(Baonghean.vn) - In the culinary culture of the Thai people in Nghe An, there are many dishes that show uniqueness in the selection of ingredients as well as the way of preparation. One of them is braised male papaya flowers.
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| The male papaya tree has leaves that grow alternately, with long stems. Each leaf blade is divided into 8-9 deep lobes, each lobe is further notched as if torn. The male inflorescence has many branches and very long stems. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| According to folk experience, male papaya flowers are a commonly used medicine to treat coughs, especially in children. The flowers are often used to treat coughs, whooping coughs, and hoarseness. In Oriental medicine, they are used to treat worms, kidney stones, painful urination, little urine, urethral pain, and to support cancer treatment. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| Papaya flowers, after being picked from the fields or gardens, will be cleaned and all impurities removed before being processed. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| After being washed, put in a pot to boil, this process ensures that the ingredients are not overcooked or too tough. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| Male papaya flowers are often stewed with bamboo shoots, sweet potato shoots, and pumpkin shoots. These ingredients are mixed together with spices such as MSG, shrimp paste, mac khen (wild pepper), roasted peanuts, ginger leaves, etc. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| When enjoyed, the male papaya flower dish has a slightly bitter, slightly sweet taste, the rich, fragrant taste of peanuts and mac khen, the spicy taste of chili, and the fragrant taste of ginger leaves. These ingredients blend together to create a dish that is both delicious and cheap, and most especially, according to the Thai people's concept, it prevents many diseases and is good for health. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| Male papaya flowers have long been sold in many highland markets. According to Ms. Vang Thi Tuyet in Cay Me village, Thach Giam commune (Tuong Duong): "Recently, many people with a history of diabetes often come to buy male papaya flowers for processing, some people buy them to dry and drink... so papaya flowers are often very popular. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
American scientists have done a lot of research on papaya and have found active ingredients that can help treat cancer. A recent study in Australia found that men who regularly consume male papaya flowers can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by up to 82%. In addition, many researchers around the world have confirmed that male papaya flowers contain active ingredients that support cancer treatment. These include effective treatments for cancers such as prostate, stomach, liver, lung, etc. and support diabetes treatment. |
Dinh Tuan
