Fah Thai Magazine Jan-Feb 2017

Overtures
on the menu / fruitful finds
words & photos kay Choomongkol
Oranges
are for
Auspiciousness
Thai and Chinese cultures
regard oranges as the symbolic
fruit of luck and prosperity.
This ‘golden’ fruit always takes
the leading role on the dining
table or presented as gifts or
as offerings to spirits, gods and
goddesses for every auspicious
occasion.
In Thailand, oranges ( called som) are available in
fresh markets and supermarkets year round but
January and February show off their richest tastes.
The country is blessed with many varieties and
the smallest and most sour kumquats or Som Jeed
are used by Thai people to season and enhance
meals. Also small but juicy is Som Sai Namphueng
which possesses a smooth, thin skin but reveals a
uniquely sharp yet sweet and sour flavour. Mid-size
sweet oranges have a rough, thick skin known as
Som Cheng with a pale yellow pulp. And don’t judge
a orange by its unappealing skin! Even though Som
Khiew Waan Bang Mod looks less attractive when
compared to other types of oranges, it is highly
appreciated for its unique and unbeatable honeyed
taste. Consider yourself lucky if you find Som
Khiew Waan these days – this local orange is fast
disappearing due to its vulnerability to disease.
Som Shogun is considered to be one of the
most famous orange varieties in Thailand. This
award-winning fruit has a stronger fragrance and
flavour and is slightly bigger than Som Khiew Waan
— but just as easy to hold and peel. Betong, the
southernmost district of Thailand, has some of the
finest quality Som Shogun because of its weather,
soil and natural water resources and produces a
superlative fruit that is globally coveted.
All oranges are high in vitamin C, antioxidants
and dietary fibre and help cool down body
temperatures, reduce dehydration and is simply
refreshing. So grab some oranges and try one that is
special to Thailand!
34 Fah Thai