Fruit Basket to Introduce Local Fruits

A variety of imported fruits have got in touch with the local ones. Without really being aware of it, they enter the day-to-day life of the Balinese. American Sunkist, Shandong pear or New Zealand crispy apple has adorned the gebogan along with other local fruits such as snake fruit, guava, mangos teen and the like. The Balinese have been singularly familiar with those fruits. On the other hand, local fruits also essentially constitute one of biodiversities that has grown with the Balinese along with their culture and tradition through the ages. In other words, those fruits have become an integrated part of their identity. Balinese fruits like the renowned snake fruit of Sibetan and passion fruit of its highland are widely available at traditional and super market across Bali. Tourist destinations like Bedugul and Besakih temple are two premier places that offer fruit distinctively to visitors in the midst of their island excursion. In fact, there is also another distinguished way to introduce local fruits to visitors. It’s through the presentation of fruit baskets for the guests. Fruit basket can be an appreciation or a cordial welcome upon arrival for certain occasions. (BTN/029)

Kesemek, the Yellow Sweet

The Balinese call this fruit kesemek or kelecung (Diospyros kaki). When well ripe, its flesh is extremely sweet. At glance, physical appearance of this fruit looks like tomatos. However, it’s orange and has no seeds. It can grow nearly everywhere, especially at backyards or teba in Bali. During its season, this fruit is widely available in Bali, at both traditional and super markets. The importance of this fruit is that it can be used for the filling of the paraphernalia (uriaga) of the cremation (ngaben). It is presented with other kinds of fruit, such as mangosteen. durian, bilva and pineapple. This ceremony does not always coincide with the fruit’s season, therefore people also use the younger and dried fruits. (BTN/029)

Chicken "Pencok"

If you get bored with common Western dishes, you may savour some Balinese foods one day. This can enrich your culinary adventure. There are favourite lawar, twisted satay, roasted suckling pig and many more. On this occasion, we’d like to introduce another Balinese delicacy called chicken pencok. Pencok is shredded chicken dressing with baked-grated coconut sauce. Restaurant or food stalls may have already provided this food.

Ingredients: 250 g shredded cooked chicken, ¼ piece of coconut (baked, grated)
Spice: 1 clove garlic, 1 cm kencur, 1 tsp pepper powder, 5 leaves of kaffir lime (slice thinly), 2 chillies, 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Method:
Combine and pound the spices (garlic, kencur). Mix well theshredded chicken with spices, grated coconut, sliced leaf ofkaffir lime, pepper and salt. It’s ready to serve. (BTN/029)