Pandan is a plant that is used every day in Asian cuisine. First of all, its leaves are used, which give dishes and drinks a rich aroma. Pandan also has numerous health -promoting properties, so it’s worth including it from time to time in your diet.
Pandan is grown in Southeast Asiamainly for aromatic, green leaves and fruit. Although there are over 600 species of this plant, the most popular is the won pandan bred by the coast of india.
The leaves of a small tree measure up to 40 cm long, they are narrow and flat. They are characterized by a expressive smell, most often compared to the smell of rose, almond, coconut and vanilla (they are even called Asian vanilla). They have a slightly sweet tastethe most noticeable in the juice that can be squeezed out of them. The drink is most often used as a dye.
Pandan fruits are also edible. They are pitks that look deceptively resemble pineapple. In consistency they are like dates, they have a slightly nutty aftertaste.
The plant is used in Asia for many purposes – For the construction of roofs and baskets, but also for flavoring dishes. You can also get from the leaves, among others Pandan essencei.e. a concentrate with an intense green color, then added, among others For baking or ice cream.
Where to buy a pandan? You can buy a fresh plant at the fair in Asia and the Internet. On the other hand, its leaves are sold in the form of dried herbs, intensely green paste or liquid essence. They are stationary available in Polish stores with Asian products or in hypermarkets. They can also be ordered online.
Pandan can be used in the kitchen in really many ways. However, before you find out about it, you should still discover its nutritional value. For centuries, it has been considered a medicinal plant in some regions of Asia. It is from them that a number of healthy pandan properties show.
The plant provides the body with vitamins (A, C, E, K), which They have antioxidant, strengthen immunity and improve the condition of the skin and the organ of sight. It is also a treasury of minerals, namely potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese. Frequent leaf consumption has a good effect on the bones, the nervous and circulatory system. There is also a lot of fiber in Pandan, improving the work of the digestive system. It regulates digestion and sugar, prevents rapid weight gain. The plant also contains antioxidants that They inhibit the aging of the body, improve heart function and have anti -cancer and anti -inflammatory effects.
Pandan essence is also Natural antibacterial and antiviral agent. Interestingly, the extract can also soothe the burdensome symptoms of allergieslike a runny nose or itching. Pandan is characterized sedative properties – reduces the level of stress, fatigue or anxiety and helps with insomnia.
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What to use a pandan in the kitchen for? If you have never had contact with him, at the beginning you can be inspired by South Asian cuisines, e.g. Thai, Malay or Indonesian, which very often use this ingredient. Eat fruit is eaten raw or after cooking. In Asia, they often prepare paste, which is combined with cream or coconut milk.
Pandan leaves in the form of herbs are an important spice of Asian cuisine. The most commonly used for flavoring rice or as a component of vegetable dishes and meat dishes (e.g. Pilafu, Curry). The plant also often goes to desserts, especially on the basis of chocolate. You can also color baked goods in green. Interestingly, the leaves sometimes also become natural packaging for food (a bundle of rice, meat or vegetables are hidden).
How to eat a pandan? Added to soups, cakes, jellies, ice cream, pancakes, muffins or drinks (e.g. tea, infusions, cocktails, flavored water) will turn up their taste. Aromatize the dishes with it, create it appetizing marinades Or steal leaves to create warm or cold infusions. Pandan is also great Database for preservese.g. jams, jam or syrups.
Source: NowowoPuje.pl, ekologia.pl
