A guide to fresh products from Comoros: how to choose, store and cook them to make the most of their flavours.
Fresh products are central to Comorian cooking: vegetables, herbs, chillies, fish and fruit bring texture and flavour to everyday recipes. Choosing them carefully helps preserve taste and reduce waste.
For simple cooking as well as celebration meals, choose products with a clean appearance, bright colour and natural aroma. A successful dish often starts with fresh ingredients suited to the recipe.
Check leaves, fruit and vegetables before storing them. They should be firm, without damaged areas or unusual smells. For herbs and aromatics, look for flexible stems and bright leaves.
Buy quantities that fit the meals planned for the next few days. This makes storage easier, encourages recipe variety and prevents fresh products from staying in the fridge for too long.
Store products that need chilling promptly and keep delicate ingredients separate from heavier foods. Wash vegetables when preparing them rather than too far in advance when this helps preserve their texture.
Prepare fresh products according to the recipe: a short cooking time often preserves vegetable texture, while aromatics can be added at different stages to develop their fragrance. Adjust quantities to the number of guests.