List Of Filipino Unusual Food

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Just like anywhere else, Filipino has its own list of unusual food. Food that are common among us Filipino but for some find the food unusual or exotic. Here is my list for some Filipino exotic food.

Balot: Balot is not only a popular food in the Philippines, as Filipino eats Balot for a very long time. Balot is a hard boiled fertilized duck egg eaten from the shell. For some, Balot is so unusual as it was featured in popular TV show as one of the most unusual food in the world. Balot is so popular in the Philippines because of the believe for its aphrodisiac effect and for being high in protein. Now a days, balot is usually sell in the street fried wrap with batter known as Balot Tokneneng. It is also eaten in other Asian nation such as in Vietnam, China has also a similar preparation known as Maodan.

Bayawak : Bayawak (variety of large lizard) is another unusual meat consume by Filipino, before you could always find Bayawak in some Restaurant in Manila specialized with exotic food but now a days you could rarely seen some as the number of Bayawak started to decline.

Dagang Bukid (Rice field rat): For some, rat might be a pest on their rice field farm, but for some farmer it turns to be a favorite appetizer during drinking session. They usually cook rice field rat as dry adobo and Ive heard that it taste like a chicken.

Frog (Rice field Frog): For some people, eating frog might be look so unusual but I heard that some people fom other nation also eat Frog as part of their culinary cuisine. There are some variety of frog that are poisonous ,so be careful when choosing one. Frog is usually cook the way chicken cook in the Philippines as they have the same taste, personally frog is one of my favorite food.

Kinilaw or Kilawin : Kinilaw is a popular fish recipe in the Philippines, it is a fresh and raw fish marinated using vinegar, onion, ginger, salt, and chili. For some it might be look so unusual eating raw fish but there is also other county eat raw fish same as we do.

Dog Meat: Now a days, a lot of Filipino still eat dog meat as a day to day recipe or for just for pulutan. Eating dog meat is not allowed in our country and it is punishable by law but some of my hard headed countrymen still find a way taking dog as a food. I think, authority should implement a harder penalty for violator.

It is just a partial list of some Filipino unusual food, some of this food are my personal favorite especially balot and frog meat. For some it might be an unusual kind of food but for us, some of this food is part of culture and tradition.

Quick View To Civilization Of Chinese Food

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Chinese food now holds a popular place among the entire population of the world. You can find a Chinese restaurant in every major city and in many smaller areas of the world as well. Why is Chinese food so popular? Is Chinese food healthy? What is the history of Chinese food?
Firstly Id like give a brief introduction of the development of the Chinese food culture.
In China, food and its preparation has been developed so highly that it has reached the status of an art form. Rich and poor, the Chinese people consider that delicious and nutritious food is a basic necessity. There is an old Chinese saying Food is the first necessity of the people.
Many scientists believe that Chinese food history dates back to the Peking Man which started using fire for cooking about 400,000 years ago. Others claim that Chinese cuisine was established during the Chinese stone age when people began to produce noodle and to cultivate rice.

Chinese food history is remarkable for its variety. Almost each Chinese Dynasty introduced some new innovations, enriching unique Chinese food history. Thus, the Zhou Dynasty is responsible for the appearance of a such well-known Chinese food tradition as chopsticks, and the Qing Dynasty is associated with most of today’s Chinese food popular dishes. Another feature of Chinese food history stir-frying (a famous Chinese food cooking technique) was created during the Tang Dynasty to conserve valuable fuel.

Chinese food history has a deep philosophical background which influenced Chinese food recipes, cooking tips and menus. Thus, in Chinese culture preparation of food is considered not just a craft but an art. Most Chinese food popular dishes require special experience and talent of the chef, however many of them were much modified for western Chinese food restaurants.

Some Chinese food history experts think there are two basic philosophies that had the biggest effect on Chinese food Confucianism and Taoism. After Confucius standards of etiquette food is cut into small pieces before being served, and there should be no knives on the table. The followers of this Chinese food history movement propagated harmony during both cooking and eating.

Taoism which had also a great influence on Chinese culture, and particularly on Chinese food history, focused on such important concepts as healing powers of food and its healthiness. In this way, the Chinese discovered that using ginger as a garnish is a good remedy for upset stomach and cold.
However, the consumption of food is a vital part of the chemical process of life is to state the obvious, but sometimes we fail to realize that food is more than just vital. The only other activity that we engage in that is of comparable importance to our lives and to the life of our species is sex. As Kao Tzu, a Warring States-period philosopher and keen observer of human nature, said, “Appetite for food and sex is nature.” But these two activities are quite different. We are, I believe, much closer to our animal base in our sexual endeavors than we are in our eating habits. Too, the range of variations is infinitely wider in food than in sex. In fact, the importance of food in understanding human culture lies precisely in its infinite variability -variability that is not essential for species survival. For survival needs, all men everywhere could eat the same food, to be measured only in calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. But no, people of different backgrounds eat very differently. The basic stuffs from which food is prepared; the ways in which it is preserved, cut up, cooked (if at all); the amount and variety at each meal; the tastes that are liked and disliked; the customs of serving food; the utensils; the beliefs about the food’s properties -these all vary. The number of such “food variables” is great.
Chinese food, when authentic is probably the healthiest food in the world. Some restaurants, which are not authentic, prepare their menu with highly saturated fats or with meats that contain unhealthy amounts of animal fat. These Chinese restaurants are not recommended and they are both neither authentic nor healthy.
Good Chinese food however, is prepared and cooked with poly-unsaturated oils. Authentic Chinese food does not require the use of milk-fat ingredients such as cream, butter or cheese. Meat is used, but not in abundance, which makes it easy for those who love authentic Chinese food to avoid high levels of animal fat. Many believe that authentic Chinese food is really the ideal diet.
Nowadays people are attracted both by Chinese food exoticism and its medical aspects. According to Chinese food history specialists, Chinese cuisine has never been so widespread as it is today.

How To Keep Your Food Warm With A Food Warmer

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When you work in catering you know the importance of keeping the food youve worked hard to prepare warm. However, if youve ever gone shopping for a food warmer you may have become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of machines there are on the market for keeping your food hot. If youve ever felt clueless about food warmers, what they do, and which ones will work best for you below is a list to get you started in the crowded world of food warmers.

Full Sized Warmers are the large food warmers that you often find at large events or hotel banquets. They hold large pans of food in place while hot water is placed in the bottom pan to keep the food hot and moist. Some full size warmers are quite big and designed to hold more than one full-sized pan of food. Other units are smaller. When you purchase a full sized warmer keep in mind that the warmer itself only holds hot water; you will need to buy the pans to hold the food separately.

If you plan to offer a lot of food, such as at a buffet, then you might want to invest in heated shelves which can keep food warm for long periods of time. Heated shelves are different from full size warmers since you dont have to worry about filling trays of hot water. They come in different sizes, and they are offered with different wattage points; bigger shelves need more wattage.

Another warmer type that utilizes water to heat foods is a round countertop food warmer. These types of food warmers are used for soups, gravies, and other liquid-based foods. You simply place hot water into the round countertop warmer and place a separate insert holding the food inside. Once your warmer is setup you can place a lid over the warmer to keep the warmth from escaping as fast. Lids can be hinged or unhinged. These inserts sometimes need to be bought separately so always double-check before you buy this type of warmer whether you will need to supply your own insert.

Like round countertop food warmers, soup food warmers keep liquid-based foods like soups and stews warm. Some soup food warmers are electric allowing the operator to adjust the temperature accordingly. These warmers also usually come with an insert to place the food into before placing into the warmer.

Strip Heaters are similar to trays, but they are primarily used to keep food warm until it is served out. They are not commonly used at buffets or anywhere where a customer would come into contact with it, and instead are a stopping off point between the kitchen and the table. Some strip heaters are hotter than others so you will want to research each before purchasing as the hotter a heater is the more chances there are that the food placed on top will dry out.

Important Components Of Food Safety Standards

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There may be several food safety standards, but their goal is always the same. Each set of rules aims to ensure that food items will not cause harm to consumers. There are no distinct boundaries to tell these standards apart, although there are different ways to look at it. These regulations can be grouped according to food service, import or distribution. Each division is governed by different agencies, which may enforce diverse sets of standards:

1. Imports

Food safety standards that deal with this division are the most widespread among all regulations. Government agencies for agriculture are usually in control of these standards. Politics may also play an influential role in decision-making, especially since this division deals with trade and import. European countries, for instance, have firmer rules on importing genetically modified crops compared to the United States. Some countries may also restrict dairy products made with unpasteurized milk.

2. Distribution

Another way to look at food safety standards is through distribution. Processing is an example of this division. Most cases of contamination begin during production and processing, which is why prevention is crucial at this stage. Standards that focus on this division emphasize the importance of stopping contamination at an early level, before it causes widespread harm. A country-wide contamination can easily spread to a full-blown worldwide disaster if food safety is not practiced from the very beginning. Not only will it require immense effort in recalling contaminated items, but food safety malpractice may also lead to poisoning and illness. Both consequences have an enormous impact on the country’s economy and may lead to greater expenses and losses in profit.

The national agency of agriculture is held responsible for making sure that standards in distribution are met. All methods and precautions should be exercised to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food sanitation.

3. Food Service

Food safety regulations that are included in this division are more focused on food presentation and handling. This includes maintaining the appropriate temperature in salad bars and storage freezers. Meat and poultry should be prepared in accordance with the recommended heat level. Otherwise, consumers should at least be informed that the meat was undercooked. For instance, customers may have different preferences with how their steak is prepared.

Good hygiene goes hand in hand with food safety. Employees who are directly in contact with food items should practice proper hygiene in food preparation and handling. The local health department is in charge of implementing these guidelines in the food service industry. Depending on the government, these policies may require overall hygiene in the workplace and service area. Some employees are even encouraged to wear hairnets while preparing food.

Food safety should not be taken lightly, especially by those who are engaged in the food service industry. Business who are non-compliant to these standards are at risk of losing their license to operate, and may even be required to pay fines. The local government reprimands uncooperative businesses by revoking their licenses until proper action is taken.

Clever Ways To Substitute Satisfying, Healthy Food For Acne-causing Junk

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Our last article explained the likely connection between poor diet choices and acne. However, merely knowing that junk food plays a role may not be enough. Changing one’s diet is one of the most difficult adjustments to make. It requires tremendous discipline during the early stages and the sacrifice of long-time comforts. Often, the best way to start eating a healthier diet is to transition into it. That is, substituting healthy foods that satisfy you in a similar way to the junk you hope to stop eating. This helps your body do its job in two ways: by giving it a break from filtering out junk, and by giving it the vital nutrients it is desperately lacking. Here are four unhealthy foods many clear skin seekers consume too much of, along with suggestions on healthy things to substitute.

Junk Food #1: Potato chips, pretzels, Doritos, or popcorn

Why You’re Hooked: The addiction to potato chips boils down to a few things. Many are satisfied by the crunchiness and texture of the chips themselves. Something about the way the chips feel in your mouth just makes you think of them when you are hungry or bored. Other people really do just like the taste; let’s be honest, there are a lot of great-tasting potato chips out there, and I have yet to meet the person who did not enjoy a handful of Smartfood. And all of these are fine in moderation. However, many people with acne are binge-eating these foods and their diet is suffering from it.

What To Substitute: One great substitute for these foods is baby carrots dipped in a sweet, tangy balsamic vinagrette. The carrots provide the crunch, and the balsamic vinagrette offers the tang. As an added benefit, carrots are positively loaded with essential nutrients like Vitamin A and beta-carrotine. You will also be happy to discover that you will not feel sick or bloated after eating them.

Junk Food #2: Oreo cookies, Chips Ahoy, any kind of chocolate bar or sugary snack

Why You’re Hooked: Cookies and sugary snacks satisfy our “sweet tooth” which is stronger in some people than others. Not everyone who binges on potato chips, for example, has to worry about binging on cookies, although many do binge on both. In either case, it can be very hard to kick the habit of eating too many sugary snacks. They are a form of “comfort food” that appeals to us more and more as we become stressed or anxious. Unfortunately, they offer no nutritional value and contain many unhealthy ingredients.

What To Substitute: Luckily for you, there is a natural substitute that will give you all the healthy sugar you need: grapes! Besides being cold and somewhat crunchy, grapes actually satisfy much the “sweet tooth” craving that you currently satisfy with cookies and candy bars. If you can get over the initial cravings for junk food and just try to eat grapes instead, you will find yourself quite satisfied and full after eating them -and your body will appreciate the fiber!

Junk Food #3: Frozen pizza (or most delivered pizza)

Why You’re Hooked: Pizza may be one of the most universally liked foods on Earth. Few can resist the mouth-watering cheeses, sauce, spices and toppings that a delicious slice of pizza has to offer. Nor should you, in all cases. Pizza is truly one of life’s joys, and you should enjoy it in moderation. The problem is that many people turn to cheap, mass-produced frozen pizza which contains preservatives and various ingredients your body despises. Ditto for most delivered pizza like Dominoes.

What To Substitute: The best substitute for frozen pizza is to prepare your own home-made pizza using fresh, delicious ingredients. You can actually buy your own dough, sauce, cheese, spices, and toppings that are not frozen and have not been sitting on shelves for months. Prepared this way, pizza can actually be quite healthy and much better-tasting! For convenience’s sake, you can even make multiple pizzas at a time, eating some and storing the rest so you can eat it later, just as conveniently as your frozen pizza of old.

Junk Food #4: Pop-Tarts, toaster strudles, doughnuts, or other sugary breakfast foods

Why You’re Hooked: When you wake up in the morning, your body literally feels as though it just went through a famine. It has not eaten in 8 hours. This is why sugary foods are so appealing and appear to give you a great energy boost after you eat them. Unfortunately, the energy boost is short-lived, followed by a crash, and just increases the amount of junk your body has to filter out. As we’ve discussed, this junk often manifests in the form of acne or other health problems.

What To Substitute: You do not have to completely sacrifice sweet-tasting breakfast foods. You just need to eat healthy ones. For example, visit the natural foods section of your local grocery store until you find fiber-packed Raisin Bran or Cranberry Crunch cereal. Believe it or not, these healthy cereals are actually delicious and will leave you feeling completely full as you walk out the door. Bananas and apples are another excellent morning food, delivering a surge of fiber and potassium that none of the aforementioned junk can provide.