Harsma / Hasma

This evening, DnA, Mama and her relatives went to have a sumptuous meal, yet again!!!! (I like!!!)

We ordered a set menu comprising of:
*Lobster combination – Nice
*Braised superior shark’s fin with supreme stock – REALLY nice!
*Deep-fried crispy chicken – ok
*Sauteed fresh scallop & cuttlefish in XO sauce – Don’t particularly like scallops or cuttlefish, personally
*Steamed garoupa/grouper with minced chay po – Loved this dish, esp the chay po!
*Braised slice abalone with greens in oyster sauce – Nice
*Drunken Live Prawn – Don’t really eat prawns
*Fried eu-fu noodles – Was so full at this point, gave my portion to my Hupps
*Double-boiled harsma with red dates – Dessert, see below

All of us weren’t entirely sure of what harsma was….
Suggestions included sputum of a frog and frog secretions… However, what we did know was that it was good for the skin complexion (just like bird’s nest!)… So the girls were really enjoying it – regardless of where it comes from…..!

Well, I’ve just researched it and here’s what it is…….

Harsma (or Hasma) is made from the dried fallopian tubes of the Asiatic Grass Frog!!! It’s usually used as a Chinese dessert ingredient. It’s said to be good for replenishing the vital essence in the lungs, kidneys, improving skin complexion and is also prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms such as coughing, hemoptysis and night sweats due to tuberculosis.