Petchay and Ampalaya? What are those?

Wherever you go, you'll find foods that may only be found in that part of the world. Here's a quick guide to some vegetables found in The Philippines:

Petchay is the Tagalog name for bok choy or Chinese white cabbage. It originated in China but was brought to The Philippines in the 1500s by immigrating Chinese. Its tall, straight, white stalks have bright green leaves. It's often used in pancit or pansit, a Philippine noodle dish. Bok choy is available in many markets in the U.S.

Ampalaya is the Tagalog name for bitter melon or bitter gourd. It's also known as the Chinese bitter melon. It looks like a cucumber with green bumpy skin. It has its origins in China and India. Bitter melon is being studied for its medicine-like effect in conditions such as diabetes, HIV and AIDS. It's usually salted before used in cooking.

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