How to Choose Tom Yum / Tom Kha Herbs

Ingredients

• Galangal
• lemongrass
• kaffir lime leaves
• chili
• lime
• (plus mushrooms and meat per recipe)

Method

• Galangal: choose thick, pale-yellow, mature slices with a strong aroma (young galangal is milder)
• Lemongrass: choose plump stalks with white-purplish bases, fresh not wilted; bruise before boiling
• Kaffir lime leaves: choose deep-green fresh leaves with a strong aroma; tear before adding for more fragrance
• Lime & chili: heavy juicy limes, fresh spicy chilies; squeeze lime after turning off the heat

How to Choose

Mature galangal · plump lemongrass · fresh green kaffir lime leaves · fresh spicy chili · juicy lime herb freshness is the heart of tom yum and tom kha.

Chef's Secret

Secret: bruise the galangal and lemongrass and tear the kaffir lime leaves before boiling to release their essential oils fully; simmer the herbs until fragrant before adding the meat; squeeze lime after turning off the heat to avoid bitterness.

Fresh tom yum / tom kha herb set (galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, chili, lime) full set at Fresh Market Online.