DRIED TARO LEAVES 113 g - MONIKA

Dried Taro Leaves Gabi (Dahon ng Gabi) are the essence of authentic Filipino cuisine. Taro leaves are a key, traditional ingredient for preparing the famous Filipino dish Laing, a thick curry cooked in coconut milk. They are characterized by a delicate, earthy flavour and a unique texture that wonderfully absorbs the richness of spices and the creamy sweetness of coconut. Perfect for chefs looking for exotic, traditional ingredients and the deep umami flavour of Southeast Asia. This product is from the Philippines, sourced from the renowned producer Fitrite Incorporated (Monika brand), which has been supplying the highest quality ingredients for Filipino cuisine worldwide for years.

Ingredients: 100% dried taro leaves

Taro leaves, known in the Philippines as dahon ng gabi, are one of the most essential and traditional ingredients in Filipino cuisine. The product from the Monika brand, supplied by the renowned Filipino company Fitrite Incorporated, brings the authentic flavours of the archipelago straight to your kitchen. These carefully dried leaves form the heart and soul of the famous dish Laing, originating from the picturesque Bicol region but appreciated throughout the Philippines and globally.

What is Taro (Gabi)? Taro (edible colocasia, Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant whose tubers and leaves are a fundamental element of the diet in many cultures – from Asia to Africa and Polynesia. Although the tuber is often used in Filipino cuisine, it is the leaves (gabi) that play a key role as the base for dishes cooked in coconut milk. Dried taro leaves have a unique, subtly earthy flavour that blends perfectly with the richness and sweetness of coconut milk and, optionally, the spiciness of chili peppers, creating an unparalleled, deep umami taste.

History and Tradition in Every Pack: The Monika brand is synonymous with quality and tradition, deeply rooted in Filipino culinary history. Fitrite Incorporated, the company behind the Monika brand, was founded in 1956 with a clear mission: to promote indigenous Filipino products and deliver authentic flavours to Filipinos scattered around the world. Since 1982, Monika products have been exported to all continents, which attests to their consistently high quality and complete authenticity. By choosing Dried Taro Leaves Gabi, you are reaching for an ingredient that has been on Filipino tables for generations, being an inseparable part of family celebrations and warm, daily meals. This is a guarantee of flavour that is both traditional and consistently valued.

Discover the Flavour of Laing: The most famous and iconic use of these leaves is the preparation of the thick, creamy curry known as Laing. This dish is where the dried taro leaves are slowly cooked in thick coconut milk (gata) with the addition of aromatic spices such as garlic, ginger, shrimp paste (bagoong), and fresh or dried chili (siling labuyo). The process of drying the taro leaves is crucial because it not only extends their shelf life but also intensifies the flavour, which is essential so they can perfectly absorb the rich aromas of coconut milk and spices during the long cooking time. Laing is prized for its silky, creamy texture, deep, satisfying flavour, and characteristic, spicy kick.

More than Just Laing: Although Laing is the star dish, Monika Dried Taro Leaves can also be used in other dishes where a unique green, earthy flavour and slightly fibrous texture are desired. They can be added to other coconut milk-based stews (ginataan) or used as an addition to enhance the flavour and texture of Asian soups and broths. It is worth remembering that taro leaves require proper preparation – usually soaking and thorough cooking, which is important for achieving the ideal texture and removing naturally occurring substances in the plant. Monika Dried Leaves are a convenient form that allows you to enjoy the authentic Filipino flavour without needing access to fresh ones, making them an indispensable product in any Asian food lover's kitchen. This is the ideal choice for anyone looking to enrich their culinary experiences with the exotic and deep traditional flavours of Southeast Asia.