Solar Dehydration

The process of dehydration in foodstuffs is simply that of reducing the internal water content and in certain instances the intracellular water content of the food. Effectively when heat is applied to the food it induces evaporation of the water, which results in the water within the food first migrating to the periphery of the food, and then undergoing a phase change from liquid to gas, in other words water to water vapor.

The reduction in water content results in reduced water activity with a consequent reduced growth of microorganisms. Each microorganism has a maximal, optimal and minimal water activity at which it grows, and generally bacteria require more moisture than yeasts and yeasts require more moisture than molds. Dehydration of foods is an excellent method of preserving the foods and is practised extensively in the modern age. Solar dehydration is using the sunshine and consequent heat of the sun, to induce evaporation and dry the food.

Solar dehydration can sometimes be limited to climates with hot sun and dry atmospheric conditions and tends to work best with certain select food types, for example prunes, figs, apricots, pears and peaches, and in the case of meat, beef jerky and certain fish species. Whilst in certain instances this can literally be achieved by placing the foodstuff in a single layer in the direct sunshine on a container or tray and turning the food on a regular or semi-regular basis, the technique is generally facilitated by using a solar dehydrator.

A classic example of solar dehydration using a simple tray technique is the kapenta fishing industry in Lake Kariba in the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe, where 20 tons of kapenta (Tanganyika sardine) are caught each year during the evening. The small fish are then mixed with coarse salt (1lb salt for 12 lbs of fish) on the fishing boats and subsequently transported to land where the kapenta are sorted and placed on large, flat trays and dried in the sun. The fish remain an extremely important source of protein for the local population.

A solar dehydrator, also referred to as a solar dryer, is a solar appliance that is designed to dry foods using the power of the sun and nothing else. Solar dehydrators function to extract moisture from foods, while preserving color and flavor.

Once adequately dried, store the food in clean, sterile plastic bags at between 40-70 ? F (5-20 ? C). The food should be fairly brittle once properly dried. If you want to apply a degree of science to the process you could analyze the actual moisture content of the food, per individual food type or category, and through a process of trial and error you could determine exactly what your targeted final moisture contents should be per individual food type and what the normal solar application would be to achieve those levels.

A further enhancement to the dehydration process would be to either vacuum pack the dried foods or even package the foods using gaseous nitrogen flush to eliminate oxygen, thereby extending the shelf life of the food, although both of these add-on techniques will have an associated cost.

Spam, the Meat From Hormel - Yes, It Really Is Meat

What do you do with all the left over meat from a pig that no one wants after the choice bits have been taken off?

If you are George A. Hormel Company, you form it into a loaf, add a few spices and call it Spam.

Seeing thousands of pig shoulders (the parts no one wants) piling up in the warehouse back in 193, one of the company's executives came up with a novel idea. Why not chop the meat up, add spices, a little bit of the better meats and gelatin made from the pigs leftover skin and bones? It could be formed into a brick, put in a can and remain edible for months without refrigeration.

They tried it and it worked. Hormel's Spiced Ham was born.

But other pork packers, seeing the success Hormel was having getting rid of their leftover piggie parts, started selling their own piggie loafs. Hormel offered $100 for anyone who could come up with a good name to set their meat brick apart on the shelf. Spam was submitted by the brother of one of the employees. Spiced Ham = Spam.

Everyone claims to hate the stuff, but about 30% of all American households have a can in the cupboard right now. Even so, chances are the "pink brick of meat encased in a gelatinous coating" as one writer described it, would not still be around today if not for a little thing called World War II.

Cheap, portable and never needing refrigeration, Spam was the ideal product to send into battle. It was nicknamed "the ham that didn't pass its physical" and many GI's swore they would never touch the stuff after they got home.

They lied. Sales of Spam shot up dramatically in the years after the war. Today Americans consume 3.8 cans of the stuff every second, or 122 million cans a year. That's more than 5 billion cans since 1937.

Contrary to urban legend, there are no pigs lips, eyes, ears, tails or naughty bits in Spam - just pork shoulder, ham, salt, sugar and sodium nitrate.

Hormal, flush with the success of Spam released at least more slightly less successful canned meats - Spiced Chicken and Spiced Fish. Perhaps their failure was due to the names - and I am NOT making this up - "Spicken" and "Spish."

Seven Most Common Toxins Found in the Human Body

No matter how hard you try, a small amount of toxins in your body is common. Every food that we eat or drink, or the air we breathe, the place we live in. chemicals and pesticides, or exposure to the bacteria's and viruses from food and environment, etc causes constant exposure to the toxins which are easily absorbed by the body. We can divide the causes of toxins as due to internal as well as external source. The external sources are mostly food that we eat, the air that we breathe pesticides etc. But body also adds a reserve of toxins due to indigestion, or improper metabolism etc.
Some of the commonly found toxins in your body, tissues and cells are as follows-

1. Sugar- white sugar that we commonly consume in our tea, coffee and other delicacies is refined sugar. It has nothing nutritional about its presence except add calories and lead to diabetes. Rightly called as the 'White death' it is always better that we reduce the amount of sugar we consume on a daily basis.

2. Free Radical toxins- fruits and vegetables when left open turn yellow, or brown. We all have noticed apple turning brown when cut and left open, or banana turning brown, etc. This is the process of natural oxidation which when consumed is adding toxins in your body.

3. Caffeine- Beverages like coffee surely give a 'high' and freshness. This is very addictive and the person longs for such stimulation. Caffeine is known to cause irregularities in heart beat if consumed for long leading to increased caffeine accumulation in the body. It also causes mood swings and anxiety disorder.

4. Accumulation of LDL cholesterol from fatty and oily food causes atherosclerosis, and heart ailments, increased BP.

5. Pesticides- consuming traces of pesticides is common when you buy vegetables and fruits from the market. Prefer to choose organic food, since these are not pesticide exposed. Also always wash your fruits and vegetables well before easting or cooking.

6. Fluoride toxicity - though fluoride does have its benefits like strengthening of the teeth and dental care, chronic exposure to fluoride is highly toxic and can cause serious repercussions. Children who easily swallow toothpaste (fluoride is a common ingredient in traces in toothpaste) causes GI disturbances. It is also known to cause weakening of the muscular-skeletal system, thus increasing chances and risks of fracture, ill effects on kidney, liver damage, etc.

7. Aluminum toxicity- Aluminum is commonly used in a number of items that we use daily. Whether its food packing, or foil paper wrapping, medicines, soaps and other hygiene products or even processed food, all have a little quantity of aluminum. Many are not aware of how aluminum can be adding toxins to your body. Aluminum is found in cake mixes, baking powder, self raising flour, or some pickles, processed cheese contain aluminum. Aluminum is also found in shampoos, and antiperspirants. Many people cook in aluminum vessels. Food reacts and absorbs the aluminum easily, thus intake of aluminum in this case is very easy. Aluminum toxicity causes gastro intestinal problems, rickets, headaches, decrease in kidney and liver functions, speech and memory loss, muscular aches and wasting etc.

Quick Hippy Bread

Growing up in the 60's was really a rather beneficial experience for me. Not only did it afford me an opportunity to become a bit self reliant but it also gave me the background needed to feel secure in any endeavor which I undertook. In those days money was not a very plentiful asset and I often found it necessary to skimp on living expenses. Here is the result of one of my best means of saving money.

Even today the taste of this inexpensive bread is appreciated by all who taste it. Couple the great taste with the low cost to make it and you end up with an instant family hit. To make this "hippy" bread you will need two coffee cans which ultimately will make you two loaves of bread. You need not be concerned with kitchen utensils for measuring the ingredients, as the cans themselves will serve nicely. I would use the three pound coffee can to do my measuring and the one pound for the actual baking.

First you should mix up your wet ingredients using the following products:

1 1/2 cup of warm water
2 packages of pre-measured yeast
1 tablespoon of white flour
1 tablespoon of sugar

Proceed by mixing the above items in one can. For a variety you could add different flavorings such as a few spoonfuls of molasses or brown sugar. As a hint for those who may not have milk readily available you can always use a cooked potato that has been run through a food processor or blender. This will easily take the place of milk in the recipe.

Our next task will be to combine the wet mix that we created above with those ingredients listed below. Take one level can of white flour and knead into the wet product. In the old days just any inexpensive white flour was used however, today we could employ the bread flour or even wheat to provide an even healthier and tastier final product. You will now add the following ingredients to the mix:

A pinch of salt
1 /8 can of a good quality powdered milk or a potato as advised above
Several small boxes of raisins
Feel free to add wheat germ, nuts or dried dates

Continue to mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl combining it with the wet mix. Blend it together well until it is uniform in texture. If you have bananas or any sort of fruit available you can add it to the mixture at this time as you finish up your mixing. Finally let the kneaded mixture rise in a warm place until it has almost doubled. This may take from one to several hours. While waiting for the dough to raise you should grease the cans lightly.

After the dough has risen properly sprinkle some flour atop your counter and knead the dough a second time. Turn your bread dough over on the floured counter and knead it by pushing the top down and gently folding the edges up on the top once again. You should knead the dough for about 15 minutes. Once completed your dough should be round and springs slightly when pushed.

I want to inform you at this time of a few hints to making this hippy bread. First make certain that your cans are greased well. Divide up your dough and knead each half into balls and than place them into the two coffee cans. Let the dough rise once again in the cans until it doubles again in size.

Preheat your oven to 390 degrees. When your bread has reached the proper size, place the can upright in your preheated kitchen oven and bake for one hour. If you happen to be using the three pound can it might take a bit longer. After removing from the oven let your bread sit for 10 minutes to cool. Using oven mitts or a pot holder swirl the can in your hands and like magic your bread should slowly slide out of the can.

Copyright @2011 Joseph Parish
http://www.survival-training.info

Potato Chips - Scrumptious Snack With Assorted Flavours

People all around the world enjoy potato chips as it is one of the favourite snacks. It is considered the universal snack loved by people of all ages. Though there are controversies regarding the health issues of this delicious snack, today there are a number of manufacturers who are engaged in the production of chips which are far healthier.

All about These Delicious Snack

Potato chips found its early origin in Saratoga Springs, New York in the year 1853. It was actually a slight variation or a make over from the thick French fries to light and crispy potato fries. Invented by George Crum, a cook in Saratoga Springs, this delicious snack proved to be the best tasty snack in the world.

Potato chips happen to be one of the most popular and leading snack not just in India but in many of the western countries. It is known by different names in different countries. There are many leading brand names associated with the production of chips. Some of the most popular names which are synonymous with chips include Lays, Ruffle, Bingo and so forth.

It is quite easy to identify potato chips as it is sliced in thin layers and fried to form crispy wafers. It is also known as wafers in some of the countries. It is dark around the edges and is crispy in texture. Though there are many companies that manufacture chips of various tastes and flavours, it can also be made at home. Home made chips are delicious with just the right amount of calories. Nevertheless, it is important to know how to fry them.

It is known by the name potato chips in the United States though it is known as crisps in U.K and other countries. Different varieties of chips give a different calorie count.

Different Types of Potato Chips

The first chips were known as Saratoga chips which were invented by George Crum. Later on it underwent a number of transformations and came to known by different names. One of the most popular brands includes Lays which was named after Herman Lay in the year 1932.

Today it is available in different flavours including classic salted, barbeque, cream and onion, tangy tomato, pudina punch, magic masala, spicy chips and so forth. With the collaboration of Indian tastes, many new varieties of different tastes have been launched in the markets today. The Indian spicy treats are being incorporated to the existing version of potato chips giving a whole new taste to this delicious snack.

Another variety of potato chips is the Pringles, which is made by cooking and mashing potatoes. It is then dehydrated. Pringles are also available in different flavours such as salted, spicy, red chilli and masala.

A variety of potato chips can be bought from many of the online stores at comparatively reasonable rates in bulks. It is important to buy chips which are cooked in fat free oil so as to ensure that it is healthy. The low fat chips are quiet popular as it promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Population Increase Affects Both Ecosystems and the Food Chain

An ecosystem is generally understood to be the combination of biological, physical and chemical factors that makes up a particular locality and can be anything from a pond to a rainforest to a desert.

There are two components in an ecosystem, the abiotic components, such as sunlight, temperature, temperature, water or moisture and the soil chemistry, and the biotic, the living organisms from plants to insects, animals to people, all of which interact together.

Ecology is a way of describing how the the various component parts of an ecosystem interact and function whether it is the amount of energy produced by photosynthesis or how energy and materials flow along the food chain.

Energy transfers in a continuous cycle from growth to decay and back throughout an ecosystem and the rate at which it does so depends on a number of factors. However, energy transfer through the food chain becomes more inefficient as it develops from what is called primary producer level (plants) through herbivore primary consumer level and on to carnivore level.

This is all fine when the various elements of an ecosystem are in balance and functioning well together but it doesn't take much to destabilise it.

Climate changes, such as prolonged drought or rainfall, can affect the balance or a change in the animal population so that perhaps there are too many predators that can be supported in a given area.

Human activity has arguably one of the most significant impacts on an ecosystem in a variety of ways. Once an area of land is being used for a specific purpose, such as farming, it can lead to several problems.

Once populations begin to collect in communities and the economic system depends more and more on urbanised living, along with greater scientific understanding of public health and medicine, the death rate declines and the population begins to grow.

This puts more pressure on those working the land to produce food to become more efficient and again innovations like farming machinery - and eventually methods such as chemical and mineral-based pesticides and fertilisers have to be used to control pests and crop diseases and increase the yield from the land.

Meanwhile ever newer and more "efficient" farming methods create a hostile environment for wildlife, including pests and for their natural predators, perhaps because the areas where they live and shelter such as hedges have been removed to allow for larger farm vehicles to operate efficiently.

Equally too intensive farming means that there is no time for the land to recover and restore nutrients naturally through the cycle of growth and decay. The human population continues to grow as life expectancy and birth rates increase and add to the stress on the ecosystem.

It is the result of many centuries of such "improvements" in food production and in population survival and growth that has led to current worries about food scarcity and the need for farmers to increase food production.

But it has also become clear that increasing food production has to be done in a sustainable way as the drawbacks of previous farming methods have become evident, not only because of the effects of the residues of some of the old generation of fertilisers on human health but also because of the damage that has been caused to the ecosystems in which they have been used.

Hence the current emphasis on sustainable farming methods and integrated pest management but if the world is to support a population expected to reach more than 9 billion by 2050 without further damage to the world's ecosystems something has to change.

Biopesticides developers have been in the forefront of the search for solutions, researching more natural (aka low-chem) agricultural products - using natural ingredients to create biopesticides and yield enhancers that will both protect the land and help increase yields from the finite amount of land available by minimising the waste caused by crops lost to diseases and predators.

It is the work of such innovators that will hold the key to providing enough food and protecting the land and its vulnerable ecosystems for the future.

Organising the All Important Christmas Dinner

It's almost Christmas, so it will not be long before the family clan are gathered around the table once more for the highlight of the day; the Christmas dinner! And this meal is always worth looking forward to. There will be friendly banter, merriment and heaps of delicious grub. It's just a shame that Christmas only happens once every year!

Here are a few of our favourite parts of this 'festive chowdown' -

Crackers and Party Poppers

No Christmas dinner would be complete without the presence of crackers! Of course, if you want them to contain anything half-decent, then you will need to spend quite a lot of money...

The good old Christmas cracker will often contain a silly hat (normally too large or too small), a joke that isn't funny and either a green plastic ring or a 'fortune telling' fish. None of these are the world's most exciting items, but everyone would certainly be up in arms if they were absent from the table!

Tableware

Christmas is the time when all of that coveted cutlery and crockery is used! It's so much nicer to eat from the most attractive plates and with the best knives and forks.

And if you have been thinking about updating your tableware, then this is a great time to go shopping! Unless, of course, someone was to hear about how much you would like to receive a new set of plates for Christmas...

Turkey

Just imagine sitting down to your Christmas dinner and not having turkey on your plate. Unspeakable!

It's a funny old thing, isn't it? We use a significant amount of it for our actual meal, yet there is always plenty left. Once it has been put in the fridge it just seems to last forever! Turkey sandwiches must be the world's most common post-Christmas snack!

Lurking turkey... maybe this is how the name, 'Turkey Lurkey' came about???

Pudding

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without this scrumptious dessert to follow the main course. Yum yum! When you think about how much we all love our Christmas pudding, it makes you wonder why we only eat it once every twelve months.

And then there is the added bonus of wondering who will find the sixpence in their bowl... although this could be viewed as a potential choking hazard. In fact, there is probably a 'Sixpence in the Christmas Pudding' EU regulation in place these days...

Nigella Lawson: A Potted History and Brief Introduction

Nigella Lawson is one of the most prolific TV chefs in the UK and her success in the UK has transferred smoothly to the US market too. Nigella is the daughter of the former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, a very high-ranking politician from the conservative government of the 80's. Not content to trade on her father's reputation and social status, she embarked upon a career in journalism before turning freelance writer.

Nigella leapt to prominence after she published her first cookbook entitled "How To Eat". This was her breakthrough moment. It sold 300,000 copies and was followed up by "How To Be A Domestic Goddess" which led to a TV series being commissioned in 2000. Nigella Bites was the name of that TV series and it went to air on Channel 4 (UK Terrestrial TV). The TV show was a hit and another best-selling book, Nigella Bites was published on the back of that success.

Nigella's popularity continued to rise in Britain and abroad, and then in 2006 her cooking show called Nigella Feasts debuted in the USA. This show was sold to numerous other countries and demonstrated that Nigella's popularity was now widespread. Christmas Kitchen was the next TV success and shortly after that the BBC commissioned "Nigella Express". This series of cookery shows led to another book by the same name.

When you consider what's behind Nigella's success, it's probably the fact that Nigella takes a straight forward no fuss approach to cooking and eating. Her recipes are a realistic option for busy wives and mothers who simply don't have time to source and prepare the fancy ingredients used by other TV chefs. Indeed, "Nigella Express", was aimed specifically at those who are challenged for time.

Nigella's popularity is doubtless also enhanced by her personal attitude to food. She believes that food is to be enjoyed as much for the social aspects of eating, as well as the taste. Much of the attention Nigella receives comes from her looks. She is widely regarded as a beautiful woman, often being described as "sexy" and "curvy" and frequently featuring high up the usual lists of beautiful women.

The remarkable thing about Nigella is that she has no formal training as a chef, which again leads her hordes of fans to believe that if she can do it, they can do it too. What is more, they can, and they frequently do. If you've never tried a Nigella Lawson recipe, I urge you to give it a go, you won't regret it.

Orange Chicken Chinese Recipe History

Orange Chicken is a Chinese/North American dish believed to be of Chinese Hunan origin. Hunan cuisine is one of the eight regional cuisines of China and is well known for its hot spicy flavor, fresh aroma and deep color. Common cooking techniques include stewing, frying, pot-roasting, braising, and smoking. Ingredients for Hunan dishes are many and varied. Hunan menus generally change with the season. Cool dishes in summer, hot dishes in the winter.

North American orange/lemon chicken comes in wide variety of "formats". It can be in almost any form that chicken has been cooked. This would include, fried, diced, chopped, and battered.... and of course the batter can also vary widely. Then add the topping or sauces. These too, have many possibilities. The basis of course of the toppings is orange, or an orange / lemon flavored sauce. When these toppings "caramelize" (become brownish in colour and sweet) the appearance is very mouth watering and one is usually never surprised at how good the orange chicken recipe tastes.

There is also no set rule about cooking except to make sure it is completely cooked. (no pink meat). You may roast, smoke, stew, bake, or fry it. Fried chicken is without a doubt, one of the most popular chicken dishes in American. Make it orange chicken and you have just moved everything up a notch or two. Add spices and other garnishing to taste. It is highly probable that a person from China, may not easily recognize the North American, "Orange Chicken" dish. (also sometimes called - orange peel chicken or tangerine chicken.... and keep in mind that a version of orange chicken is done with lemon, with the rest of the recipe and cooking methods being compatible.

Orange chicken is usually deep-fried first and then stir-fried in a sauce which is often soy based. Western cooking styles usually include considerably more sugar than would be traditionally used in China. The sauce would be flavored with chopped dried or fresh orange peels. The garnish is usually vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, parsley, or whatever the cook may feel will taste and look appealing. By simply putting the orange chicken on a bed of rice, you can provide a simple yet delicious tasting and great looking complete meal for your family or dinner guests. Top it all off with your favorite wine and light a candle or two - and look out - you have an elegant meal.

Enjoy!

Philippine Food

Filipino food or Philippine food is mainly the best thing that a Filipino can truly love during meal time. Some maybe salty, some maybe sour, some maybe spicy or some maybe bitter. Filipino food has a tang of different flavors - Chinese, Mexican, Spanish, American, Malay and Indian. It has a variety of food ranging from simple meals to wholesome rich cuisines. Filipinos consume three meals a day - Almusal or Breakfast, Tanghalian or Lunch and Hapunan or Dinner. Merienda or snack is sometimes done during in between meals.

The type and flavor of food eaten varies in different areas of the Philippines. The important food in some areas is rice but some are cassava. Although at every meal, rice is available.

Filipinos are very resourceful when it comes to cooking. They use a method that can impart flavor's aroma. In the province, knowing the society today, they use clay pots and coal stoves to cook a meal. With this, they are also fond of ihaw or roasting on coal.

Sour and salty flavors overshadow Filipino cooking. Example of this is Sinigang dish. Pork, shrimp or fish is slightly boiled in sour stock of vegetables and fish sauce or patis as Filipinos call it. Fish is the best admired when it is raw and enjoyed most when it is in the form of kilawin (vinaigrette), inihaw (grilled) or just stuffed with onions and covered in a banana leaf.

Adobo in Filipino cuisine refers to a common cooking process indigenous to the Philippines. When the Spanish assail the Philippines in the late 16th century through Mexico City, they found a natural cooking process that involved stewing with vinegar. They referred to this method as "adobo". Over time, dishes prepared in this manner came to be known by this name as well. This also had become famous globally.

Coconut milk is the main ingredient among Philippine cooking. Bicol Express is one example that Filipinos can offer. When it is cooked, meat and vegetables are cooked in coconut milk. Added by finger like green peppers chopped in small pieces. By this, it gives a unique flavor to it.

Some of the popular ingredients that can be found in the Filipino cuisine are coconut, chilies, Chinese sausages, garlic, onion, mushrooms, ginger, tomatoes, pandan leaf (screw pine) and tanglad (lemon grass).

Filipinos are known to be festive people and their celebration would not be complete without drinking lambanog. Lambanog is a native alcohol beverage that is made from tuba or distilled sugar cane. But of course, beer is always their option. Drinking lambanog will not be complete without pulutan or finger food to compliment it. Some popular choices are chicharon (popped pork skin), adidas (saut?d or grilled chicken feet) andmani (roasted or boiled peanuts). But most of the time, pulutan are left over food.

The best part of all, Filipinos use their hands to eat.

New Beers Designed for the LGBT Community

Today, it seems like there's a beer for everything. There are beers for every season, from spring to winter. There are beers to commemorate specific events or to celebrate historic milestones. Yes, there certainly does seem to be a brew to fit all occasions. Recently, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community even got their own brews - two beers targeted specifically at this growing community.

The company behind this push is Minerva Brewing, located in Mexico. Minerva released two specific beers in their Artisan Honey Ales line - Salamandra Artisanal Cerveza and Purple Hand Beer. The two names were chosen specifically for their references within the LGBT community - they're drawn from the rainbow flag, as well as from the 1969 boycott of the San Francisco Examiner. Both of these beers are brewed with organic honey and all-natural ingredients, but it is hardly the ingredients that are making headlines.

Interestingly, the labels on both types of beer are designed to be easily removed and used to show pride and support within the LGBT community. Already, the beers have made a big impact in the Mexican market. They're being served in bars from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City and all points in between. The company has plans for the future, as well. There's a strawberry beer in the works, and a Purple Hand bar is being constructed, as well.

Already, the brewery has reported enormous demand for both beers from the international market, most notably from the US and from Europe. Currently, neither option is available outside of Mexico, but given the growing demand, it is only a matter of time before they can be purchased Stateside. Of course, this isn't the first time that the LGBT community and the world of craft beers have intersected. In fact, partnerships between these two communities have become increasingly common. Consider the St Kilda Pride March co-sponsored by Anita Brewing in Victoria, Australia.

The march is an annual event held in the town, and draws an enormous number of people. This year, Anita Brewing will be providing the alcohol for the after event, held at a local park. There are many other instances of cooperation between the LGBT community and craft brewers, as well. If the results of Minerva Brewing's latest additions to the beer market are as big as expected, you can certainly expect to see more such offerings and cooperative events, as well.

Poto Cervesia,
Dustin Canestorp

Maqui Berry Can Help You to Improve Your Immune System

Are you aware of the fact that your immune system can be improved with the help of the Maqui berry? Yes, this is absolutely true because the health benefits available in this berry are wide, and often when compared with acai berry, it has been seen that the benefits of Maqui berry surpasses that of acai berry. It is mostly consumed in the form of a juice which is extracted from the white flower in this type of berry tree. In fact, the immune system of the body improves because this fruit is rich in vitamin A. the amount of vitamin A present in this fruit is much more than any other fruits or vegetables.

Apart from that, this type of berry is very rich in antioxidants due to which the physical condition of the body improves automatically. Naturally this is inter-related because when the immune system is improved, the overall health of the body would certainly improve. It also detoxifies the harmful chemicals present in the body due to which it is a great health supplements. If you can add this fruit in your regular diet, it would help you to stay active and healthy. It would also work wonders for your skin because of the anti-ageing properties present in it.

The free radicals in the body promote the growth of cancer cells. These free radicals are extremely harmful, and common people are not much aware of these free radicals or their harmful effects. The immune system is also destroyed by these free radicals. This berry has properties that can fight effectively against these free radicals, and largely promote the improvement of the free radicals. Consequently, the cardio-vascular health is also improved with the help of the Maqui berry. Many diseases are kept at bay by means of these berries.

Lao Festivals - Boun Pee Mai Lao - Lao New Year

Renewal in April: Boun Pee Mai Lao

The myths and legends about the creation of the Lao people are vividly and prominently recounted and replayed during each Lao New Year Festival in ancient Nakone Louang Prabang. Nowadays they form more than ever the substance of this ritual without the competing presence of a king. Their origin lies in Spiritualism, a firm bond with the spirit world guiding and intervening in every aspect of daily life. It dates back in time to before the gods, to the time of the creation of the Lao. Human intuition has nurtured and entertained it ever since. They predate by eons such man made concepts like Monarchy, Religion, Capitalism, Communism, Constitution and so on. History and a people who are so firmly rooted and rest so securely in the knowledge of their origin pass such temporal phenomena with an annotation in the Annals of Human Pretensions and a cosmic shrug.

The 'Great City' Prabang, the former royal capital and cultural center to this day, was named after its guardian Buddha statue, the Prabang, a gift from the King of Angkor. In former times this statue symbolised the king's guardianship over the Buddhist religion in return for the Buddhist Sangha's legitimisation of the monarchy as founded in a mythical past. This mutually beneficial entrepreneurship used to be happily consecrated anew each April.

The Origin of the Lao People

Re-enacted every Lao New Year in Louang Prabang

The traditional celebration of New Year in Louang Prabang has become a huge local tourist affair. On this merry occasion the sleepy town of 30,000 souls is inundated by some 300,000 visitors for The Big Party. In the West, New Year celebrates the successful passage of time for those still alive and welcomes the challenge of a new year to give it another shot. Here it used to be both a serious and joyous event, the most important of the year, lasting three days. It's the occasion to return home for the customary annual family feast. The first day serves the contemplation of the passed year's events, the planting, harvesting and thanksgiving; the middle day is for visiting relatives' and friends' homes while the third day welcomes the New Year. It's time for renewal of physical and spiritual energy to face all the coming uncertainties. What better way to make merit in Louang Prabang than to take out your homestay Buddhas, dust them off, sprinkle them with scented water and carry them over to Wat Mai, the 'New Temple', for a blessing. Here the Prabang has been enthroned for the occasion to be inundated with water by means of a veritable irrigation system constructed to accommodate the thousands of merit makers. This obviously has nothing to do with atheist Buddhism but certainly provides a feel-good factor, a much needed boost, to face this unavoidable new adventure, to enter the new year on a spiritual high. After all, another year has passed which means there is one less to go! That's certainly reason enough to be happy, to celebrate one's luck; we are making good time.

Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar of Himayana Buddhist tradition definitely suffer from their New Year festivals which have gotten seriously out of hand. It was meant for gently pouring a small cup of blessed and perfumed water over each other's shoulder accompanied by one's best New Year wishes and blessings on the auspicious, third day. Instead, it's been turned into an unreal water battle in the streets, lasting for up to two weeks. It's all about the indiscriminate use of plastic pump guns of astonishing sizes and colours, water hoses, cruising pickups loaded with water tanks and screaming people, iced water, dirty river water, coloured water. Raving madness reigns in the streets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is now actively promoting abroad this horror spectacle as a tourist event. Totally devoid of its original meaning of making-merit it is to be avoided like the vulgarity of a Cologne Carnival. Wise men and women choose to escape to Mahayana Buddhist countries like China and Vietnam or to Muslim Malaysia, the Christian Philippines or the Hindu island of Bali.

Lose Your Weight by Using Maqui Berry Products

Are you tired of looking out for ways through which you can lose your weight? It is true that there are plenty of ways by means of which weight can be lost, but the question that often arises is the effectiveness of these ways. There are several natural substances available through which you can control your weight, and one of the most natural ways is to include Maqui berry in your diet. It is unbelievable that the inclusion of Maqui berry in your diet would certainly help you to lose weight effectively. In fact, it has been known since time immemorial that the natives largely used this fruit in their diet for plenty of benefits.

Scientific research was made, and it has been found that this type of berry is one of the most popular products for weight loss. In fact, the market today is largely flooded with weight loss products, and often you would find that Maqui berry has been used as one of the most popular ingredients in these products. They are rich in antioxidants due to which they have the capacity to burn fats and promote the growth of muscles in the body. Apart from that, the presence of omega 3, 6 and 9 can help in maintaining the overall physical condition of the body largely improved.

This berry is also a detoxifying agent due to which it can easily flush out the harmful chemical toxins from the body. These harmful toxins in the body often result in excessive weight. Naturally, when these are consumed either through juice or just as a fruit, the chemical toxins are released helping you to lose weight. It is also quite rich in vitamin E due to which the excessive fat remains under control. Thus, if you have not tried using this fruit, you can give a try.

Machinery in Food Processing and Beverages For Enhanced Production

It has been established in all related segments of these industries that modern technology in the shape of high tech machinery for production of ethnic and innovative products at a towering speed with hygiene and international standards, is the imperative road to success. In relation to the whole processing chain in food processing and beverages, the developing technology is now playing unavoidable role, whether it be processing technology, food safety and quality management, packaging technology, automation, operating materials, environmental technology, components, assemblies, cooling equipments etc. The Industry, giving a regular and positive response, is finding that the latest machinery are leading towards improved production in cost effective manner.

Along with the acceptance of machinery manufactured in India, industry players are finding the foreign technology from German, Italy, Switzerland, European countries, USA, Taiwan, and China etc. quit suitable for Indian atmosphere and their requirements. According to the foreign manufacturers and Indian companies, dealing in export and import of machinery to India, the Indian Food Processing and beverages industry is filled with far above the ground opportunities. They are continuously exploring to sell their latest machines and equipments to all kinds of small, medium and big industry players. Also, the Indian technology and its high tech machinery are trying profoundly to reach world standards through better acceptance and use resulting into high quality production. Still there is huge gap, in this concern, between big industry players and smaller ones, due to many constraints like lack of finance, weak guidance, and imbalanced marketing attitudes etc. restricted them from joining the mainstream. Despite the above constraint, the middle and small industry segment is taking deep interest in this direction with efforts to reach a reasonable level.

There have been focuses on more hygienic way of production, which can give consistent products in terms of quality. Once automation takes place, consistency comes into focus. More the consistency, the better is the product. These are innovation challenges, being brought into the industry and industry is responding in positive way regarding these challenges. Two of the important aspects to be considered well before opting for any technology are:

a. Availability of raw material.
b. The readiness in the market.

These factors are vital to encourage the practical acceptance of latest machinery. Such holistic approach strengthens the projects and the results, enhancing the percentage of overall growth rate. Technologies should make the projects completely up and going. The agencies should take care of organizational support to the customers i.e. regarding raw material, market build and manpower etc.

Pizza - Why It's a Near-Perfect Food

Whether you want a big meal or something light, pizza is a very good choice. It doesn't matter if you're a veggie lover or only want to eat meat, this type of pie works for just about everyone. Explore a number of reasons why people like this Italian food so much.

Very healthy
When you want something good to eat, you have a lot of choices. However, there are very few foods that seem like the perfect choice. Pizza is a great thing to eat, can be really satisfying, as well as healthy. Many people don't seem to think of this food as extremely healthy, but it's all in how you make it. For example, you can get something with extra vegetables, and exclude the meat, so that you have a nice, healthy, filling meal. Also tomato sauce is very good for you. So when you feel like you might be cheating on your diet, remember that pizza can be made to your specifications.

Extremely filling
Curbing your hunger can seem like a difficult task sometimes. Yet, if you decide to get pizza, you can feel satisfied without overdoing it. For example, a cheese slice does not hold a ton of calories. This way you can enjoy a nice hot meal and not feel like you're going to wreck your diet. If you add a salad to it you will feel even more satisfied. Just simply take your time, decide on your toppings, and you're sure not to feel hungry anytime soon.

Easy to get
When ordering food, you don't want things to be complicated. That's why getting pizza is an ideal choice. All you have to do is either call your nearest pizzeria, or if you'd like, you can stop by a particular restaurant and sit down for a bit. Either way, getting a good slice is almost effortless. In addition, you can get something that everyone likes.

For example, some people like all meat. On the other hand, others may only like vegetables. The great thing about this food is that you can get half and half. This way, everyone is happy. Furthermore, there are some restaurants that offer a variety of deals on their pies. And if you have a big family, deciding what's for dinner is a snap.

Affordable
If your money is tight, it's easy to get with a number of people and have them pitch in for a good pizza. This way, everyone can eat and not break their pockets. Many places offer sodas, breadsticks and even salad.

So for just a few bucks, you can enjoy a delicious meal and feel really satisfied. In addition, there are some places that offer pizza by the slice. This is even easier for some folks, especially if they don't have a lot of friends that could pitch in for food. So whatever the case may be, you won't go hungry if you decide to eat this type of food for your meal.

Where To Find Some Smashing Pubs

In an age where a worrying number of pubs are closing down every week, it is reassuring to discover that Norfolk still has a wonderful selection of inns.

It has not escaped the scourge of pub closures, and every so often you can read in the local newspapers how another village has lost its pub, or residents are campaigning to keep their local hostelry open.

But in most Norfolk villages you will still find a welcoming local pub, probably not too far away from any of the North Norfolk hotels you may be staying in. The pub will serve you an excellent pint of beer and in many cases a fine meal to go with it.

It is not just in the villages and small market towns where there are good pubs. The county capital, Norwich, is famed for its pubs and many of the landlords are suppor-tive of local brewers and will have one or more local beers on sale at any one time.

Wander down any of the lanes and side alleys of Norwich and you will soon stumble across a real ale pub.

If you are new to the Norfolk area, don't be afraid to ask at the reception of any of the hotels North Norfolk has for a recommendation of a good local pub, or which brand of local beer you should sample.

Several Norfolk hotels and a number of the Norfolk luxury hotels support the local micro-brewing industry and will gladly offer you a pint that has been brewed in the same village or just a few miles away.

Many pubs have their own beer festival in the summer so if you are in the area it's worth going along to one of those to sample a variety of the beer on offer. For many people who enjoy a pint of ale, drinking beer that has been brewed nearby only serves to enhance the experience and the flavours.

In the summer, there will be tables and chairs set outside pubs where drinkers can mingle on a warm evening and discuss the day's events over a beer while in the winter, you can be sure that the fire will be blazing away in the hearth. And to match the season, local brewers usually oblige with seasonal ales - light beer in the warmth of summer and a heavier and stronger dark beer to enjoy on a chilly evening.

Why Is a Chemical Laden Product Harmful to Your Body? - Free Radicals and What Harm They Cause

We are bombarded with chemical laden products today. It can be hard to know what is okay and what is causing us harm. These chemicals form free radicals in the body. These are toxins that attack our bodies at the cellular level, causing them to not work properly. Free radicals come from a variety of products from processed foods to treated water. They are also found in the air, put there by chemical waste producing factories and automobiles. They can be blamed with all kinds of ailments, including obesity. This is why many believe that you can detox obesity with herbs.

Herbs are often used to detox the body from free radicals. Many herbs contain flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. They work by attaching themselves to free radicals and neutralizing them. Thus, they are rendered powerless. Others work to cleanse the colon. This means they cause frequent bowl movements that are believed to remove toxins from the body. This type of detoxification is the most common way to detox obesity with herbs. The more chemical laden products we bring into our homes, the higher the buildup of toxins will be in our bodies. This buildup causes significant sluggishness, as well as a general unwell feeling.

Most of the time products used to detox obesity with herbs, or just in an herbal cleansing, are in the form of herbal tea. There are also pill forms of many herbs available, and they serve the same purpose. Many find it more pleasant to use the tea, as sipping a cup of hot tea seems more natural than taking a pill, and is relaxing in its own right. If beginning a detox process to rid your body of chemicals causing it to not work correctly, consider staying in for a few days as you can feel tired and ill in the beginning.

Chemical laden products are harmful to our bodies in more ways than one. The buildup of free radicals they cause can make organs work inefficiently as well as cause obesity and poor blood flow. Through detoxification and beginning a lifestyle that includes a diet free of chemicals, it is possible to reverse the effects of the toxins. Whether you begin to detox obesity with herbs, or simply want a fresh start with a clean body, discuss methods with your doctor before hand. They will give you a thorough exam to ensure there are no underlying issues, and they may want to monitor your progress.

My Top 5 Superfruits

All fruit contains vitamins and minerals that are vital to maintaining a healthy body but 'superfruits' boast exceptionally high nutritional value. More than that superfruits are extremely rich in antioxidants that have been proven to help fight diseases, such as cancer. Below are my top 5 superfruits and why they are so important.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates have become the buzz word in the superfruit world and many celebrity chefs have been making use of the ruby coloured fruit over the last few years. Why are they so popular? Pomegranates contain three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine and are also high in Vitamin C, fibre, potassium and calcium. It's also thought that pomegranate juice may reduce cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.

Acai Berry

Red wine is renowned for its antioxidant properties and Acai berries are thought to contain 10 to 33 times more antioxidants than grapes used in red wines. Like all superfruits the grape sized Acai berry can protect against cancer but has also been found to improve mental alertness and memory.

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help fight cancer, improve vision and brain function and prolong the aging process. But recent research has also found that the fibre in blueberries can help prevent intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Eat with probiotics, the good bacteria found in yoghurt, to boost the effect.

Goji Berry

The Goji berry, or wolfberry, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicines to protect the liver, boost eyesight and the immune system and improve circulation. It has become a popular superfruit in recent years for its superior anti-aging properties. The berries contain a wide range of antioxidants and vitamins such as Vitamins C, B1, B2, E and zinc, iron and calcium, to name a few.

Kiwi

Kiwi fruits contain more Vitamin C than an orange, as much potassium as a banana and are packed with flavonoids, the same antioxidant found in red wine. They are also a great source of magnesium, and vitamins A and E, which all help boost the immune system, protect against asthma and Alzheimer's disease.

Although these 'exotic' fruits aren't obtainable by fruit picking in the UK they are widely available in supermarkets, often in fresh and dried form.

Nespresso Coffee Capsules: A Shot of Gourmet Coffee Experience

What makes Nespresso coffee capsules unique and unrivaled?

I admit that in the past I was not the coffee enthusiast that I am today. But tasting one unforgettable Finezzo Lungo, one of Nespresso coffee capsules, made me a lover of coffee from then on.

With the brand's expertise in coffee, each capsule offers a rich choice of aroma and body that could satisfy even the most discerning taste. The newly developed packaging system seals the flavor and qualities from air, moisture and light. Coffee is always guaranteed fresh in every moment of consumption.

Although I only had it given, Nespresso capsules only cost $5.50 per box. Inside comes the assortment of flavors that offers a unique choice of aromatic notes and characteristics.

The 18 Grand Cru Coffee Blends for B2C home brewers:

7 Espresso: Blends:

Ristretto- powerful and contrasting

Arpeggio- Intense and Creamy

Roma- full and balanced

Volluto- sweet and fruity

Capriccio- rich and distinctive

Livanto- round and balanced

Cosi- light body with lemon hint

3 Pure Origins:

Duls?o- sweet and smooth

Rosabaya- fruity and balanced

Indriya- powerful and spicy

3 Lungos:

Finezzo Lungo- floral and refreshing

Vivalto Lungo- complex and balanced

Fortissio Lungo- rich and intense

3 Decaffeinated Drinks:

Decaffeinato Lungo- light and full flavored

Decaffeintao- fruity and delicate

Decaffeinato Intenso- dense and powerful

The 8 B2B Grand Cru Coffee Blends for Nespresso commercial coffee makers:

Ristretto:

Ristretto Origin India- intense and spicy

Ristretto- Full bodies and persistent

Espresso:

Espresso Forte- round and balance

Espresso Leggero- light and refreshing

Lungo:

Lungo Forte- elegant and roasted

Lungo Leggero- flowery and refreshing

Decaffeinato:

Espresso decaffeinato- dense and powerful

Lungo decaffeinato- velvety and aromatic

The recycling of the capsules

Aluminum is 100% recyclable material. The process would begin by separating of the aluminum from the coffee grounds at recyling centers in Switzerland. The aluminum is then melted down, while the coffee grounds are used as fertilizers. And so the cyle begins again.

For the chocolatey taste in coffee, you can go get this spellbinding combination with its delicate and full-bodied notes-- Nespresso choco variation capsules.

Nespresso Coffee Machines

The thimble-shaped capsules are used in tandem with cool-looking Nespresso espresso machines being one of the best coffee makers in the market today.