In the realm of Asian desserts, taro balls, or yuanyin as they are affectionately known, occupy a special place. These chewy, sweet morsels made from taro root starch and other ingredients are a staple in Taiwanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Their soft texture and versatility in flavorings make them a beloved treat, often enjoyed as a dessert soup or paired with...
Mugwort, a fragrant herb with a rich history in traditional medicine and cuisine, has been cherished for centuries across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavor and vibrant green hue, this versatile plant offers a unique addition to both savory and sweet dishes. While often associated with medicinal teas or festive treats like Korean ssuktteok...
Donkey-hide gelatin, known as Ejiao in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been revered for centuries as a premium health tonic. Prized for its rich collagen content, amino acids, and trace minerals, it is believed to nourish blood, moisturize the skin, strengthen bones, and support overall vitality. However, like many traditional remedies, the efficacy of Ejiao hinges n...
Introduction In the realm of culinary arts, dairy products occupy a pivotal role, enriching dishes with their unique flavors, textures, and nutritional profiles. Among these, butter stands out not only for its versatility but also for its rich, creamy taste that elevates countless recipes. A crucial component of butter, and indeed many other dairy products, is butterfat—a t...
China’s tea culture, spanning thousands of years, is a tapestry woven with diverse varieties, each telling a story of tradition, geography, and craftsmanship. Among these, Baxian Tea (八仙茶) stands as a testament to the artistry of oolong tea production. Often overshadowed by more globally recognized names like Tie Guan Yin or Da Hong Pao, Baxian Tea offers a unique s...
Introduction Duck eggs, a culinary delight enjoyed across various regions, often find their way into traditional recipes that call for preservation techniques such as salting. While the salty flavor can enhance the taste profile of many dishes, over-salting can turn even the most anticipated meal into a disappointment. Whether you’ve accidentally added too much salt du...
Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, is a fermented dish that has captivated taste buds worldwide with its bold flavors and health benefits. At its core, the most iconic variation is baechu-kimchi, made primarily with Napa cabbage. This spicy, tangy, and umami-rich condiment is not merely a side dish but a cultural symbol, embodying tradition, patience, and the alchemy of fer...
Storing rice properly is crucial to ensuring its freshness, taste, and nutritional value are preserved over time. Rice, being a staple food for many cultures around the world, is often bought in bulk due to its long shelf life when stored correctly. However, improper storage can lead to spoilage, characterized by the development of moisture, mold, insects, or an off odor. Th...
Introduction The yew tree, scientifically known as Taxus species, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs that have been revered for their medicinal and ornamental properties for centuries. Among the various species, some are known to produce edible berries, particularly the Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis) and its relatives. These berries, often referred to as yew berries or...
Spring bamboo shoots, known for their crisp texture and delicate flavor, are a seasonal delight cherished in culinary traditions worldwide. However, their freshness is notoriously fleeting, often deteriorating within days of harvest. For home cooks and food enthusiasts, mastering the art of preserving bamboo shoots in a refrigerator is essential to enjoy their unique taste a...
