Where can I find culantro and aji dulce in the Long Beach area?

[TheOxfordian]

I'm attempting to make my own soffrito (among other things) and I'm having a heck of a time finding a latin market that carries culantro. Most everyone thinks I'm asking for cilantro.

Also, if you know of a place I can find aji dulce, I'd appreciate the input!

[TheOxfordian]

PS> what about the 'aji dulce' ? Any ideas...?

[TheOxfordian]

OMG...you guys ROCK!
I never would have known that.
Thank you so much!! I think there's a 99 Ranch in Westminister that I can swing by tomorrow before I begin cooking :)

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99 Ranch
17713 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA

[Das Ubergeek]

There's one on Magnolia and Slater in Fountain Valley, there's an ABC Vietnamese market on Bolsa and Magnolia, a Sieu Thi Thuan Phat (Vietnamese market) on Beach and McFadden (just north of the 405). Any should have it, normally on white foam trays wrapped up.

No luck on aji dulce... maybe lipstick peppers?

[Das Ubergeek]

The other Spanish name for the plant is "recao"... but Joe Blowe is right, the Vietnamese markets (and 99 Ranch, which is Taiwanese-owned) are the place to get it.

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99 Ranch
17713 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA

[Joe Blowe]

You'll have better luck if you go to a Vietnamese market and ask for ngò gai...