Yellow Sesbania (Dok Seno)

Asian Ingredients with Y

Edible Flowers

Similar to the flowers of the related species Sesbania grandiflora, the yellow flowers of Yellow Sesbania (Sesbania bispinosa) are considered a delicacy in Thailand. The slightly bitter flowers are used as an ingredient in curries, salads, and simple omelets, or eaten raw as a side dish with spicy Nam Priks.

When heated, the bitter taste of the flowers intensifies significantly, so you shouldn’t cook too many at once. However, the flowers are also used as a natural food coloring for Thai sweets such as “Khanom Bua Loi”.

In Thailand, the flowers are called “Dok Seno” ( ดอกโสน ). There they are available in markets and supermarkets. Here, you can occasionally find them in the fresh produce sections of well-stocked Asian supermarkets.

Usage