Hippocrates of Kos, a Greek physician during the golden age of Pericles famously wrote: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
Professional and amateur chefs worldwide are aware of the strong and growing trend toward “functional” food which is not only delicious, but healthy as well.
Throughout human history the importance of spices in mysticism, medicine, and in both spiritual and sexual pursuits have had a huge influence. These aromatic plants have tempted and tantalized our imagination to the point of obsession that gave rise to exploration, colonization, and commerce that shaped our world’s social, economic and political history. In today’s world of synthetic scents and flavors there are still few things as alluring as nature’s ’culinary herbs and spices.
The unique taste of Thai food is appreciated around the world. Now for the first time premium quality Thai herbs and spices are available processed by Thai Freeze Dry’s proprietary “Vortex Freeze-Dried(VFD).” This evolutionary and transitional process delivers the full fresh flavor and aroma as well as the health benefits of Thai culinary herbs.
VFD activated herbal powders do not require refrigeration or preservatives. The removal of water effectively preserves the botanical since in the absence of water activity the enzymes and microorganisms that degrade the product are ineffective.
VFD results in culinary herbal powders with higher bio-activity as well as higher bioavailability and solubility. It is important to understand that VFD, while it maintains the plant’s biochemical components, at the same time, sustains the cellular and molecular complexity of the plants as they grow in nature including the subtle mechanisms operating with intelligence through patters of association and encoded information. It is this holistic approach that makes these herbal culinary powders as strong and effective as they are.
Marketing: The huge contribution that our food can make to our health and well- being is undeniable. Given the fact that our health is our greatest asset why then should we not provide the very best we can? Do we not deserve the very best? How exciting are Asia’s herbal secrets? The marketing gurus tell us that “ignorance is bliss” and “cost is King” and through brilliant marketing the public can be (mis) led to accept the most commercially viable alternatives.
Fortunately, the information age has ushered in a wave of transformation that allows us to challenge the way we think and view our reality including the way we eat. This trend is clearly on the rise in general and particularly in the most advanced culinary arts.
Strong Existing Demand: If you’re market is outside the areas where these herbs grow or if these herbs are out of season, there is a huge demand in Asian communities around the world that know, love and miss their traditional culinary botanicals. The popularity, high stature and demand for Thai food all around the planet is well established.
There is a strong international market not only in areas of concentrated S.E. Asian populations, but in the commercial (restaurant) market and the general market. When demand exists that is not being filled or if the quality of what is available in the market is inferior a significant opportunity exists.
Fresh or not-so-Fresh: We are truly blessed in Chiang Mai, Thailand with fresh food and herbs growing at our doorstep and delivered daily from the surrounding mountains. Nothing can beat “fresh” in terms of food value and flavor.
However in “fresh” food markets around the world we find food and herbs that “look” fresh but may, in fact, be many days, (even weeks) old. They are gassed, sprayed, waxed and in other ways kept looking fresh despite the fact that once removed from their life cycle (harvested) begin immediately to degrade.
While “fresh” is always the best option, the definition of “fresh” may not be as clear as it should. Fresh VFD activated herbs are a viable option compared to culinary ingredients sold as “fresh” which are, in fact, days or weeks old. While sun dried or shade dried may be a better option than dehydrated herbs processed in ovens, time is also a factor that contributes to oxidation as well as possible contamination. VFD is the best option to “farm fresh” and has the advantages of being concentrated and stable.
Seasonal Availability: Foods harvested out of season or harvested unripe to ripen during transport lack the taste and health value of “farm fresh” produce. TFD has the advantage to harvest during prime growing season and at peak maturity to preserve all the value of the fresh plant. Even here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, some herbs are seasonal and not available fresh year round. In many parts of the world there is very limited access to fresh herbs indigenous to S.E. Asia regardless of the season.
Concentrated: VFD naturally concentrates the biochemical compounds expressed in the nutritional/medicinal value, flavor, color, and fragrance nature provides in its fresh botanicals. Most culinary herbs have a high water content. Bitter Melon and Cilantro are approximately 94% water. From 100 kg of fresh raw material we expect only 6 kg of dried powder. By simply removing the water the product is concentrated between 16- 17 times. Many others herbs are in the area of 85% water, concentrated 6-7 times. When we remove the water leaving everything else in tact you have a product that is highly concentrated. Only a very small quantity is required. When we look at the cost of the quantity required the expense is not only worthwhile, but affordable.
Expand your Culinary Horizons: Asian fusion (please to be distinguished from “confusion”) is an exciting culinary arena that has not yet been fully explored.
In September of 2015, Thai Freeze Dry was visited by Chris Kilham, the world-renowned “Medicine Hunter.” Executive Chef, Craig Jacobs, prepared an eight course dinner. Each course included VFD activated Thai herbs as a catalyst ingredient. This was a truly delicious and memorable dinner and everyone left the table with a noticeable “buzz.”
Good Health: Each of these herbs has, in addition to distinctive taste and aroma, significant health value. This brief is not the place to go into the health details of each of these botanicals, but please allow us a brief summary which you can confirm and fill in from independent sources on the internet.
CH 01: Holy Basil (Ocimum tehuiflorum),
Flavor : cooling mellow peppery flavor
Aroma: mix of peppermint, cloves, licorice or lemon
Health Benefits: antioxidant, eases chronic inflammation including joint pains, anti-ulcer properties including reduction of stomach acid, lowers harmful cholesterol in the bloodstream, control of high blood sugar levels (anti-diabetic), anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, enhances mental acuity, mental and physical stress relief and relaxation, fragrant essential oils elevate the mood and spirit.
CH 02: Cilantro leaves (Corindrum Sativum L.)
Flavor: woody, citrus flavor described as “lively” – best mixed with other strong tasting ingredients such as ginger mint, lime juice, jalapenos and chili peppers
Aroma: piney with slightly lemony
Health benefits: Decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. anti bacterial, detoxification, digestive aid, antioxidant.
CH 03: Lemon Grass (“Cymbopogan citratus”)
Flavor: lemon flavor with a tinge of mint and ginger
Aroma: delicate but fresh lemon/citrus scent
Health benefits: pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects reduces arthritis pain, gout, and other types of joint pain, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent carminative, , sedative, anti-cancer, febrifuge, galactogogue promotes healthy digestion, anti-cholesterol, cleanses and detoxifies, helps to heals colds and flu, boosts immunity.
CH 04: Kaffir Lime Leaves (“Citrus Hystrix”)
Flavor: mild lemony flavor with slightly bitter tinge
Aroma: rejuvenating spicy citrus-like aroma
Health benefits: aids digestion, blood purifier, dental health.
CH 05: Ginger (“Zingiber officinale”)
Flavor: warming lemony/citrus flavor with notes of musty/soapy/earthy
Aroma: pungent/aromatic fresh lemony aroma
Health Benefits: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant used to relieve digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea, motion sickness, and loss of appetite, helps to lose weight, reduce muscle pain and soreness, lowers blood sugars (anti-diabetic), lowers LDL cholesterol and risk of heart disease, pain relief including menstrual pains, improves cognitive functions, helps to fight bacterial and viral infections.
CH 06: Galangal (“Alpina galangal”)
Flavor: curious sharper-than-ginger gingery taste with a spicy peppery tinge
Aroma: distinct gingery, peppery with a shade of lemon and trace of earthy pine needles
Health benefits: aids digestion and settles stomach, anti-inflammation, allows blood vessels to expand thereby increasing blood flow particularly to the extremities) , treats respiratory infections including colds and sore throat, relieves motion sickness as well as morning sickness, antibacterial, anti-cancer.
CH 07: Chili Peppers (“ Capsicum annuum”) Bird’s-eye cultivar
Flavor: fresh birds-eye chili peppers are extremely hot rating 100,000-250,000 Scoville Heat Units creating a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach
Aroma: little
Health benefits: improves blood circulation, good for the heart, eases pain from arthritis, treats stomach conditions, relieves gas, lifts your spirits
Note: Scoville Scale was originally based on how many drops of sugar water it took to dilute the heat of a given pepper. Now High Performance Liquid Chromatography reads the chemical fingerprint of capsaicin in a pepper and measures exactly how much capsaicin it contains.
CH 08: Turmeric: (“Curcuma longa”)
An amazing “super food”
Flavor: combination of ginger and pepper- slightly bitter
Aroma: pungent and earthy with notes of lemon and mint
Health benefits: reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, encourages the growth of nerve cells, powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, cardiac health, anti-depressant, anti-aging.
CH 09: Blue Butterfly Pea Vine Tea (Clitoria ternatea)
Flavor: smooth floral flavor
Aroma: sweet refreshing aroma reminiscent of green tea or perhaps dried apple This is sold both as a sun-dried tea and a VFD activated powder. The curiously special bright blue color is dramatic and as a tea or ingredient for deserts (which we are happy to share with you), drinks, cocktails, etc. it is a favorite of local residents and tourists alike. As the scientific name suggests the bright blue flower has a shape very close to that of human female genitalia which has some interesting marketing implications (or not). It also has amazing health benefits.
Health benefits: enhanced cognitive functions, reduces stress and anxiety, increases blood flow, pain relief, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, inhibits glucose from diet making it anti-diabetic and pro- weight loss.
CH 10: Sprouted Black Rice (Oryza sativa) An amazing “super food”
Flavor: pleasant mild malt-like flavor
Aroma: aromatic roasted nut or popcorn like aroma
Health Benefits: In reviewing the applicability of our present products we immediately gravitate to our Vortex Freeze-Dried activated sprouted black rice. This provides strong nutrition, powerful satiation and a wide spectrum of health benefits. It has a pleasing malt-like flavor and is highly soluble, low in acidity and with a level of metabolic activity that allows it to mix and blend well with many ingredients.
Sprouted black rice falls into today’s most attractive categories for people who are health conscious:
- Gluten free
- High fiber
- High ORAC (Antioxidant rich)
- Low glycemic
- Weight management
VFD activated Sprouted Black Rice Powder is a one-of-a-kind functional food with a broad spectrum of popularity and application that is unique to the market.
Black Rice also referred to as Purple Rice and, in Thailand as “Mountain Rice” (khao doi) , is a dry- land rice, rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It is the most nutritious variety of rice with higher nutritional values than either white or brown rice. Black rice is a wholegrain which is gluten free, cholesterol free, low in fat, sugar and salt yet high in fiber, anthocyanin antioxidants, Vitamins B and E, niacin, thiamin, magnesium, iron and phosphorous.
The Ultimate Functional Food: The combination of attention to scientific detail with renewed reverence for correct cultural preparation has given life to the ultimate Functional Food. “Functional Food” is a new industry category assigned to foods that deliver therapeutic levels of beneficial constituents in a convenient Whole Food form. Our product maintains consumer acceptance as a common food while providing extensive scientific research of its effective use as a medicine. Independent studies have shown positive results from Black rice in weight management, treating various forms of Inflammation, regulating blood, gut rehabilitation and even certain forms of cancer.
