Hairy Basil Seeds (Maeng Lak)

Thai maeng lak, the food-use seeds of hairy basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.) from Udon Thani, Thailand. These are culinary seeds, not seeds for sowing. In water they form a soft translucent gel around a dark centre.

Preparation: Stir about one teaspoon into 150 ml cold water. Wait 10–15 minutes until the seeds are fully hydrated, then add to iced drinks or desserts. Do not eat the seeds dry. Choose 25 g, 50 g, 100 g or 200 g. Keep the pouch tightly closed and dry.