Food & Receipts

What is Hue’s water spinach (Con Nuoc Hue)? What is the flavor that captivates so many?

The purple swamphen may be unfamiliar to many, but for the people of Hue, it is a highly esteemed delicacy that is well worth trying at least once. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of the purple swamphen in the article below.

Administrator

21 April, 2024

Sea gooseberries, despite their close resemblance to jellyfish, are much smaller in size. They are roughly the size of a lime, with a greenish-pinkish hue. When paired with Hue fermented shrimp paste and an assortment of fresh vegetables, sea gooseberries create a delectable and memorable dish that is highly recommended.

1An Exploration of Sea Gooseberries

Sea gooseberries are a transparent species of mollusk with a circular body, slightly larger than a lemon. They also possess small tentacles, similar to a squid’s. Sea gooseberries are commonly found in Hue’s brackish water lagoons.

During the summer season, sea gooseberries congregate in masses on the surface of the water. At this time, locals collect them, submerge them in water, and distribute them to markets. Sea gooseberries are separated into their head and foot components.

Sea gooseberries are known for their health benefits and lack of negative effects such as itching or a fishy odor. They offer a refreshing, crispy texture and are highly effective in alleviating heat. After purchasing them, all that remains is cleaning them and consuming them raw or incorporating them into dishes like Vietnamese vermicelli with sea gooseberry vinegar.

An Exploration of Sea Gooseberries

2Culinary Delights with Sea Gooseberries

Sea Gooseberries with Fermented Shrimp Paste

The most straightforward method of consuming sea gooseberries is eating them raw. After purchasing them, clean the sea gooseberries thoroughly and drain them. They can be savored with Hue fermented shrimp paste, and a few slices of . This dish is best enjoyed with other ingredients such as thinly sliced unripe banana, star fruit, and fragrant herbs like mint.

Sea gooseberries provide a refreshing, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the fragrant, spicy, and savory Hue fermented shrimp paste. The herbal notes add a distinct flavor and aroma, making this dish highly addictive.

Sea Gooseberries with Fermented Shrimp Paste

Vermicelli with Sea Gooseberry Vinegar

Vermicelli with sea gooseberry vinegar is another delectable dish that showcases the versatility of sea gooseberries. Sea gooseberries are first soaked in guava leaves and then drained. Thinly slice . The accompanying sauce is a concoction of , minced pork. The shrimp and pork are stir-fried together with,, and Hue fermented shrimp paste until a thick, fragrant, and savory sauce is obtained.

To assemble the dish, place the sliced banana heart, herbs, and vermicelli in a bowl and top with sea gooseberries and peanuts. Add the sauce, a dash of Hue fermented shrimp paste, mix well, and savor. You can also pair vermicelli with sea gooseberry vinegar with rice paper and spicy chili peppers. Every bite offers a refreshing crunch from the sea gooseberries, a fragrant hint from the herbs, a crispy texture from the banana heart, all enveloped in a flavorful and aromatic sauce.

Vermicelli with Sea Gooseberry Vinegar

The information provided above offers a glimpse into the culinary wonders of sea gooseberries. If the opportunity presents itself, make sure to visit Hue and indulge in this unique delicacy!

Frequently asked questions

Sea gooseberries are commonly found in the brackish water lagoons of Hue. During the summer season, they congregate in masses on the water’s surface, making it easier for locals to collect them.

Sea gooseberries are known for their health benefits. They offer a refreshing, crispy texture and are effective in alleviating heat. Additionally, they are said to have no negative effects such as itching or a fishy odor.

The simplest way to enjoy sea gooseberries is to eat them raw. After thorough cleaning and draining, they can be paired with Hue fermented shrimp paste and slices of unripe banana, star fruit, or herbs like mint. Alternatively, they can be used in dishes such as Vietnamese vermicelli with sea gooseberry vinegar.

A delightful dish combines raw sea gooseberries with Hue fermented shrimp paste. This dish is enhanced with unripe banana slices, star fruit, and fragrant herbs, creating a refreshing and addictive combination of textures and flavors.

Vermicelli with sea gooseberry vinegar is another tasty dish. Sea gooseberries are soaked in guava leaves, then drained. The accompanying sauce is made by stir-frying shrimp and minced pork with chili, garlic, shallots, and Hue fermented shrimp paste. To assemble, place sliced banana heart, herbs, and vermicelli in a bowl, topping it with sea gooseberries and peanuts. Add the sauce and a dash of Hue fermented shrimp paste, mix well, and enjoy!