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Showing posts with the label herbs

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. Vegetarian Kai Jiew (Thai omelette) with 10 different ingredients 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 T...

Pandan Leaf (ใบเตย): The Fragrant Thai Herb for Cooking & Baking

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Executive Summary Pandan leaf (ใบเตย or Bai Toey) is a fragrant herb native to Southeast Asia and a cornerstone of Thai cuisine . Known for its sweet, floral, and vanilla-like aroma, it's used to flavor desserts, sticky rice, savory dishes, and drinks. Beyond cooking, it provides natural green coloring and is used in traditional medicine for its cooling properties. This versatile plant is also part of Thailand's cultural heritage and is easy to grow in tropical gardens. Pandanus amaryllifolius, known as "Bai Toey" in Thai, is a plant native to Southeast Asia.  Here is some information about  Bai Toey  in Thailand: 1.  Culinary Use:      -  Flavor and Aroma:  Pandanus leaves are known for their sweet and fragrant aroma. They have a unique flavor that is often described as floral, nutty, and reminiscent of vanilla.    -  Cuisine:  The leaves are commonly used in Thai cuisine to flavor various dishes, especially desserts, sna...

Top Turmeric Drink Recipes for Health and Flavor Using Thai Ingredients

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  Turmeric , a versatile spice, can be used in various drinks, offering not only its distinctive flavor but also potential health benefits due to its active compound, curcumin. High-quality turmeric, such as that sourced from places like the Hua Hin Services organic garden , can significantly enhance both the taste and wellness properties of these beverages. Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte): Ingredients: Turmeric , milk (dairy or plant-based), black pepper , honey or sweetener. Method: Mix turmeric with milk, add a pinch of black pepper (which enhances curcumin absorption), and sweeten to taste. Find here a detailed Recipe for Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte) Turmeric Tea: Ingredients: Turmeric , ginger , lemon, honey, hot water. Method: Brew a tea by steeping turmeric and ginger in hot water. Add honey and a squeeze of lemon for flavor. Turmeric Smoothie: Ingredients: Banana , pineapple, Turmeric , yogurt or plant-based milk, black pepper. Method: Blend banana, pineapple, turmeric, and yo...