Pumpkin blossoms and star anise hold a special status in traditional medicine as nourishing ingredients, often deemed as the gods of precious medicine. These ingredients play a pivotal role in crafting a myriad of delicious and nutritious dishes suitable for wholesome family meals. The profound value attributed to these elements not only lies in their culinary versatility but also their recognized health benefits.
The effect of pumpkin blossom and star anise
Pumpkin blossom are more nutritious than any other vegetable, can make many delicious dishes and are a precious medicine. Pumpkin flowers contain Ca, Fe, Mg, K, vitamin A and many other vitamins. In addition, pumpkin flower also has sugar, but it is a natural sugar, easy to absorb and good for health. According to oriental medicine, pumpkin flower has a sweet taste, cold properties to the heart, spleen, taste, helps to clear heat, balance blood, tonify kidney and liver, brighten eyes, anti-inflammatory, detoxify, only system and anti-allergic.
Originating from China and northeastern Vietnam, anise is a remarkable plant renowned for its enchanting blend of flavors—a distinctive medley of spiciness, subtle bitterness, and a touch of sweetness. This spice plant doesn’t just tantalize the taste buds; it also possesses remarkable medicinal properties. Its aromatic and warm characteristics make star anise an effective remedy for various ailments, including colds, joint pain, and stomachaches, etc.
Familiar ingredients to Vietnamese family
Pumpkin blossom
In Vietnamese households, the pumpkin blossom stands as a cherished and familiar ingredient, seamlessly woven into the fabric of our culinary traditions. Its versatility is unquestionable, as we deftly combine it with an array of dishes such as fried pumpkin flowers with garlic, shrimp, or beef. Each offering a unique and delightful culinary experience. Moreover, this culinary gem can be cooked as a heartwarming soups, infusing them with its wholesome essence.
What makes the pumpkin flower truly special is not just its ability to elevate a meal to gastronomic heights, but also the convenience it offers. Quick and easy to prepare, it stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of simplicity and nutrition, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy a shared, flavorful meal.
Star anise
Star anise holds an esteemed position as an indispensable spice in Vietnamese family meals. Its distinct and exquisite flavor is not only a mere addition to traditional soups and stews but also an iconic role in our beloved Pho, which elevates the dish to a new height.
While in Western cuisine, this spice might take center stage in aperitifs, in the East, particularly in Vietnam, it gracefully imparts its multifaceted flavors to a myriad of dishes. As families come together around the dining table, the presence of star anise becomes a familiar and comforting aspect, a testament to the enduring connection between Vietnamese culture and this remarkable spice.
The principal ingredients at Gia Restaurant
Every dish crafted at Gia Restaurant carried a tale of Vietnamese culture. Each dish is a canvas portraying different aspects of life, the diverse cultures across our lands, and the enduring flavors that Chef Sam Tran has tasted through generations. These are narratives worth to be discovered, preserved, and shared.
Among the many culinary spices, pumpkin blossom and star anise stand as foundational pillars. Though seemingly simple, these ingredients hold a special place in Chef Sam Tran’s memory of the markets carrying goods around the streets. It has created a charming and unique culinary scene – where she was fortunate to be born and raised. That’s why the richness of Vietnamese cuisine doesn’t always lie in extravagant ingredients but often in the humble essence of these cherished components.
EN 
VI