Have you ever wondered where red curry get it’s color. It comes from the chalky red seeds of what my guide called the “curry plant”. My research shows that his “curry plant” is not the same plant known as the curry plant in English. Nor is it the same as the curry tree. I couldn’t quite identify what we call …
Agri-Culture: Going Bananas
Bananas are a staple of Southeast Asia. In Thailand, small crepes stuffed with bananas, chocolate and condensed milk are popular treats and are often the staple for the average backpacker. Banana shakes are also a favorite. (Personally, I go for banana-coconut shakes.) The same goes for Cambodia as well as Vietnam. Although, neither of those countries offer “banana pancakes” that …
Agri-Culture: Viet Tea
Tea is just as common of a drink in Vietnam as coffee. Well, green tea that is. Vietnamese black tea is used for exports. But the green tea is a local favorite. At most restaurants, you get Vietnamese tea free with every meal. Some restaurants serve better local tea than others. Sometimes, it can be quite bland. Other times, the …
Tuesday’s Burgers Today
Alright burger lovers. You’re not alone, not by a long shot. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about eating one of life’s best food choices. I think burgers should be in their own food group category. And don’t forget that famous line from Wimpy (Popeye), “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” You can find your very …
Agri-Culture: The Vietnamese Coffee Bean
I didn’t just see hills covered in coffee plants during my motorcycle excursion through central Vietnam. I also witnessed just how the locals dry their beans. No, there are no big factories or warehouses with some sort of huge electrical dryers as you might imagine. The Vietnamese way isn’t quite so fancy or complicated. The locals just lay some tarp …
Cali Orange Comeback
Last year, California orange growers sustained a crippling freeze and lost 40 percent of their crop. But, this year California citrus growers are reporting healthy, plentiful crops. Call it global warming or just a freak of nature, but last year’s crop of California oranges weathered a forty percent decrease because of a devastating freeze. Thanks to good planning and a …
Agri-Culture: Central Highlands of Vietnam
As I mentioned before, I haven’t quite made it back to the States yet after traveling to Germany in November (where I covered the Agritechnica farm equipment show in Hanover). For the last month and a half or so, my travels have taken me throughout much of Southeast Asia. I have already posted pics from when I stumbled upon a …
Fish n’ Milk
Don’t worry. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Kemps Dairy in St. Paul, MN is promoting better health with its new milk product that contains Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil. The new line of premium half-gallons, Kemps Plus Milk, is now available in grocery stores throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a variety of health …
Colorado Cooks Up Sustainable Dishes
More chefs are unleashing the tasty zest of American produce. The Culinary School of the Rockies is responding to the market for “sustainable cooking” with more courses involving the local flavor. Call it farm to table, seed to fork, farm to fork, or sustainable kitchen — by any name, diners in today’s top restaurants are demanding locally grown seasonal food. …
Texas Gets Youth Involved in Ag
No, we’re not talking future farmers of America. We’re talking future chefs of America. The Young Chefs Academy in Fort Worth, Texas is holding its grand opening today, Jan. 19, 2008. The hottest craze for kids these days will soon be cooking up success at the new Young Chefs Academy located at 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Suite 260, Fort Worth. …