Northwest spices stand out with their unique and characteristic flavors of the Northwest mountainous region of Vietnam. Different from common spices such as onions, pepper, chili and garlic, etc. These spices come from the Northern mountains and were discovered in the wild nature of the mountains and forests. They are truly a natural gift for the people living in this highland region and make an important contribution to creating the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.
Spices play an indispensable role in creating the unique flavor and characteristics of Northwest dishes, especially in grilled dishes. Traditional dishes from the Northwest always attract all diners because of their unique and unforgettable flavors. However, there are still many people who are not familiar with spices such as Mac Khen, Doi seeds, Mac Mat, and many others. Let’s learn and discover famous Northwest spices below with Hoa Sen Foods!
The Unique Flavor Of Mac Khen
Mac Khen, a plant of the anise family, with fragrant essential oils, grows wild in the Northwest region of Vietnam. Marking an important part of the typical cuisine of this region. This is a special spice, with a unique and attractive aroma, helping to create irresistibly delicious dishes.
Mac Khen is usually harvested after the rainy season, in November, when fresh Mac Khen fruit has a stronger aroma and is fresher. However, for year-round use, local people often dry mac Khen fruits by hanging them upstairs in the kitchen. The dark brown color of Mac Khen seeds often form clusters, and when the fruit is dry, the shell automatically splits to reveal the seed inside, like a flower.
Unlike other popular spices such as pepper, Mac Khen does not have spicy properties, but instead, it brings a unique scent, a combination of the scent of anise and tangerine peel. The mild tongue-tingling taste and attractive aroma make Mac Khen an indispensable spice when preparing grilled and fried dishes. Even just a small amount of Mac Khen can create a special and irreplaceable flavor.
In addition to using Mac Khen in the cooking process, people also often add Mac Khen to the dipping sauce to add aroma and taste to the dish.
Wild Guava Seeds – Expensive Spices From Lai Chau Region
Doi is a natural forest plant, and the Lai Chau region is famous for its unique wild doi seeds. Guava trees take a long time, often many years, to bear fruit, and even then the quantity of fruit is often very small. This makes guava seeds precious and expensive.
Doi trees can be divided into two main types: doi doi, in which people make use of the tree’s wood, and doi, which focus on collecting seeds. Guava seeds have a unique aroma, and they are often used as a spice for many traditional dishes of the Northwest region. When guava seeds are roasted on a charcoal stove, their fragrance becomes rich and enchanting. This spice also has a special taste, a bit like sassafras, and it is often used to marinate food, making the dish more unique and delicious. Guava seeds are also often used as a spice for dipping sauces, creating a typical flavor for the cuisine of the Northwest region.
The natural sweetness of Mac Mat Leaves
Mac Mat leaves are made from a flowering plant belonging to the Cucumber family. Thanks to its aromatic essential oils, Mac Mat leaves are often used in preparing dishes such as roasting, grilling, steaming, or braising. Besides its special flavor, Mac Mat leaves are also a rich source of protein, iron, manganese, and calcium. It also has good health effects such as stimulating digestion and protecting the liver.
Not only the leaves, but also the fruits and seeds of Mac Mat have their own values and applications. Mac Mat fruits have a slightly sweet and sour taste and can be eaten fresh or used in many dishes because they contain a lot of vitamin C. Mac Mat seeds are often dried and ground into powder to use as a unique spice. With such diverse uses, the Mac Mat tree has become a part of the daily lives of people in the Northwest. At the same time, it is also used in traditional Oriental medicine, bringing many health benefits.
Typical Thai dipping dish
Cham diagonal spice, also known as cham diagonal, is a special traditional spice of the Thai people in the Northwest region of Vietnam. Created from a skillful blend of many natural ingredients, this spice has become a symbol of the unique flavor of the mountains.
Cham Xo seasoning mainly includes ingredients such as Mac Khen, Doi seeds, dried chili, garlic, and many other herbs. All of these ingredients are carefully combined to create a rich and unique dip that creates an unmistakable culinary experience.
Northwest Thai people use the Cham Xom spice to season dishes, including boiled dishes, sticky rice, raw vegetables and grilled dishes. The distinct flavor of Cham Xoi adds appeal to dishes and is often the highlight of a meal. Cham diagonal is also often used to dip meats and fruits, creating a balance between spicy taste and natural aroma.
With the delicate combination of natural ingredients and the utilization of Northwestern Thai people, Cham Xo seasoning has become an important part of local cuisine and contributes to the typical flavor of the Western region. North Vietnam.
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