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Eastern China food is the food of the Yangtze Delta area — Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, the Yellow Mountains… — and as far south as Xiamen. Eastern China food mainly features a sweet and subtle flavor, using sugar, wines, vinegars, and soy sauces. It's basically the similar cuisines of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Fujian, four of China's Eight Major Cuisines. An Abundance of Ingredients Eastern food features an abundant use of seafood, fish, pork, poultry, and vegetables. The Yangtze River Delta is a fertile region with rich farming land, nourished by the subtropical climate, which allow for production of a wide variety of vegetables. Both rice and wheat are common staples. The large number of lakes and river tributaries provide abundant fish and shellfish to this region. It also has abundant seafood due to its proximity to sea. Cooking Methods The most widely-used cooking methods are stir-frying, steaming, braising, and simmering. The most common seasoni...

Northern China's hearty food is generally more acceptable to Westerners. Enjoy roast duck from Beijing's imperial kitchen, beef and dairy from Inner Mongolia, flatbreads and roasts from the Muslim northwest, and Korean dishes in the northeast. Flavors of Northern Chinese Food — Rich, Bold, and Salty Northern China experiences harsh, cold, and dry winters, as well as hot summers, which makes calories and salt replacement more important. A strong flavor is very important for Northerners, who achieve this with salt and strong seasonings, compared with the South where chilies and pickles are more used, or dishes are lighter in flavor. Generally, northern dishes are oilier and richer in meat, and make liberal use of garlic and scallions. The most popular seasonings used are soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, scallions, ginger, leeks, star anise, sweet bean sauces, chili peppers, and sesame oil. Northern chefs skillfully make use of seasonings to add richness to its dishes without co...

Western China is mainly Xinjiang Province and Tibet. The food reflects the characteristics of the culture, geography, climate, and agriculture of this region. Xinjiang Cuisine — Halal Food The region of Xinjiang in northwest China is traditionally home to ethnic  Muslim peoples  like the Uighur (pronounced wee-ger), so there is no pork or carnivorous animals on the menu. Being a region with lots of pasture, sheep features on top of the menu. Xinjiang is also famous for its fruit, particularly dried fruit. Ingredients Xinjiang is mostly composed of deserts and mountains, so arable land is limited.  Wheat  is the main staple grain, and a  few vegetables  are grown there, mostly onions, carrots, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes. Xinjiang is also famous for its fruit, particularly  dried fruit . Being a region with lots of pasture, Xinjiang cuisine features  mutton  top of its ingredients list. Other protein foods include beef, camel m...

Martin Cate’s Tips for a Perfect Mai Tai Who better to get Mai Tai tips from than San Francisco barman and rum aficionado Martin Cate? Not only did he just release a new book, Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki, but his seven-year-old bar of the same name won Tales of the Cocktail's 2016 Spirited Award for "Best American Cocktail Bar." RECIPE: THE MAI TAI courtesy of Martin Cate 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce orange curaçao (Pierre Ferrand preferred) 1/4 ounce orgeat 1/4 ounce rich demerara simple syrup (2:1 ratio) — use real, full-flavored sugar in this drink. 2 ounces aged pot still or blended rum Combine all ingredients with 12 ounces of crushed ice and some cubes in a shaker. Shake until chilled and pour — ice and all — into a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a spent lime shell and mint sprig. Some notes: 1) Fresh lime juice is critical. When squeezing, don’t press too hard — extract the juice, not the bitter pith....

The Fish Fry Lexicon Conch fritters: Known for having alleged aphrodisiac powers, these misshapen fried puffs are made with bits of fresh Caribbean sea snail mixed into an eggy batter with a little bit of cayenne and chopped green onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Best-case scenario, the fritters should be a bit creamy inside, like the center of a well-made order of takoyaki. As a rule, these little guys are served hot out the fryer (in other words, given ‘em a few minutes to chill out) with a sunny sauce made of ketchup, mayo, Worchestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Conch salad: Think of it as a Caribbean spin on ceviche, featuring tenderized cubes of conch tossed with a crunchy fresh veg, chiles, and a blend of citrus juices. Just like Mexican shrimp cocktail, conch salad is oftentimes served with saltines, or even better, buttery Ritz crackers, for scooping. The fish: Whether they’re in season or not, shrimp and lobster are always on the menu at the fish fry, but locally caught...

Hainanese Chicken Rice Hainanese chicken rice is widely considered to be Singapore's national dish. First blanched in boiling water and then dunked in an ice bath before being sliced, a well-prepared chicken has tender meat tinted with a thin layer of congealed fat. Its rice, cooked in chicken fat, chicken stock, pandan leaf as well as ginger and garlic, is aromatic and fluffy. Where to get it: Wee Nam Kee, 101 Thomson Road #01-08, United Square. Vital Intel: A perennial favorite among food-lovers staying in central Singapore, the chicken at this decades-old stalwart is sufficiently succulent, the rice fragrant yet not too oily, the ginger dip addictive, and the chili sauce well balanced. Order the kai lan vegetables with shallots on the side to go with your chicken rice. Wee Nam Kee has several branches in and outside Singapore; the Thomson Road outlet is its flagship. Open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Uncle Chicken Rice, 348 Simpang Bedok #02-24, Bedok Marketplace. Vit...

Food is any substance[1] consumed to provide nutritional support for an organism. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The substance is ingested by an organism and assimilated by the organism's cells to provide energy, maintain life, or stimulate growth. Historically, humans secured food through two methods: hunting and gathering and agriculture. Today, the majority of the food energy required by the ever increasing population of the world is supplied by the food industry. Food safety and food security are monitored by agencies like the International Association for Food Protection, World Resources Institute, World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, and International Food Information Council. They address issues such as sustainability, biological diversity, climate change, nutritional economics, population growth, water supply, and access to food. The right to f...

What is it about foods like broccoli and spinach that make them so healthy? There’s the fiber, vitamins and minerals, of course, but then there’s other important chemical compounds we call “antioxidants” too — like alpha  lipoic acid  (ALA). Chances are you’ve heard a lot about the many benefits of various antioxidants and  high-antioxidant foods  — fighting inflammation, helping beat cancer or heart disease, warding off depression and cognitive decline, and so much more — but have you ever wondered what exactly antioxidants are and how they work in the body? Alpha lipoic acid — one kind of antioxidant — is a type of compound found in plant foods we commonly eat that scavenges free radicals, fights inflammation and slows the aging process. But perhaps its most famous use is in  treating diabetes naturally . Humans also make a small amount of ALA on their own, although the concentration in our bloodstreams goes up substantially when we eat a...

Recipes with Vitamin B12 Foods If you want to ensure that you’re getting enough B12 in your diet on a regular basis, you’ll definitely want to check out these recipes. They all contain one or more vitamin B12 foods. Plus, they’re all loaded with delicious flavor! Some of my favorite recipes containing vitamin B12 foods include: Almond Crusted Salmon Recipe Easy, Gluten-Free Beef Stroganoff Recipe Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Lamb Recipe Turmeric Eggs with Raw Cheese Recipe Precautions with Vitamin B12 Foods If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency and decide to take a B12 supplement, it’s important to know that it can interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor if you currently take medication or have any chronic health concerns. Medications that are known to decrease the levels of vitamin B 12 in the body include: Anti-seizure medications Bile acid sequestrants Chemotherapy medications (especially methotrexate) Colchicine H2 blockers Me...

Dangers of Low Vitamin B12 The current daily recommended value for vitamin B12 (based on a 2,000 daily calorie intake for adults and children 4 years of age or older) is six micrograms per day. ( 13 ) Sometimes a B12 deficiency can by masked by taking folic acid in high doses. Vegans and vegetarians are at greater risk for B12 deficiency since vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal foods. Also, those with  leaky gut  and digestive malabsorption may be at risk of a deficiency. Another serious risk factor that can lead to a lack of vitamin B12 is taking certain prescription medications. Possible dangers or side effects of having low levels of vitamin B12 include: ( 14 ) A type of anemia in which there are fewer yet larger red blood cells Balance and walking disturbances Nerve damage Confusion Loss of vibration sensation Dementia   (in advanced stages of deficiency) Low levels of vitamin B12 in pregnant women shortly before or after conception...

Top Health Benefits of Vitamin B12 1. Possible Cancer Preventer A deficiency in vitamin B12 prevents folate from being converted into its active form. Therefore, DNA is not able to be properly replicated and can become damaged. Experts believe that damaged DNA can directly contribute to cancer formation. Vitamin B12 supplementation along with  folate   supplementation is being researched as a way to help ward off and even treat certain kinds of cancers. ( 9 ) 2. Boosts Brain Health Low levels of vitamin B12 have been shown to double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in elderly men and women. Vitamin B12 helps maintain low levels of  homocysteine , which may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also crucial for the ability to focus and can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and poor memory. ( 10 ) 3. May Prevent Depression Multiple studies have demonstrated a correlation between  depression  and vitamin B12 de...

Nutritional Yeast If you’re a vegetarian or vegan looking for a way to get more B12 in your diet,  nutritional yeast  is a great option. It’s typically fortified with B12 and other B vitamins. Nutritional yeast is also considered a complete protein since it contains at least nine of the 18 amino acids that the human body is unable to produce. 7) Feta Cheese Feta cheese  is a great source of vitamin B12 and many other nutrients, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2) and calcium. Traditionally, feta cheese is made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk. If you can find feta cheese made from raw sheep/goat’s milk the nutrition and health benefits are even better. Its high riboflavin content is excellent news for headache sufferers since studies have shown that riboflavin can significantly reduce the frequency of headaches, including  migraines . ( 6 ) 8) Grass-Fed Beef Grass-fed beef  is not just a top choice when it comes to...

Lamb Lamb  is not eaten as much in the United States as it is in many other countries, but it definitely has impressive nutrition content. It’s one of the top vitamin B12 foods, and it’s also very rich in protein, iron, selenium and zinc. Selenium and zinc are two major immune-boosting nutrients. ( 4 ) 5) Wild-Caught Salmon Wild-caught salmon  is one of the healthiest and most nutritious protein sources. Of course, you need to choose wild and not farmed to make the most of this fish when it comes to your health. Wild-caught salmon is packed with vitamin B12 as well as vitamin D, which is another common vitamin deficiency these days. Research has demonstrated that 800 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day can improve musculoskeletal health, naturally slow aging of the skeletal structure, and reduce the rate of fractures and falls in older adults who are over 65.

Top 10 Vitamin B12 Foods Here are just some of the vitamin B12 foods you can consume on a regular basis to make sure you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin in your diet: Beef liver:  1 ounce: 20 micrograms (over 300 percent DV) Sardines :  3 ounces: 6.6 micrograms (over 100 percent DV) Atlantic mackerel:  3 ounces: 7.4 micrograms (over 100 percent DV) Lamb:  3 ounces: 2.7 micrograms (45 percent DV) Wild-caught salmon:  3 ounces: 2.6 micrograms (42 percent DV) Nutritional yeast:  1 tablespoon: 2.4 micrograms (40 percent DV) Feta cheese:  0.5 cup: 1.25 micrograms (21 percent DV) Grass-fed beef:  3 ounces: 1.2 micrograms (20 percent DV) Cottage Cheese:  1 cup: 0.97 micrograms (16 percent DV) Eggs:  1 large: 0.6 micrograms (11 percent DV) 1) Beef Liver The top benefit of eating  liver  is it’s very high B12 content. All it takes is one ounce of beef liver to get well over most people’s daily require...

Top Health Benefits of Calcium Bone Health Calcium is critical in the teens into the early 20s when bones are solidifying and the body is achieving its peak bone mass. The greater the peak bone mass, the longer one can delay osteoporosis or loss of bone mass at a later age. More than 10 million US adults are affected by  osteoporosis  and it is one of the leading causes of  broken bones  in the elderly. Cancer Prevention Studies have shown that consuming calcium rich foods are associated with a decreased risk of colon and rectal cancers. The evidence is not enough to recommend calcium supplements for the prevention of colon cancer, but eating calcium rich foods may have the same effect. (There’s actually a link between  calcium supplements and heart attacks , so it’s best to get the mineral from calcium rich food sources.) Weight management There is a connection between calcium intake and lower body weight. It is believed that calcium in the die...

Tiramisu If you want to branch out from gelato in the world of Italian sweets, your first stop should be the deceptively simple Tiramisu, which is probably the country’s most beloved after-dinner dessert. This no-bake parfait features alternating layers of soft, sweetened mascarpone cheese and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Despite its elemental feel (coffee, cream cheese, old cookies) tiramisu is the youngest dish on this list, with most estimates of its creation placing it in the 1960s. It may be simple to make but not all tiramisu is created equal. A good tiramisu features only the highest quality coffee and mascarpone. Cream and egg whites are sometimes added to the mascarpone to give it a lighter texture, and a variety of cookies and cakes can be substituted for the traditional lady fingers. Unless your Italian is particularly strong you will probably struggle to enquire about these things in a restaurant, so the often the only option is to simply order one and see if it’s to y...

Truffles Truffle shavings add a whole new flavor to a simple dish. | Photo by Premshree Pillai Ah,  truffles . This pungent, elusive fungus is one of the most expensive and coveted foods in the world – and Italy is one of the few countries where they can be found in abundance! Grown only in the wild, this tuber is found by hunting the forests and mountains of Umbria and Piedmont with dogs or pigs trained to smell it underground. Truffles in Italy come in two forms, the rare and more aromatic white truffle, or the slightly less aromatic and slightly more common black truffle. The aroma is otherworldly, though certain not for everyone – less enthusiastic consumers sometimes compare the smell/taste to gasoline. Still, their popularity abounds and Italian  tartufi  are one of our all-time  favorite fall foods in Italy ! Want to try them on your next trip? First, start with your location. Truffles grow naturally throughout Umbria, Tuscany and Piedmont, so you’r...