(Baonghean.vn) - In the culinary culture of the Thai people in Nghe An, there are many dishes that showcase uniqueness in the selection of ingredients as well as the cooking methods. One of them is braised male papaya flowers.
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| Male papaya trees have alternate leaves with long petioles; each leaf blade is divided into 8-9 deep lobes, each lobe further notched as if torn. The male flower clusters are highly branched and have very long stalks. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| According to folk medicine, male papaya flowers are a commonly used remedy for coughs, especially in children. They are often used to treat coughs, whooping cough, and hoarseness. Traditional Chinese medicine uses them to treat intestinal worms, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, scanty urine, urethral pain, and as a supportive treatment for cancer. (Photo: Dinh Tuan) |
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| Papaya flowers, after being harvested from the fields or gardens, are cleaned and all impurities are removed before processing. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| After being washed, the ingredients are boiled until cooked through, ensuring they are neither overcooked nor tough. (Photo: Dinh Tuan) |
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| Male papaya flowers are often stewed with bamboo shoots, sweet potato leaves, and pumpkin leaves. These ingredients are mixed together with spices such as MSG, shrimp paste, wild pepper, roasted peanuts, ginger leaves, etc. (Photo: Dinh Tuan) |
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| The dish of stewed male papaya flowers has a slightly bitter taste, a mild sweetness, the nutty and aromatic flavor of peanuts and mắc khẻn (a type of spice), the spiciness of chili peppers, and the fragrance of ginger leaves. These ingredients blend together to create a dish that is both delicious and inexpensive, and most importantly, according to the beliefs of the Thái ethnic group, it can prevent many diseases and is good for health. Photo: Đình Tuân |
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| Male papaya flowers have long been widely sold in highland markets. According to Ms. Vang Thi Tuyet from Cay Me village, Thach Giam commune (Tuong Duong district): "Recently, many people with a history of diabetes have come to buy male papaya flowers to process, some buy them to dry and brew as a tea... so papaya flowers are very popular." (Photo: Dinh Tuan) |
American scientists have conducted numerous studies on the papaya plant and have discovered active compounds that may support cancer treatment. A recent study in Australia found that men who regularly consume male papaya flowers reduce their risk of prostate cancer by up to 82%. Furthermore, many researchers worldwide have confirmed that male papaya flowers contain active compounds that support cancer treatment. These include effectiveness against cancers such as prostate, stomach, liver, and lung cancer, as well as support in the treatment of diabetes. |
Dinh Tuan
