{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Limnophila aromatica | regnum = Plantae | divisio = ? | classis = ? | ordo = ? | familia = Scrophulariaceae | genus = Limnophila | species = L. aromatica | binomial = Limnophila aromatica | binomial_authority = ?} Limnophila aromatica (synonym: Limnophila chinensis var. aromatica; also called rice paddy herb) is a tropical plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, where it flourishes in hot temperatures and grows most often in watery environments, particularly in flooded rice fields. It is is used in Vietnamese cuisine and also cultivated for use as an aquarium plant. The plant was introduced to North America in the 1970s due to Vietnamese immigration following the Vietnam War.
Culinary use
L. aromatica has a flavor and aroma reminiscent of both lemon and cumin. It is used in Vietnamese cuisine, where it is called ngo om. It is used in the noodle soup called phở, as well as in canh chua, a sweet and sour seafood soup which also includes tamarind.
External links
- Rice Paddy Herb (Limnophila aromatica [Lomk.] Merril) page from Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
See also
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