Khilek (Siamese cassia)

Senna siamea

leaf

Young leaves and buds of a tree, boiled several times to remove their bitterness, then cooked in coconut-milk curry, kaeng khilek.

Origin

Thailand, Laos, Myanmar

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Only eat it blanched several times with the water discarded: liver damage has been linked to concentrated extracts of the plant.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitratesIn small amounts, not counted Chlorophyll

Did you know?

The water from the first boilings is discarded: that is how most of the bitterness is removed.