Are you confused? You’re not the only one.
Pino Posteraro, the chef of Yaletown’s Cioppino Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca, was shopping for groceries at Osaka in Richmond’s Yaohan shopping centre when he encountered an ingredient called ‘Flying Swallow Semen’.
I am here at Osaka buying groceries anybody knows what this is? @kidcarson pic.twitter.com/o6696Yc0pz
— Pino Posteraro (@chpinos) May 10, 2014
This is the item #whatthefu? pic.twitter.com/2ztxP3sv0J
— Pino Posteraro (@chpinos) May 10, 2014
But no, this ingredient isn’t what you think – don’t take the meaning of the name literally…
Image: Swallow bird via Shutterstock
This is actually dried jade fruit or better scientifically known as “semen (seed of) myristicae fragrantis” – a Chinese medicinal herb that is used to treat diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, lack of appetite and vomiting.
At other stores, it’s known as nutmeg.
Image: Nutmeg via Shutterstock
Featured Image: Pino Posteraro via Shutterstock