Thailand – a paradise for gastronomy students

211-211 Gastronomy lecture; May 20, 2008; room 19-602 (attendance: 25)

Summary

1. Thailand produces food in great quantity and variety due to [1] a lot of cultivable space; [2] a good climate; [3] high quality strains of agricultural products; and [4] more recently use of technology.
2. Thailand major crops include: rice (50% of farm holding are paddy lands); tapioca, cassava; rubber; maize; sugar-cane; mung-beans; etc.  Fruits grown in Thailand include bananas; pineapple; guavas; coconuts; rambutan; longan; mangosteen; mangos; jujube; etc. It is important to know the harvest season of fruits in Thailand, since that is when they are cheapest and of best quality.
3. Thailand livestock includes: cattle (buffalo; ox; cows; pigs); poultry (chicken; duck)

Assignments

1. Find a photo + the Thai name for the following crops: cassava; tapioca; sugar-cane; mung-bean; soya bean; castor seed; peanuts. Homework is due next Tuesday and can be made in groups of 4 to 5 students. Send your work in Ms Word or Ms PowerPoint format to edwinrwm@gmail.com.
2. Write a report on Thai herbs and present it on June 4, 2008.  The report should simply list 10 Thai herbs of your choice, showing its name in English and in Thai, along with a photo and its use in local cuisine (cooking) + 1 recipe.  Prepare [1] a written report + [2] a visual presentation such as transparencies or PowerPoint slides.

Next

Tomorrow lab: eggs Benedict… please bring your chef uniform, wear your long hair inside the hat (hygiene rule)!