Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec 2018
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OVERTURES<br />
A TASTE OF THAILAND<br />
Sweetness in the Eye<br />
of a Dragon<br />
The longan fruit, also known as the<br />
Dragon’s Eye (due to its black seed which<br />
resembles an eye) is a summertime<br />
favourite. Many <strong>Thai</strong> people enjoy fresh<br />
longans with its refreshingly sweet taste.<br />
Its benefit does not just lie in the fruit<br />
itself but also in the other parts of the<br />
plant. People in the old days would boil<br />
longan leaves to cure them of colds.<br />
Burn its seed until it becomes ash, and<br />
this can be rubbed on scars to speed up<br />
healing and also soothe itches.<br />
Small in size, but abundant in<br />
benefits, the longan fruit is said to block<br />
carcinogenic substances and reduce<br />
oxidants in white blood cells. Another<br />
key feature of the fruit is that it can<br />
strengthen the body. It specifically<br />
has minerals, vitamins, and nutrients,<br />
notably Vitamin C and B12, to nourish<br />
the blood, nerves, eyes, and heart. Even<br />
Chinese medical books give the recipe<br />
of boiling dried longan fruits together<br />
with ginseng and other medicines<br />
Ingredients<br />
to help older adults experiencing<br />
forgetfulness. Longan fruits may be rich<br />
with nourishment, but a moderate intake<br />
is recommended as the fruit itself has a<br />
heating effect, meaning that its excessive<br />
intake can cause mouth ulcers.<br />
The longan fruit’s sweetness is<br />
high in carbohydrates or sugar which<br />
quickly replenishes the body from any<br />
deficiency. The fruit then provides<br />
energy to the body. It’s a reason why<br />
those who drink longan juice feel<br />
instantly refreshed. Hot or iced, regular<br />
drinking of longan juice can guarantee a<br />
peaceful night’s sleep as well.<br />
Another great thing about the<br />
longan fruit is that it is excellent for<br />
desserts – from longan fruit with<br />
sticky rice (a <strong>Thai</strong>-style sweetened<br />
dessert with young coconut meat) to<br />
iced longan in syrup. These desserts<br />
promise a refreshing taste, thanks to<br />
their sweetness of flavour and reviving,<br />
aromatic fragrance.<br />
• ½ cup of dried longan fruits<br />
• 1 litre of water<br />
Instructions<br />
• ¾ cup of refined sugar<br />
• A pinch of refined salt to further<br />
brighten taste<br />
Clean the dried longan fruits in water<br />
twice to wash away dirt and longan flakes.<br />
Pour ¼ cup of sugar in a pot and<br />
melt on medium heat. Continue to stir<br />
until the sugar liquefies and the colour<br />
changes to dark brown.<br />
Pour water in and stir until the sugar<br />
further melts. Add the dried longan<br />
fruits and continue to boil for around<br />
10 minutes.<br />
When the longan fruits are softened<br />
enough, add the rest of the sugar and<br />
salt. Continue to boil and stir until all the<br />
sugar is dissolved.<br />
Put the lid on the pot and remove from<br />
the stove. Leave it to cool down. Before<br />
drinking, add ice. The refreshing longan<br />
juice is now ready to be enjoyed.<br />
WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA<br />
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