Your Momma is right
it's Good to Eat your Greens

We don't give our daily dose of vegetables nearly as much attention as they deserve but, now that you are holidaying in Thailand, this is a golden opportunity to try fresh vegetables prepared and presented in a tasty, spicy Thai way. When it comes to quality and freshness, the produce from the Doi Kham Royal Project (sponsored by H.M. King Bhumibol) is second to none. Major hotels, restaurants and supermarkets feature the Doi Kham brand so it's good quality and good for you.

Lest you don't know, vegetables are a highly nutritious source of food. They are high in minerals and vitamins plus the high fiber content assists the body to dispose of digested materials. Another important plus is that vegetables are rich with bioflavonoid which is a great antioxidant. Vegetables also contain a variety of good things which are known to prevent diseases of the digestive tract, pulmonary and respiratory systems. These good things can also lower cholesterol levels and give relief to cancer sufferers. Vegetables are very much a part of healthy living.

Which part of a vegetable can we eat and enjoy? Sometimes we can eat the entire plant (spring onions, watercress) while other times we should only consume the top (asparagus, morning glory). The root of many vegetables is highly nutritious (carrots, potato, parsnip, turnip) and the leaves of others equally so (Chinese kale, celery, mustard, cabbage, lettuce). The flowers of some plants are delicious to eat (broccoli, sesbania, karturia, and cauliflower) and the head of others is the part to eat (onions, shallots and garlic).

Fruits and nuts, too, are part of nature's vegetable array. There are ripe, fresh fruits (tomatoes, rambutans, pomelo, durian, grapes) and dried fruit to savor (coconut, tamarind, cashew nuts). Some vegetables/fruits are particularly popular when harvested young (cucumber, broad beans, peas, and baby sweet corn).

Some of these vegetable or fruits may not be familiar to you but don't hesitate to try them. A Thai style spicy, mixed green salad with lime juice is excellent while stir-fried morning glory, in oyster sauce, makes a healthy vegetable accompaniment to rice. As does a "sweet 'n sour" vegetable platter with pineapple. Another way to try fresh vegetables is deep-fried, in the lightest and crispiest of batters, with a sweet chili dipping sauce to hand.

Healthwise, it doesn't do to neglect the great variety of vegetables at our disposal and, here in Chiangmai, you may have them served in totally different, delicious ways. Being adventurous with food is part of that holiday experience so, don't forget, Your Momma is right it's Good to Eat your Greens.