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Persimmons: Health Secrets From Taiwan

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Persimmons
Persimmons

Persimmons: Health Secrets From Taiwan

Persimmons, a major fruit found in Taiwan and most of Southeast Asia, are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are a deep yellow to orange in color and resemble a tomato in shape. They have a very sweet taste and make an excellent desert. They are delicious! They are a delightful treat! They are best fresh, though they are excellent as snacks when dried. If drying, dry slowly on low heat to preserve the vitamins. Most like to dry foods and then put into bags and run through a sealer. That helps them to last longer, than just putting into baggies. Freezing your dried foods also helps to prolong their freshness.

Persimmon leaves also make an excellent tea. Just pick leaves that are untreated and triple wash. Watch the back side of leaf carefully for bugs. Dry in the sun or in any food dryer. Persimmons are extremely delicious and are very good for your health. Persimmon tea is a delight! It is also good mixed with green tea.

Persimmons are excellent for weight loss, as they are high in fiber and have a lot of water content. If working out or doing active yard or house work, eat your persimmon first and then work off the sugar content as energy. The high water content of the fruit will help replenish the water that the body loses in sweat and also curtails sugar cravings.

Persimmons contains Lutein Zeaxanthin which is an Isomer. Isomers are a common Carotenoid alcohol present in nature. They are a superfood for the eyes. These Isomers are helpful in maintaining and improving vision and the general health of the eye.  Lutein works on the retina and stops eye related degenerative diseases like Macular Degeneration. It has also been known to prevent the growth of cataracts of the eye.

Persimmons have a high amount of fiber. Fiber provides roughage that the body needs during digestion. It is essential to improving the digestion process. Persimmons also contains a large amount of a nutrient that is believed to protect from free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for all types of cancer. Free radicals are believed by many to not only be responsible for causing cancer,  but also premature ageing.

Potassium  is an abundant trace metal found in the Persimmon fruit. Potassium helps in regulating optimum blood pressure. Potassium widens  the blood vessels and relaxes muscles in the body. It also is considered by many to be an excellent pain reliever for muscle pain. Persimmons are loaded with Potassium. What is there not to love about persimmons? Try one today.

Persimmons will grow in any tropical or subtropical climate. They can also be grown in large pots on the patio. They are an easy tree to grow. Fruit usually appears the fourth or fifth year.

Make persimmons one of the many fruits you discover on this years Taiwan vacation. Set aside a few days to study the many superfruits of this small island and take the wisdom home. For those living in a Northern climate, there are many places that you can order organic dried persimmons. Dried persimmons are an awesome snack. So grab your passport and pack your bag. See you at the Taiwanese fruit market.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=organic+dried+persimmons

Exploretraveler.com

Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on April 19, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/persimmons-health-secrets-from-taiwan

Black Fungus Mushroom From Taiwan

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Black Fungus Mushroom
Taiwan’s Black Fungus Mushroom

Black Fungus Mushroom From Taiwan

Black Fungus Mushroom is another health superstar from the Island Of Taiwan.  Have you ever considered taking a vacation and using part of the time to learn the secrets of their fruits and vegetables? Asia is blessed with many herbs, fruits, mushrooms, and vegetables that provide good health and possible healing. We used to hear our Mother’s say, “You are what you eat!” There is so much truth in that statement! You will never get any closer to learning the merit of these gems, than if you spend a couple of weeks in Taiwan. Come taste and see all that this tiny island has to offer!

Black Fungus Mushroom contains polysaccharide. This alone gives it the ability to prevent tumor growth and regrowth after surgery. Many believe it has the possibility of preventing cancer. It helps to ease the side effects from standard cancer therapy. It is believed by many health professionals to be anti-tumor and  hypoglycemic. This humble mushroom has been known to drastically lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. Black Fungus Mushroom has more iron than any other vegetable. When eaten often, it can enrich the blood and help fight iron deficiency.

Black Fungus Mushroom from Taiwan is believed by many to lower blood pressure. One way of using this miracle mushroom is to add to soups and cook slowly in the slow cooker for at least one hour. Then enjoy your soup, broth and all. Need calcium, look no further. Black Fungus Mushroom has twice the amount of calcium as milk. It is also loaded with vitamins B1, B2, and D. This mushroom helps to nourish the liver, lungs, and stomach. It promotes circulation in the body. Black Fungus Mushroom is a good absorbent of toxins found in the body. It naturally absorbs the dust of the body and then excretes the toxins and dust together. What a blessing! What is there not to love about this humble mushroom from Taiwan?

This is the time to begin planning this years vacation. Are you considering Taiwan? Consider taking a few days to learn about the many superfoods of Taiwan. They are delicious and beneficial. Grab your passport and pack you bag. Excitement and health await in Taiwan.

Exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwan/

 

 

 

Loganberries: Todays Superfruit Part 2

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Logan Berries
Dragon Fruit and Loganberries–Superfruits

Loganberries: Todays Superfruit Part 2

Loganberries, another Asian superfruit was totally new to me when arriving in Taiwan. When I first saw them I thought they were lychees, but they are a totally different, though a related, fruit. At the different buffets where we went, I was privileged to try Loganberries in several different ways. Even one place had them in a soup, which seemed a little strange, but was good. I had several different snacks and desserts that were delicious and my favorite was how they did them in a sweet and sour dish. That was delightful! One of my favorite things about Taiwan was all the fresh fruit. Logan Berries were just one of many. It seemed like fruit was used in everything and I loved it.

Loganberries are extremely good for you and have a long list of vitamins and minerals in them. They are used in Alternative Medicine for warding off the common cold, flu, gout, stress, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. I have found them very helpful in warding off the symptoms of inflammation. Upon returning from Taiwan, I began to notice them in the market and began using them in different ways. Loganberries are just one of the many fruits I fell in love with while in Taiwan. The fruits of Taiwan are amazing!

Several tests in European countries are trying to document their role in the prevention and cure of skin, breast, colon, stomach, prostate, and lung cancer. Many believe them to be one of the fruits that slow down the aging process. They seem to be helpful for keeping the skin beautiful and radiant. They are packed with so many different vitamins and minerals. What is there not to delight in?

One interesting thing I have noticed is that  true Loganberries are not what is always in the Western Supermarket under that name. The loganberry reminds me more of a pale cherry with a black hard seed. Often the markets sell a different fruit that resembles blackberries under that name. In the USA, the best place to purchase true loganberries is in the Asian Markets. These are two different fruits. When traveling in Taiwan, make sure you try the different ways that they use loganberries. It is a superfruit from Asia that you will want to add to your  western diet.

For the gardeners out there, loganberries grow easily in the subtropical and tropical regions and is hardy to 28 degrees fahrenheit. They are easy to grow in Florida and Hawaii and other warm southern regions in the US. Check them out while in Taiwan and then come back and try your hand at adding them to your garden.  You might want to add both fruits that are called Loganberries. They are unique and different. You can get the Western Loganberry plants most anywhere. If you are looking for the true loganberry, try Hawaii, as they have nurseries that will ship to most places worldwide. The one I personally use is listed below.

Make this the year you discover the many fruits of Taiwan. Pack your bag and grab your passport. A whole new culinary adventure is waiting.

http://www.fruitlovers.com/indexen.html

 Exploretraveler.com

 

 

 

 

Superfruit For Today: Dragon Fruit–Part 1

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Superfruits
Dragon Fruit and Logan Berries–Superfruits

Superfruit For Today–The Dragon Fruit

Superfruit is a catch-all word for fruits that are really good for you. Today’s spotlight is on the humble and somewhat beautiful, Pitaya or Dragon Fruit. I think it was my favorite fruit of Taiwan and it has amazing health benefits. In the picture above you can see it on the far left. A big reddish pink ball with spikes!

There are actually two varieties, but as far as I could tell, they look the same on the  outside. The most common was white when you cut into it and had millions of tiny black seeds. It was extremely good and I fell in love immediately. The other one has a red fruit on the inside with the same tiny seeds. If I thought the white fruit was good, the red one was heavenly. The red fruit is very rare and you seldom see it. Be sure to try it if you have the chance. Other than inside color, they look the same.

Dragon fruit is very low in cholesterol with little cholesterol producing fats. This superfruit is loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C, as well as other needed nutrients to help you absorb the vitamins. The Dragon fruit is a powerhouse of nutrition.  The Dragon Fruit does have a healthy fat that is contained in the edible seeds. They are so tiny, they would be impossible to separate. They, like all nuts and seeds, provide you with a healthy fat and protein that is mono-unsaturated. We do need healthy fats and proteins in our diet daily. Dragon Fruit is also full of fiber. There is, of course, less fiber in the fresh fruit than in the dried fruit.

Consuming dragon fruit help us to improve the conditions that are major risk factors for heart diseases of all kinds. This superfruit does wonders for the heart and is easy to grow if you live in the tropics or subtropics. Dragon fruit helps to decrease the irritation of joints, so it is called an anti inflammatory fruit. This seems to alleviate the symptoms of Arthritis for many. Dragon Fruit has enough fiber that it seems to aid in keeping Diabetes at check, though if you are being treated for anything major, see your doctor before eating. It also has a low  glycemic index. It seems to be helpful in weight control and many think this superfruit is an anti-aging fruit. It helps to  strengthen the immunity system, which helps in the control of Asthma.

Dragon Fruit is good for your skin and is helpful for color treated hair. I like to make a smoothie to drink in the morning and save some for my hair. I use on my hair and then shower after about 30 minutes. I love the look of my hair and it feels so good. For me, Dragon Fruit is a special superfruit. What is there not to love about Dragon Fruit?

On your next trip to Taiwan, be sure to look for the Dragon Fruit. It well might become your favorite fruit also. Gather your things and update your passport and book your next Taiwan adventure today.

Exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwan/

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwanese-food/

Hsinchu City Taiwan

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Hsinchu Taiwan By Bus photo

HSINCHU CITY TAIWAN

Welcome to Hsinchu City Taiwan, “the city of New Bamboo”. Cooling breezes coming off the Strait of Taiwan keep the windy city cool and pleasant most of the year. Hsinchu Taiwan is off the main tourist map making it a delightful discovery for the deserning traveler. Hsinchu City Taiwan is over 400 years old and is the oldest city in Northern Taiwan. Chuchang, as it was originally called, was named and inhabited by the Aboriginal Tribe of Taokas. Today, only a small group identify as ethnic Taokas. Most of those who identify as Taokas live around the city of Puli in central Taiwan. The name of the city was changed to Hsinchu during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Because of it’s rich history, Hsinchu City Taiwan is the perfect home base when visiting northern Taiwan. Those who desire to know and understand the dynasties that ruled the island will find many museums and national historical sites throughout the City of Hsinchu.

Public transportation in the city of Hsinchu is efficient and regular. Buses and scooters are the primary means of getting around Hsinchu. Bright and colorful buses have regular routes throughout the city and the surrounding area. Most of the major tourist sites can be reached by the How-Tai Bus Company . The buses run frequently and are the easiest and most economical way to enjoy the city.

Eighteen Peaks Mountain is a delightful park and dates back to the Japanese Colonial Times. The park is a thick forest that has 18 mountain peaks. Wide paved paths make walking easy and the park is a favorite recreational spot. Take a deep breath and smell the fragrance of the many flowers and shrubs. The east entrance is best reached by buses 1, 1A, 2, 5 or 31. Route 20 will take you to the western entrance of the park.

Hsinchu Botanical Garden has over 300 species of plants. Enjoy discovering the many plants of Taiwan and the secrets that surround them. Learn about the Acacia, the eucalyptus, and the Ceylon olive and their many uses. As a bonus, the Hsinchu Zoo is a 5 minute walk from the garden entrance. This area can be accessed by most of the buses of the city. A short walk takes you to the City God Temple, one of the famous temples in the city. The East Gate Historical Site is also in this area. Constructed from granite with a magnificent arch entrance, this historical wall dates back to the time of the later Qing Dynasty.

These are just a few of the fantastic sites in Hsinchu City Taiwan. Check out the links at the bottom of the page for areas of interest and local accommodations. Discover the many eateries and restaurants that call Hsinchu City Taiwan  home. While there check out the fantastic buffet at the Ambassador Hotel. The variety is unbelievable and the food is some of the best on the island. Let this be the year that you discover the hidden gems of northern Taiwan.Hsinchu City Taiwan is fun, historical, and unique. Come explore with us, this year in Taiwan.

http://www.agoda.com/hotels-near-hsinchu-botanical-garden/attractions/hsinchu-tw.html?asq=uHkBExc2FvTAAUZ3peH5qmL2GX1HlTqCEANUQm04KcBDeK%2bpP2bz1ynJbNpPcWJxdpxUvo1CdF1A09TFUSRJTybZ3V%2bbhAqvavfgp1WNQc6S7bD%2b8TQLviRrQwFI22rG

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297906-Hsinchu-Vacations.html

Esploretraveler.com

 

 

Persimmon Farms of Hsinchu Taiwan

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By ExploreTraveler.com
Persimmon Farms of Hsinchu Taiwan
With all of the excitement we have had traveling around Taiwan sometimes we miss what is in front of us. Thankfully we received an email from a colleague that gave us a heads up about the Persimmon harvest, and preparation here in Hsinchu county.

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

The trip there was very UN-eventful, and started just outside of Jubei Taiwan. From there just outside of town nestled in the hills of the countryside. When we arrived one of the first things we saw was persimmon’s drying outside in the sun in front of the old building within the farm compound. Locals are most the tourists here, and it was very interesting that the farm employees really enjoyed, and encouraged photographs from the beginning. Very seldom in western culture do you see this kind of symbiotic behavior; farms in the USA are mostly off limits and very private.

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Persimmon’s drying in the sun! http://explore1.wpengine.com

View on Instagram

The atmosphere was remarkable for it openness, and interaction with the local staff. One older women would stop and pose every time she rotated persimmon’s drying in racks out in the sun. She would then go to the front of a large stack of these drying racks to take photographs the local tourists. This cycle would repeat about every hour, and every employee would rotate around within the public offering drinks, ice cream, and local persimmon goods for sale.

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Persimmon’s drying in large racks #HsinChu County. http://explore1.wpengine.com View on Instagram


Grounds around the farm were also open for everyone to wonder within the trees, flowers, and other local vegetation. One other important item noted was that other small vendors before, after and during our walk was mixed in along the way. This allowed us to buy persimmon’s fresh, and peeled along the way. Since this was a working farm, animals were also wondering around on the outside the the orchards.

All in all this was a great short trip and highly recommended to anyone who is in the area living, working or just passing through.

ExploreTraveler.com

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Photo of the day – Chili crab Taiwan

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Photo of the day – Chili crab Taiwan

Chili crab in Taiwan “You can never have too much”

Chili crab in Taiwan You can never have too much

Taiwanese Food History

Taiwanese cooking (conventional Chinese: 台灣菜; disentangled Chinese: 台湾菜; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-oân liāu-lí (臺灣料理)) has a few varieties. Notwithstanding the accompanying delegate dishes from the populace of Hoklo (Hō-ló) ethnicity (see Taiwanese individuals), there are likewise Native, Hakka, and nearby subsidiaries of Chinese foods, for example, hamburger noodle soup.

Taiwanese cooking itself is frequently connected with impacts from mid to southern territories of Territory China, most prominently from the area of Fujian (Hokkien), however impacts from all of Terrain China can undoubtedly be found. A striking Japanese impact likewise exists because of the period when Taiwan was under Japanese standard. Customary Chinese nourishment could be found in Taiwan, nearby Fujian and Hakka-style and additionally local Taiwanese dishes, incorporates dishes from Guangdong, Jiangxi, Chaoshan, Shanghai, Hunan, Sichuan and Beijing.

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Post by Exploretraveler.com.

[embedplusvideo height=”400″ width=”450″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1pw8vle” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/LTbgtYHqjEI?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=LTbgtYHqjEI&width=450&height=400&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep3308″ /] Pork, fish, chicken, rice, and soy are extremely normal parts. Meat is far less basic, and some Taiwanese (especially the elderly era) still shun consuming it.[1] This is to a limited extent because of the contemplations of some Taiwanese Buddhists, a customary hesitance towards butchering valuable dairy cattle required for farming, and an enthusiastic connection and feeling of thankfulness and on account of the creatures customarily utilized for hard work. Nonetheless, because of impacts from the inundation of out of territory Chinese in the early 1900s, the Taiwanese variant of hamburger noodle soup is presently a standout amongst the most prevalent dishes in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s food has additionally been impacted by its geographic area. Living on a packed island, the Taiwanese needed to look aside from the farmlands for wellsprings of protein. Subsequently, fish figures unmistakably in their food. This fish envelops numerous diverse things, from vast fish, for example, fish and grouper, to sardines and considerably more diminutive fish, for example, anchovies. Scavangers, squid, and cuttlefish are likewise consumed.

[embedplusvideo height=”400″ width=”450″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1pw8JJi” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/rShTDrra7J0?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=rShTDrra7J0&width=450&height=400&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep8505″ /] A pork kiⁿ (羹, kiⁿ), a thick soup with tofu and surimi-covered pork

As a result of the island’s sub-tropical area, Taiwan has an inexhaustible supply of different apples and oranges, for example, papayas, starfruit, melons, and citrus foods grown from the ground. A wide mixed bag of tropical soil grown foods, foreign made and local, are likewise delighted in Taiwan. Other agrarian items by and large are rice, corn, tea, pork, poultry, meat, fish, and different foods grown from the ground. New elements in Taiwan are promptly accessible from businesses.

In a large portion of their dishes, the Taiwanese have demonstrated their innovativeness in their choice of flavors. Taiwanese cooking depends on a bottomless exhibit of seasonings for flavor: soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, matured dark beans, cured daikon, salted mustard greens, peanuts, stew peppers, cilantro (off and on again called Chinese parsley), and a nearby mixture of basil (九層塔 kau-tsan-tha, truly “nine story pagoda”).

A paramount piece of Taiwanese cooking are xiaochi,substantial snacks along the lines of Spanish tapas or Levantine meze.

The Taiwanese xiaochi has picked up much notoriety globally. Numerous voyagers go to Taiwan only for xiaochi. The most well-known spot to delight in xiaochi in Taiwan is in a night market. Every night showcase likewise has its own particular acclaimed xiaochi.

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Post by Exploretraveler.com.

Besides, the Taiwanese xiaochi has been enhancing to a larger amount. These days, Taiwanese xiaochi served in night showcases as well as some extravagance and top of the line restaurants. The costs generally hop 100% or much higher in the restaurants. Likewise, the Taiwanese government backs the Taiwanese xiaochi and has held national

 

Photo of the day – Downtown Hsinchu Taiwan

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ByExploreTraveler.com:  Photo of the day – Downtown Hsinchu Taiwan

Downtown Hsinchu in Taiwan

“Hsinchu, officially known as Hsinchu City (Chinese: 新竹市; Hanyu Pinyin: Xīnzhú Shì; Tongyong Pinyin: Sinjhú Shìh; Wade–Giles: Hsin1-chu2 Shih4; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Sin-tek), is a city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu is popularly nicknamed “The Windy City” (Chinese: 風城; Hanyu Pinyin: Fēngchéng; Tongyong Pinyin: Fongchéng; Wade–Giles: Feng1-ch’eng2) for its windy climate.

Hsinchu is administered as a provincial city within Taiwan. The city is bordered by Hsinchu County to the north and east, Miaoli County to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west. Hsinchu is composed of three districts: North District, East District andXiangshan District.

In 1626, after Spain occupied northern Taiwan, Spanish missionaries arrived at Tek-khàm (竹塹; sm: zhúqiàn), where the TaokasTaiwanese aborigines lived. During the nineteenth century, it was renamed Hsinchu. In 1920, under Japanese rule, Hsinchu Street was established, with the founding of Hsinchu Street District Office. In 1930, the city system was applied. It was renamed as Hsinchu City, under the governing of Hsinchu-Chou, with the establishment of Hsinchu City Office. In 1941, its administration district was expanded, merging with Xiangshan and Qiu Kang, and became a part of Liu Jia Zhuang.

In 1945 the incoming Kuomintang (KMT; Chinese Nationalists) established the Hsinchu City Government to govern Hsinchu-Chou. In 1946, the Take Over Committee dissolved and Hsinchu County Government was formed. Hsinchu County Government was moved to Taoyuan. As the administrative districts were readjusted, it became a provincially-governed city, using the original Chou office as its legal office, with seven district offices. In February of the same year, representative congress was formed in every district. On April 15 the City Congress was formed. Provincial Representatives were elected from the city legislators, to become legislative bodies of different levels. On August 16, 1950, the administrative districts in Taiwan were re-adjusted once more, demarcating 16 counties and 5 provincially governed cities.

In June 1982, under the President’s order, the Xiangshan Township of Hsinchu County would merge into Hsinchu City, and the new entity would become a special municipality. The new government of Hsinchu was legally established on July 1, 1982, with 103 lis, and 1635 lins. The City Government is located on 120 Chung Cheng Road, the former Hsinchu-Chou Office.

In end of June 1983, there were three Bureaus (Civil Service, Public Works, and Education), four Departments (Finance, Social Welfare, Compulsory Military Service, and Land Affairs), four offices (Secretary, Planning, Personnel, and Auditing), and 49 sections (units, teams) under the City Government’s organization to provide services for various urban affairs. Affiliate institutions include the Police Department, Tax Department, and Medicine and Hygiene Department.

By the end of 1982, the city was classified into east, north and Xiangshan districts. The east, north and Xiangshan district administration offices were posted on October 1 and then they were formally established on November 1 in the same year.

From 1994 to 1999, as Taiwan made its transition from authoritarian rule to modern democracy and the mostly pro forma provincial level of government began to be dissolved, regulations were established for formal Hsinchu City self-government. A deputy mayor, consumer officer, and three consultants were added to the city government. In 2002 the city added a Bureau of Labor and transferred Compulsory Military Service to the Department of Civil Service.”

Bibliographic details for “Hsinchu”