Chillis are cut so as to make them look like flowers in Thai cuisine.
Chilli flowers are a type of garnish popular in Thai cuisine. Chillis are cut in such a way as to make them look like flowers, and then they are used to accent dishes. Chilli flowers are part of Kae-Sa-Luk, which is the Thai art of fruit and vegetable carving.
Features
One type of chilli flower carving involves splitting the chilli to form petals, while another involves cutting tiny petals into a chilli in order to make it look like the spiky Kiriboon flower. Scissors are necessary for both types of carvings.
Types
The two main types of Kae-Sa-Luk are skin cutting, which is mostly decorative; and 3-D carving, which is an attempt to make the fruit or vegetable literally resemble a flower.
Uses
The main purpose of chilli flowers and other garnishes is aesthetic, although these objects are also edible.
History
Kae-Sa-Luk is said to date back to the 14th century in Thailand. It is associated with royal feasting.
Warning
When cutting chillis (whether you are making chilli flowers or preparing them for another use), make sure you wear rubber gloves over your hands. This will protect your hands and ensure you don't inadvertently rub chilli oil into your eyes.
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