin rounds 1 medium-sized bell pepper, sliced 1 block (about 14 oz) firm tofu, cubed 1 medium-sized tomato, cut into wedges 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies , bruised (adjust according to spice preference) 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon agave syrup or sugar Salt to taste Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Optional: Thai basil leaves for garnish In...

The Makrut Lime (มะกรูด / ma-grood): A Complete Guide to Citrus Hystrix

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Discover the vibrant taste of Makrut lime! This complete guide from Hua Hin Services covers everything from its unique aroma to its culinary and health benefits. If you've spent any time in Thailand, you've encountered its captivating aroma. The unmistakable, intense citrus scent of Makrut lime (มะกรูด) is the unsung hero of countless Thai dishes. Often confused with the common lime, this knobbly, fierce-looking fruit is a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. For those of us living in or visiting Hua Hin , it's a flavour we can enjoy fresh every day. What's in a Name? From Ma-grood to Makrut First things first, you might know it by another name. The term "Kaffir lime" is being phased out, as "kaffir" is an offensive slur in some cultures. The preferred names are now Makrut lime (from the Thai มะกรูด, ma-grood ), or simply its scientific name, Citrus hystrix . Embracing the correct name is a sign of cultural respect. ...

Holy Basil (Thai Basil) - Bai Krapow (ใบกะเพรา) - Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum

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Grow Holy Basil in your Hua Hin garden with HuaHinServices ! Learn about this sacred herb and its uses in Thai cuisine and medicine. We grow sustainably, promoting wellness!   Holy Basil is a versatile herb with a rich cultural history in Thailand, and its use extends beyond culinary applications to encompass traditional medicine and religious practices. Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum, also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum, is the scientific name for Holy Basil. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Names in Thai: In Thai language, Holy Basil is known as "กะเพรา" (pronounced "kra-prow"). The term "Bai Krapow" specifically refers to the basil leaves used in Thai cuisine. Culinary Use: Holy Basil is a popular herb in Thai cuisine and is widely used in various dishes. It has a distinct aroma and peppery, slightly spicy flavor. One of the most famous Thai dishes featuring Holy Basil is "Pad Krapow" or "Pad Kra Pao," a stir-fried dish ...

Lemon Basil — Ocimum × citriodorum — Maenglak (แมงลัก)

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HuaHinServices brings you details on Lemon Basil (Maenglak), a popular herb in Thai cuisine . Known for its distinct lemony aroma, it's perfect for curries, stir-fries, and soups, adding a fresh, citrusy kick. Easily grown in Thailand's tropical climate, it enhances Hua Hin's culinary experiences. Lemon basil, known as "Maenglak" in Thai, is a popular herb in Thailand. It is a variety of basil (Ocimum basilicum) that is characterized by its distinct lemony flavor and aroma.   Here are some key points about Lemon Basil in Thailand: 1.  Flavor and Aroma Lemon basil has a strong citrusy flavor and aroma, which sets it apart from other basil varieties. The leaves are bright green and have a slightly serrated edge. 2.  Culinary Uses In Thai cuisine, lemon basil is commonly used to add a fresh and citrusy kick to various dishes. It is a key ingredient in dishes like green curry, stir-fries, soups, and salads. The leaves are often torn or chopped and added just before s...

The Aromatic Heart of Thai Cuisine: Exploring Thai Sweet Basil (Bai Horapa)

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 Hua Hin Services highlights Thai sweet basil (Bai Horapa), a key herb in Thai cuisine. Found in local markets here in Hua Hin , its sweet, slightly spicy, and anise-like flavor elevates traditional dishes like curries and stir-fries, making it essential for authentic Thai culinary creations . Thai sweet basil, known as "Horapha" or "Bai Horapa" in Thai, is a popular herb in Thailand. 1.  Culinary Use:     - Thai sweet basil is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its sweet and slightly spicy flavor with hints of anise.    - It is a key ingredient in various Thai dishes, including curries, stir-fries, soups, and salads. 2.  Appearance:     - Thai sweet basil is characterized by its green leaves and purple stems. The leaves are slightly serrated and have a glossy appearance. 3.  Cultural Significance:     - Thai sweet basil is an essential herb in Thai cooking, contributing to the unique and vibrant flavors of man...