Barb and Harry Budd love to fill their home with Christmas decorations and invite their neighbors to tour the rooms filled with Santas of every shape and size. The hobby earned the Budds recognition in the community, but it also marked the beginning of another passion for the couple. When the Budds opened their home...
Bitter Melon Bitter melon has an edgy exterior but soft and delicate interior. Similar to the African eggplant, the bitter melon tastes like its name, “bitter”, but is subdued when cooked up in a stir fry. This popular Asian melon can change a simple soup or stir-fry into a flavorful and healthy dish. Nepali Bitter...
Daikon Radish Daikon radishes are a favorite of our farmers from Bhutan. Most varieties are large white radishes that are milder than most small radishes but still have some spice. You can prepare them a variety of ways, from stir fry to pickled with carrots as a primary ingredient in Vietnamese banh mi. Roasted Curry...
Okra Okra is enjoyed in many cultures and is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia or West Africa. Okra pods are mucilaginous, which makes them great for thickening soups and stews. The flavor is mild like eggplant and best served with corn, potatoes, or tomatoes. Okra and Potatoes Ingredients 1 pint of okra 2...
Long Beans Long Beans are a favorite in Southeast Asian countries, and they live up to their name. Measuring up to 3 feet long, these beans can be green, deep red or purple. Long beans are often stir-fried, and they cook similarly to green beans. Nepali Long Bean Curry Ingredients 3 tbsp. canola oil 2...
Shell Beans Shell Beans are a staple in many African countries. While in season, they are eaten fresh from the pod and are creamier than a typical dry bean. Once dried, shell beans will store for months and are a perfect addition to a winter soup. Shell Beans & Greens Ingredients: 5 cups water 1.5...
African Eggplant African eggplant (garden egg) is a favorite amongst our Central African growers who enjoy it raw or cooked. This eggplant has a bit of a bitter flavor but it is deliciously enhanced when cooked with tomatoes and other vegetables. Garden Egg Stew Ingredients 5 tbsp. oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large onion,...
Roselle Chin baung, or roselle in English, announces itself in the form of red sticks poking up from the ground. A chewy, leafy, tart relative of the hibiscus family, the plant is as common in Burma as basil is here. Many families from Burma began searching it out as soon as they settled in the...
