Golden Delights Dried Taro Leaves (Dahon ng Gabi) 100g

Golden Delights Dried Taro Leaves (Dahon ng Gabi) are a convenient way to enjoy a traditional Filipino ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and how they’re used:

What are Golden Delights Dried Taro Leaves (Dahon ng Gabi)?

• Dahon ng Gabi: This is the Filipino term for taro leaves.
• Dried: These leaves have been dehydrated to extend their shelf life and make them easier to store.
• Convenience: They offer a shortcut for preparing dishes that traditionally require fresh taro leaves.

How are they used?

• Main Ingredient in Laing: The most common use is in “Laing,” a popular Filipino dish. Laing is a creamy stew made with taro leaves, coconut milk, chili peppers, and often meat or seafood.
• Other Stews and Soups: They can be added to other stews and soups to impart a unique earthy flavor and thicken the broth.
• Wrapping Food: In some Filipino dishes, fresh taro leaves are used to wrap food before steaming or baking. Dried leaves can sometimes be rehydrated and used for this purpose, but fresh is preferred.
• Vegetable Side Dish: They can be cooked as a simple vegetable side dish with garlic, onions, and other seasonings.

Key Characteristics:

• Earthy Flavor: Taro leaves have a distinct earthy and slightly nutty flavor.
• Thickening Agent: When cooked, they release a mucilaginous substance that thickens sauces and stews.
• Nutritious: Taro leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Important Considerations:

• Preparation: Dried taro leaves need to be rehydrated before cooking. This usually involves soaking them in water for a period of time.
• Calcium Oxalate: Taro leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause itching or irritation if not cooked properly. Thorough cooking breaks down these crystals.