The Asian stinging catfish or fossil cat. It is found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and Burma. It can administer a powerful sting which has been known to be fatal to humans.Said, like magur, to be good for recovering patients.
String hoppers. Small round mats made of many strings or rice flour or wheat flour mixed with water. They sometimes replace rice and festivals. With thanks to Shemal Rajapakse.
Kencur. A plant similar to ginger but with a distinctive flavour. The rhizome is smaller and more shrivelled than that of ginger. It is used both medicinally and in the cuisine of much of the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia, but not of Thailand where is it used only medicinally.
A variety of mandarin commonly called ponkan which is widely grown throughout the world. The rind is thick and fits loosely around the sweet fruit.
Pomelo. A citrus fruit similar in appearance to a grapefruit with one slightly pointed end. Once the thick skin is peeled, the segments need to have the tough leathery coating pulled away. Inside, the flesh can be deliciously sweet and juicy. It is better left for a few days after picking before it is eaten. There are pink and white versions. Is sometimes used in salads and savoury dishes.
