Thanh Chuong jackfruit pickle

• October 9, 2014 10:28

(Baonghean) - Thanh Chuong pickled jackfruit is one of the unique dishes of the local people. Pickled jackfruit is a popular and rustic food enjoyed by many families.

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Jackfruit pickle is mainly made in February and March of the lunar calendar when the jackfruit is still young (when the seeds haven't yet developed their outer shell). The jackfruit is harvested and peeled under running water to prevent the sap from sticking to hands or clothes. After peeling, it is chopped or sliced into thin strips from the outside in. Then, it is soaked in rice water to whiten the strips, and then spread out on a tray to dry in the sun until the strips become firm. Next, it is mixed with salt in the appropriate ratio and pounded in a large stone mortar or kneaded by hand until softened. After pounding, it is mixed with glutinous corn flour and dried watercress, then placed in a ceramic jar or earthenware pot. Boiled and cooled water is poured over it until completely submerged, and then a sturdy bamboo woven mat is used to press it down tightly. After about 5 to 6 days, it is ready to be consumed.

Pickled jackfruit is prepared once and consumed year-round, resulting in a wide variety of dishes. Every day, it can be eaten with rice, requiring only a little fish sauce as a dipping sauce. A salad made with roasted peanuts, herbs, chili peppers, thinly sliced boiled pig's ears, and spices creates a unique and delicious dish that is not greasy and has a slightly sour taste. Additionally, in the summer, it can be used to make fish soup, while in the winter, it can be stir-fried with pork belly to create a very tasty dish. Pickled jackfruit can also be stir-fried with lime leaves and lean meat, or cooked with peanuts to make a soup…

If you ever have the chance to visit the beloved land of Nghe An, be sure to stop by Thanh Chuong district to enjoy the local specialty, "nhut mit" (fermented jackfruit). "Nhut mit" is a rustic dish from this land of hot winds, and its people who are poor but very hospitable.

TB(Synthetic)