Black peppercorns, the fruit of a perennial vine with large leaves and white flowers. Green peppercorns are the unripe fruits picked early and pickled. Black peppercorns are picked just before they ripen and white peppercorns are the ripe, black peppercorns with the black skin flaked off. They are best kept whole and ground when required. Historically, pepper was one of the world's most important spices. Columbus sailed West, not East, in search of pepper in the East Indies. Instead he found the Americas and allspice.
Coconut milk. The second pressing of coconut flesh which has been soaked in hot water. The first pressing provides coconut cream.
Longan. A fruit the flesh of which is similar to a lychee, though the skin is brittle and brown. It is available in tins and retains its flavour well.
Drumstick bean. A long, stick like pod. It is a delicacy used in fish stews or mixed vegetable dishes.
Drumstick leaves. Drumstick. The green, bean-like fruit of the horseradish tree which really looks like a drumstick. Both pods and leaves are relished. The flavour of the pods has been compared with peppery asparagus and they have the texture of marrow. The outer pod is not edible and the beans only when young.
