How to Build an Authentic Mezze Platter for Your Next Gathering
Designed for sharing, a Mezze Platter is ideal for parties, family gatherings, and casual entertaining. Popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, it features a vibrant spread of contrasting flavors and textures, encouraging guests to graze and mingle at their own pace. In the Greater Chicago area, International Fresh Market is your destination for authentic […]
Refreshing Agua Frescas: Mexican Summer Drinks Made with Fresh Fruit
Popular during hot summer months for their light, refreshing flavor, agua frescas are traditional Mexican drinks made with fresh fruits, flowers, grains, or seeds blended with water. Common choices include: Our latin grocery store carries the authentic ingredients needed to make your summertime cooler. The History of Agua Frescas Agua frescas translates to “cool waters” […]
What Is Ube? The Purple Ingredient Taking the Dessert World by Storm
Prized for its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and striking color, ube is a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines. This root vegetable has become increasingly popular in bakeries, cafes, and home kitchens around the world based on its flavor profile. Find authentic ube products and ingredients at our ethnic grocery store. What makes ube […]
Mooncake Season: The History and Flavors Behind Asia’s Most Iconic Festival Treat
Mid-Autumnn Festival is one of the most important holidays celebrated throughout East and Southeast Asia. Also known as Moon Festival or Lantern Festival, in some regions, it occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month, usually falling in September or October. Centered on family reunion, thanksgiving, and prayer for good fortune, the festival aligns […]
Cold Asian Desserts to Beat the Heat: Mochi, Halo-Halo, and More
Cold Asian desserts are refreshing sweets served chilled or over ice, often made with ingredients like coconut milk, rice, fruit, and beans. With hot weather just around the corner, a chilled dessert is just the thing to beat the heat while getting a sweet fix. A few popular options include mochi, halo-halo, mango sticky rice, […]
Cold Noodle Dishes to Try This Summer: Thai, Korean, and Japanese Favorites
The heat of summer is just around the corner, with many states already experiencing high temperatures and extreme humidity. While it can be tempting to forego cooking altogether when the thermostat climbs, there are many dishes you can make at home that will not only satisfy your cravings for something fresh, but can actually help […]
Indian Spring Cooking: Fresh and Flavorful Dishes to Welcome the Season
Spring is a season when many people turn to lighter meals and vibrant flavors. The abundance of fresh herbs mean that meals can be imbued with crisp flavors rather than heavy ingredients, even as many people’s palates shift from comfort food to brighter options. Indian cuisine is a natural choice for many spring meals, with […]
A Guide to Indian Chutneys: Mint, Tamarind, and Coconut Recipes to Try
A condiment often associated with Indian cuisine, chutneys are becoming popular worldwide. These tasty dips originated in India and add a delightful contrast to the region’s often spicy dishes. Chutney can be spicy, sweet, tangy, or cooling, based on the herbs and spices used during preparation. However they are made, chutneys have the power to […]
Khao Chae: Thailand’s Refreshing Rice Dish to Celebrate Songkran
Songkran is one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand, the traditional New Year event honored every April. This water-filled holiday is marked by rousing public water fights, ritual cleansing, and the throwing and sprinkling of water. During Songkran, many people turn to refreshing foods as a way to beat the heat and keep the party […]
Fresh Herbs and Spices for Spring: How to Cook Lighter Without Losing Flavor
Spring is a season of renewal, with many people turning to brighter flavors, lighter meals, and fresher ingredients as the weather turns. During this time, many want to shift away from heavy winter comfort foods but still crave satisfying flavor. Fresh herbs and spices are the perfect way to cooking lighter without sacrificing depth of […]