i'm not certain what the english term for UBOD, is it "coconut palm heart" (just like "artichoke hearts")? unfortunately ubod is not often available in asian stores. if ever, they come frozen yet once cooked the color turns greyish. nothing like the fresh ubod we buy at public markets back home.
i recall, a few days before i left the philippines for the u.s., i stir fried some fresh ubod (without meat) & froze them in ziplock bags. did'nt have any problem with customs upon my return. that was years back.
now, when i have cravings for lumpiang ubod, i resort to using substitutes. i discovered 2 kinds of vegetable that can replicate the flavor & texture. ok...close enough. as we say in bicol "pwede pasar".
one is WHITE ASPARAGUS !
seen them in cans, but rarely saw fresh ones in the market.
one day, i saw this vegie on sale at our local produce stand. feeling adventurous, bought a bunch. figured if it did not taste right, i could always make pickles out of it. to my surprise it tasted almost like our ubod. crisp & a touch of sweetness, not as strong flavored as the green counterpart. as the label says: imported from PERU. yup!
BAMBOO SHOOTS is another.not the regular canned sliced bamboo shoots. check your grocery produce department if they carry the fresh item.
sometimes they are in plastic vacuum pack. occassionally you'll find them in asian stores soaked in brine.
to be continued....
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