Amazing Facts About Matcha Powder You Need To Know

Uniquely produced in Japan, Matcha powder has been drunk as tea or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes, for along time now.

Production of the Japanese Matcha tea

The local farmers in Japan cultivate the tea using traditional methods starting with the growing to the grinding. It is known to be cultivated on the banks of Yahagi River, with a misty fog and a micro-climate conducive for it to grow. A few weeks before the harvest during the spring season, the tree plants are covered by use of bamboo mats. This reduces the sunlight that gets to the plants and at the same time increases the content of chlorophyll in the leaves thus offering the matcha green tea its distinctive green color.

Once it has been harvested, the tea is steamed before being air dried. The next step involves the sorting for grade before they are stems and veins are removed. In this stage, the leaves are known as tencha, and once it is ground, it is called matcha.

The stone mill grinds the tea grade version and this is finer as compared to the industrial version. Continue reading “Amazing Facts About Matcha Powder You Need To Know”

How to Reduce Fibrin in the Blood

Fibrin accumulation in the blood vessels may be a common disease among middle aged people but is nevertheless fatal causing heart attacks, arterial blockages, blood clot formation inside blood vessels and thickening of arterial walls thus causing high blood pressure.

The conditions like fibromyalgia, joint pain, inflammation etc brought about by the presence of excess fibrin should not be treated with pain killers. Pain killers will only help reduce the pain but do not assist in the healing process. Contrastingly, proteolytic enzymes act as the primary defense for bodies facing a chronic disease condition. It heals the body by acting upon the fibrin and thus reduces the symptoms like soreness and inflammation related to the presence of excess fibrin or thickening of the walls of the blood vessels. Also, it helps eliminate any trace of a chronic condition like joint pain or inflammation. Continue reading “How to Reduce Fibrin in the Blood”

A Memory of Kyoto

It’s often that chance encounters, the unplanned events, linger, long after the excursions and the sights of a particular trip have faded. It was in 1998 when my wife and I visited central Japan, basing ourselves in Kyoto, having availed ourselves of cheap flights from Bandar Seri Begawan, courtesy of Royal Brunei. I can place the date exactly, because it was during the early group stages of the 1998 World Cup in France. I can remember vividly watching television in a bar and seeing David Beckham being sent off in the game against Argentina. And on the evening that the Japanese team was eliminated, beaten by Croatia, it seemed that the whole nation cried. And then they all got up for work the next day as if nothing had happened, all hubris presumably having been publicly and duly dispatched.

But of course it’s the differences that the ephemeral traveller notices. We had done our research and were resolved to experience something quintessentially Japanese. An essential part of this was to stay in a traditional small hotel called a ryokan. We couldn’t manage to arrange it right away, but did manage more than a week in the place we had earmarked, which was Ryokan Yuhara, right on the canal banks at the southern end of the Philosophers’ Walk. We even managed a room at the front with a balcony, overlooking the water.

Continue reading “A Memory of Kyoto”

How to Tell Different Sushi Apart

There are several different kinds of food that fall under the all-encompassing category of what we as Americans refer to as ‘sushi’. The most commonly known variety, that of makizushi is a long roll consisting of rice, nori and fillings that has been cut into 6-8 pieces. Nigiri usually consists of just a piece of raw fish over a chunk of rice. Sashimi is just a piece of raw fish.

Makizushi is normally divided in two varieties. Futomaki, or ‘fat sushi’ consists of a layer of nori on the outside, then sticky rice, then at least two different fillings in the middle. Hosomaki, or ‘thin maki’ usually is consisted of just one ingredient in the middle, usually a piece of raw fish, although vegetables and fruits may be used. If the nori is rolled up inside the roll instead of showing on the outside, it is called uramaki, or inside-out maki. This was first done because Americans did not like seeing the green nori on the outside of the roll.

Some of the most common varieties of maki rolls have sprung up especially to appeal and satisfy Western palates and cuisine. These are not technically considered to be authentic Japanese sushi, but they are very popular and can be very tasty. Continue reading “How to Tell Different Sushi Apart”

Tea Facts – Why the Shape of the Japanese Tea Bowl Is So Important

Japanese tea sets are considered today as a status symbol in Japanese and Asian homes, and they come in certain shapes and a great variety of colors, sizes, and styles, both to give every tea enthusiast a fine tea-drinking experience and the chance to enjoy the creativity and ingenuity of the Japanese potters and artists in creating superior quality tea pots, tea bowls, and tea cups, which transcend both time and culture.

A Basic Guide to the Shapes of Japanese Tea Bowls

The relationship between Japanese tea bowls, also known as Chawan, and Japanese teas can be slightly compared to that of wines and wine glasses, or of beer and beer steins, in that their shapes, basically answer the preparation, serving requirement, and serving temperature needs of specific or certain varieties of Japanese tea, which, in effect, brings out the best flavor and aroma of the latter, as well as answer the needs of their user. Continue reading “Tea Facts – Why the Shape of the Japanese Tea Bowl Is So Important”

Facts About Koi Fish That You Need To Know

Hello koi fish fanatics, enthusiasts, and keepers! Whether you’re an old pro breeder or just neophyte, there will be always something new to know about this wonderful fish. Here are some amazing koi facts. Have fun folks!

The cultivated and domesticated genre of ordinary carp is Koi fish. This fish is most popular by its lovely colors that have been made through discerning breeding. This fish becomes the chosen pet for some pet lovers. There are more than 20 varieties of this fish that vary in color, patterns and kind of scales. Koi fish is originally from Eastern Asia. It dwells in fresh waters. Its beauty and increased popularity in the past century became the reason why koi can be situated in the ponds all over the world. Since koi is abundant and kept in private and personal aquacultures, it is not considered endangered species.

Koi for pet lovers

This fish can be as large as 3 feet in length, though the size of this kind varies on the living situations. Enough amount of food and oxygen and suitable temperature are essential for the proper growth of fish. Its color comes on varieties such as white, black, red, blue, cream and yellow. They are beautified with different spots. They can also be non-metallic or metallic. Continue reading “Facts About Koi Fish That You Need To Know”

How To Properly Clean Japanese Teapots

A properly-brewed cup of tea can practically give anyone joy and comfort, especially when you’re sick or during the cold season. And a beautiful and elegant teapot can definitely make teatime a more enjoyable experience.

However, teapots tend to become stained over time, either by the tea or by other mineral deposits from the water. These stains are not only unsightly, but can affect the overall taste of your tea. And because tea sets can be highly sensitive, you must know how to clean properly.

First to bear in mind is that you must never clean it using a dishwasher or with any harsh chemicals. Here are some household teapot cleaning tips:

Using A Soak Continue reading “How To Properly Clean Japanese Teapots”

Best Restaurants in Dubai

Over the period of a few years, Dubai has turned into a booming metropolitan city with various influences from cultures around the world. This can be seen not only in the people living there and the shops, but also in some of the best restaurants in Dubai. Some of the finest restaurants and chefs have taken their business to Dubai to provide visitors and inhabitants alike with a culinary experience beyond what they’ve ever imagined before.

At JW’s Steakhouse, they’ve taken the traditional steakhouse approach and put a luxurious spin on it. Head chef Luc Bonnaz has captured the essence and simplicity of traditional steakhouse food and added a sense of luxury. The types of food include classic Rib Eye Steak to various types of seafood. Located in the prestigious JW Marriott Hotel, the surroundings and the décor provide an inviting ambiance that is hard to match. A main course will cost around 40 USD, putting this restaurant in the high price category. Continue reading “Best Restaurants in Dubai”

A Story Of Japanese Aizu Jidori

The word “jidori” in Japanese means locally produced free-range chicken in each area of Japan.

It is an old-fashioned name and sounds like that the local chicken is really traditional strain kept in restricted area for long times,
therefor, Japanese restaurant owners and farmers want to call it jidori to obtain much more profit.

However, you know that not of all jidori brands advertised in Japan are really traditional strain with delicious taste.

Actually, some of the strain was newly generated from the progeny strain of various local chicken from various region of Japan, in addition,
sometimes bred with Korean or Chinese strain. Continue reading “A Story Of Japanese Aizu Jidori”

Latin American Food And Its History

Thanks to the geographical location from the United States while using Latin American countries, the its meals has turn out to be very well-known while using Americans. From tacos to roasted pork to fried plantains, name them and you are going to get it in quite a few from the American shops. This foodstuff is ideal known for it really is techniques of preparation that is labor intensive and also for it really is bold flavors.

Should you still have not been fortunate sufficient to try out the Latin American food, I am certain that after reading the article the initial factor that you are going to do is go to your nearest restaurant and order for the greatest dish offered. But ahead of putting your teeth in to the delicious food, learning concerning the Latin American foods history, will make the meal additional enjoyable.

Historical past on the Latin American Meal Continue reading “Latin American Food And Its History”