Our Golf Course Maintenace Department has came up with another novel idea in keeping Keppel Club with the slogan "We love nature, protect our environment ". They have started they very own kitchen garden with a variety of herbs and spices for all to see. Here are some of the plants and uses
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Chiili.
No matter which country you are in, you will invariably find a version of chilli. We now have our own bed of chilli at Keppel Club! A staple for most Asian countries, chillies contain high amounts of vitamin C and provitamin A. The bright red colours of the chillies will be a sight to behold once all of the chillies are fully grown and ready to be harvested.
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Sweet Basil
Also known as the ‘king of herbs’ by culinary experts, sweet basil has a strong clove scent and is often used in Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine such as seafood pasta and Phad Thai just to name a few. Much research has been done on the benefits of essential oil found in basil. Scientific studies have proven that compounds in basil oil have potent antioxidants, hence possessing anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. As it is very sensitive to cold, our hot climate is most suited for it to thrive.
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Laksa leaf
For all those who love to eat our local dishes, laksa leaf is a must if you are eating a bowl of laksa. Also known as Vietnamese coriander, it is prominently used in Southeast Asian cooking. Laksa leaf is also known as ‘daun kesom’. Although not related to mint, it has a general appearance and odour that is reminiscent of mint. Laksa leaf is also being test as a source of essential oil.
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Lemon Balm
Mainly used for its essence, the leaves of lemon balm has a gentle lemon scent related to mint. Lemon balm is also popularly used in aromatherapy; it is commonly co-distilled with lemon oil, citronella oil or other oils. It is also often used as flavouring in ice cream and herbal tea, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. Lemon balm also can be use as a mosquito repellant by crushing its leaves and rubbing it on your skin.
Enjoy the pretty sight and the familiar aroma as you drive pass but as considerate golfers, resist the temptation of bringing them home to your kitchen so that others may admire them too