31.10.2018 Views

Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

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 />

32 33

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!