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  Can dried fruits replace fresh fruits? What's the difference? Experts explain!

  In recent years, dried fruits have become a popular choice for "healthy snacks." Whether added to breakfast yogurt or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, they are convenient and seemingly nutritious. However, can dried fruits truly replace fresh fruits? Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration recently addressed this question on its Facebook page, “Healthy Eating,” pointing out key differences in nutritional value, water content, and additives. Below is an analysis of these differences and common consumer pitfalls, to help you make healthier choices.Nutritional DifferencesNutrientsDried fruits undergo high-temperature dehydration during processing. Heat-sensitive nutrients such as Vitamin C, folic acid, and anthocyanins may significantly decrease, making them less nutritionally complete compared to fresh fruits.Water ContentFresh fruits are rich in water, helping to hydrate the body and providing a sense of fullness. In contrast, dried fruits contain minimal water, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated when consuming them to maintain balance.The difference between fresh fruits and commercially available dried fruits (Photo/Source: "Eat for Good Health" Facebook page).Hidden Pitfalls in Commercial Dried FruitsAdditional FlavoringTo enhance taste, many commercially available dried fruits are sweetened with refined sugar or flavoring, especially for sour fruits like dried mango or pineapple. These additions often lead to high sugar content and extra calories, which can negatively impact health over time. Always check the nutritional label and choose products with minimal ingredients.OverconsumptionDried fruits are significantly smaller in size compared to their fresh counterparts. It's easy to eat an entire bag without realizing it, leading to overeating. To maintain a balanced diet, fresh fruits should be the primary choice, and dried fruits should not be used as a substitute.Expert RecommendationsThe Health Promotion Administration further suggests choosing fresh fruits that are portable and easy to store at room temperature, such as cherry tomatoes, grapes, or bananas, for both convenience and nutrition. Adhering to the “fist-sized portion of fruit per meal” guideline ensures a healthy intake of nutrients from fresh fruits, which is key to balanced eating.While dried fruits can occasionally be enjoyed as snacks, fresh fruits should remain the priority to avoid the calorie and additive pitfalls of dried fruits. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of a truly healthy lifestyle!

  2024-11-29 09:05
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  Cultural Buffet: Exploring the Traditions and Cuisine of Vietnam and Indonesia

  To encourage new immigrants to engage in community interactions and promote multiculturalism, the Chiayi County Service Station of the Immigration Agency Southern Region recently held an "Exotic Cultural Buffet" event to celebrate International Migrants Day on December 18 in advance. The event invited Vietnamese immigrant Yang Yiru and Indonesian immigrant Lin Xingrong as speakers to share the living cultures of Vietnam and Indonesia, creating a cultural feast full of exotic charm.Yang Yiru kicked off the event by introducing Vietnamese cultural highlights. Dressed in the traditional "Ao Dai," she shared insights about Vietnam’s daily life, architecture, and culinary culture. She highlighted Vietnamese cuisine, known for spring rolls and pho, and described the French colonial influences in Vietnamese architecture, such as the Saigon City Hall and the Hanoi Opera House. Yang also introduced Vietnam's unique floating market culture, particularly the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, which ranks among the six busiest floating markets worldwide and attracts countless tourists annually. She guided participants in making Vietnamese spring rolls, providing an authentic taste of Vietnam.Vietnamese New Resident Yang Yiru Introduces the Cultural Characteristics of Vietnam (Photo/Adapted from the Immigration Agency Website)Next, Lin Xingrong from Indonesia shared the captivating allure of Indonesian culture. Wearing traditional Indonesian attire, she introduced unique local transportation modes, such as motorbike taxis and rickshaws, showcasing stark contrasts to Taiwan’s traffic. Lin also prepared Indonesian mochi and a mixed sago dessert, allowing guests to savor authentic Indonesian flavors. She expressed her hope to use the event to showcase Indonesia’s cultural uniqueness, promote cultural exchange, and foster a greater appreciation of Indonesian culture.Indonesian New Resident Lin Xingrong Shares the Charm of Indonesian Culture (Photo/Adapted from the Immigration Agency Website)Chiayi County Service Station Director Huang Shih-Hua stated that Taiwan currently has about 570,000 new immigrants. This event provided a platform for new immigrants to share their home cultures, enhancing public understanding and respect for multiculturalism. Huang hoped that through such activities, the beauty of cultural diversity and harmony would be promoted, fostering mutual respect and inclusivity.

  2024-11-29 09:05
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  From Flower Fields to the Dining Table: Enjoying Chrysanthemums in Bloom and Flavor

  November is the peak season for chrysanthemum harvest in Taiwan. Renowned for its unique flavor and versatility, chrysanthemums are highly favored by the public. Chrysanthemums are harvested only once a year and are primarily categorized by flower color into "Snow White" and "Golden Chrysanthemum.""Snow White" is predominantly grown in Tongluo, Miaoli, accounting for about 70% of the national production, creating spectacular fields of flowers. Meanwhile, "Golden Chrysanthemum" is mainly cultivated in Taitung's Zhiben, Beinan, and Taimali regions, attracting numerous tourists with its vibrant golden blooms. The Agriculture and Food Agency has also shared recipes for chrysanthemum milk tea and chrysanthemum tea rice, inviting visitors to enjoy the flowers and savor their unique flavors.Miaoli Tongluo Chrysanthemum Festival (Photo credit: 2024 Tongluo Chrysanthemum Festival – Funong Agricultural Marketing Cooperative FB)Versatile Applications of Chrysanthemums: Perfect for Drinks and Dishes When brewed, chrysanthemum tea appears pale yellow with an elegant flavor. Beyond being a tea, it can be blended with green tea, pouchong tea, or even black tea and milk to make chrysanthemum milk tea. Additionally, chrysanthemums can be incorporated into culinary dishes, creating a variety of flavorful delicacies.Chrysanthemum Milk TeaPour 300cc of water into a pot and bring to a boil. Add 10 chrysanthemum flowers and simmer for 2 minutes.Add 1 bag (3g) of black tea and continue simmering for another 2 minutes.Pour in 200cc of milk, simmer for about 1 minute, then remove the flowers and tea bag.Chrysanthemum Tea RiceSoak 10 chrysanthemum flowers in hot water for 10 minutes, then season with salt.Pour the prepared chrysanthemum tea over rice until it’s 80% full.Sprinkle with nori seasoning powder.Every chrysanthemum season not only draws large crowds to the flower fields but also offers a great opportunity to experience local culture and explore creative cuisine. Whether leisurely enjoying the flower fields or trying specialty drinks and dishes, the seasonal charm of chrysanthemums is a unique delight.

  2024-11-29 09:05