Non-GMO Talong Burger and Chips

Recipes to Help Secure Our Right to Safe Food

The "talong" is food close to the Filipinos' palate.  It is one of the most popular, if often inexpensive, food fares that can be prepared and cooked in hundreds of ways imaginable.  However, the Filipinos' love affair with the talong could change should we be served soon with dishes laced with genetically modified eggplants.  Field tests have taken or are taking place in different parts of the country to evaluate the performance of a GMO talong variety.  The field tests are prerequite to possible commercialization of said variety once government authorities permit this.  This talong variety has been genetically modified to contain a toxin gene from a soil-borne bacteria to kill and control insect pests.  Recently, the government of India rejected an application for commercialization of a similar eggplant variety for various health and environmental reasons.  In contrast, Philippine authorities appear inclined to permit the commercial planting and selling of GMO talong by early next year.  That is, unless Filipinos take a stand and express their opposition to being practically force-fed with BT Talong.

Following are some recipes to show ways how talong can be prepared.  The recipes here include common and modified (not genetically) combinations of ingredients for a delectable culinary experience.  This is intended to increase our appreciation for the talong, which is cholesterol-free and contains important phytonutrients (known as nasumin, an antioxidant), phenolic compounds and flavonoids that are helpful in reducing toxins inside the body.  Let us keep our talong GMO-free.  Say NO to BT Talong!

TALONG BURGER AND CHIPS
Ingredients for Talong Burger

4 pcs large eggplant
1 pc large egg
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced onions
t teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup cooking oil
Procedure:
Boil eggplant until cooked. Peel, mash and add all the remaining ingredients.  Form in round balls, flat into a patty shape then fry until golden brown.

Ingredients for Talong Chips

4 pcs large eggplant
1 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon garlic-salt powder
2 cups cooking oil

Procedure:
Slice eggplant thinly, dip in the breading made of cornstarch and garlic-salt powder, deep-fry until crispy.  Serve with your favorite dip.

ABOUT THE SOURCE:
Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE), an NGO based in the Philippines that works with farmers in different countries to help keep seeds freely accessible and the future of food secure for all.  Check their website at searice.org.ph.

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