How to Peel China Lychee ?

Lychee Background:

• Lychee/ Litchi native fruit of China.
• Listed among the "4 famous fruits of South China" (banana, pineapple, longan, lychee).
• China emperor used to order the imperial servants to pluck it fresh & send into imperial palace for the famous, Yang Gui Fei.
• Yang Gui Fei was highest rank for imperial consorts during her time, one of the 4 Beauties of ancient China and Lychee was her favorite fruit.
• Her favorite lychee breed, named Feizixiao (妃子笑) – best-known in China for over 1000 years.

---

How to peel Lychee? 

• used knife & tweezer to peel & extract the seed to fully enjoy the texture without mess.
• Refer below for peeling method with peeling knife.

Recommended? : Yes

• This fruit really deserve that fancy royal vibes.
• It’s fleshy succulent texture, taste fragrant and surprisingly very sweet with that greenish unripe look.
• Legit very sweet and juicy.

---

Credits :

https://www.visitourchina.com/blog/detail-174.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee

http://www.dcfproduce.com/plus/view.php?aid=167

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1fKEWiqmFk

Difference between Yoga mat and Equipment mat

Diamond selection guidelines (Bvlgari with GIA certification)

Q: Why buy diamond with GIA?

• GIA: Gemological Institute Of America
• an unbiased authority on diamond
• creator of 4C's (color, clarify, cut, carat weight), universal method for establishing diamond quality
• world largest & most superior institute of gemological research & standard (strictest international standards of precision & quality).

---

GIA certificate:

• check GIA report no. in GIA website to verify authenticity
• GIA fully describes & authenticates the diamond quality
• GIA certificate guarantees an impartial evaluation of diamonds & it accompanies all bridal jewels carrying a single stone weighing 0.18 carat or more.
• https://www.bulgari.com/en-sg/engagement-and-wedding/bridal-jewelry/diamond-guide-gia-certificate.html

GIA, 4Cs (color, clarify, cut, carat) 

• strictest international standard to grade diamond quality
• https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/gia-diamond-grading-scales/

GIA diamond grading scales

Color for Diamond

• less color more value& rarity
• many diamonds appear colorless to inexperienced eyes, most stones have slight yellow/brown
• Bvlgari only selects D to H
• https://www.bulgari.com/en-sg/engagement-and-wedding/bridal-jewelry/diamond-guide-colour.html

Clarity for Diamond

• diamonds formed under extreme heat & pressure, often contain unique birthmarks / flaws, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes).
• GIA clarity scale contains 11 grades to grade on natural flaws on diamond.
• most diamonds fall into VS (very slightly) / SI (slightly included)
• GIA grading system considered size, nature, position, quantity of clarify characteristics visible under 10x magnfication
• Clarity grading (under 10x magnification):
  -Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes are visible
  -Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions and only blemishes are visible
  -Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - Inclusions are difficult to see
  -Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy to see
  -Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) - Inclusions are noticeable
  -Included (I1, I2, and I3) - Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance
• Bvlgari only selects IF to VS
• https://www.bulgari.com/en-sg/engagement-and-wedding/bridal-jewelry/diamond-guide-clarity.html

Cut for Diamond 

• Bvlgari only selects Excellent to Very Good
• https://www.bulgari.com/en-sg/engagement-and-wedding/bridal-jewelry/diamond-guide-cut.html

Carat for Diamond

• Carat is the unit weight for diamond
• Bvlgari with GIA certification only starts from 0.3 carat & above. 0.3 carat & below will not have any GIA certification.
• https://www.bulgari.com/en-sg/engagement-and-wedding/bridal-jewelry/diamond-guide-carat-weight.html

Kimberley Process Certification for diamond 

• rough diamond must accompanied by government-validated certificate stating that they're non-conflict diamond.
• conflict diamonds area diamonds illegally traded to fund conflicts, civil war & human rights abuses.
• Bvlgari only buys polished diamonds & with selected diamond suppliers based in countries that adhere to Kimberly Process.
• Bvlgari is certified member of Council for Responsible Jewellery Practice (CRJP) which conforms for responsible ethical, social & environmental practice throughout the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain, from mining to retail.

---

Bvlgari bridal series 

• allow to choose 4Cs, GIA certificate only available for 0.3 carats above 
• Bvlgari solitaire only available in specific outlet. Customization only available for 2-3 carats above, subject to diamond availability & limited to specific jewelry design.
• For certain iconic design, Bvlgari will limit to specific carat size to retain the exquisite aesthetic value. 
• jewelry price will be adjusted yearly (Typically on March)   
• https://www.bulgari.com/download/pdf/2016-bridal/BRIDAL_BROCHURE_2016_GC_EN.pdf

---

BVLGARI Background:

• Italian luxury brand founded in Rome in 1884, reputable Italian craftsmanship for jewellery creation.
• the Bvlgari store on Via Condotti, Rome is one of the favourite meeting places for movie stars and socialites
• Bvlgari creations have starred so far in more than 40 films including Mission Impossible starring Tom Cruise.
• Bvlgari pieces have been walked down red carpets at the Academy Awards,  Golden Globes and film festivals from Cannes to Venice & worn by Lady gaga, Dua lipa, Alicia key and etc.
• Bvlgari has always found a favored source of inspiration in the monuments and architectural treasures of the Eternal City, Rome. Beauties of Rome monuments have been translated into Bvlgari’s jewellery codes, indelibly shaping the Brand identity.
• B.zero1 collection, introduced in 1999 embedded with strong circular design &  Italian heritage that's inspired by Rome’s magnificent Colosseum.

-the information provided is based on personal experiences & reference materials 

---

Credits :

https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/the-maison/about-bvlgari/bvlgari-history.html 

https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/the-maison/about-bvlgari/our-identity/jeweler-to-the-stars.html 

https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/the-maison/about-bvlgari/bvlgari-and-rome.html  

https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/gia-diamond-grading-scales/

Wonton mince meat dumpling recipe

Wontan noodles
Servings: 1pax
Ingredients: 

• 10 square wonton wrappers 
• 100 g pork mince
• 50 g prawn meat
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon shaoxing wine
• 0.4 cm ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt / kombu powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper

Wonton

1. Combine all ingredients for pork mince .
2. Place a teaspoon of the mixture in the middle of each wonton wrapper
3. lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Seal the edges to form a triangle shape, then press the edges to thin out the dough.
4. Bring the corners together and squeeze to form a "money bag". Repeat with the rest of the wrappers. Set aside on a plate until ready to cook.
5. Boil wontons in the soup with spring onions and anchovies over medium heat until they float. Optionally, add some white pepper and salt to taste.
6. Bring all soup ingredients to a boil. Simmer on low for 10 minutes, then remove ginger and garlic cloves and bring it back to a boil. Lower in wontons and cook for 10 minutes more. Serve into bowls and garnish with green onions.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54955/easy-wonton-soup-recipe/
https://www.nyonyacooking.com/recipes/wonton-soup-with-meat-and-prawn-filling~H1y1OvjPfcW7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcERkh-4VRQ

Method to Open different Shellfish - Epicurious

Method to Open different Shellfish

• Mike Cruz, manager of Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Wholesale,
• best methods/technique for cracking open and cleaning shellfish in  kitchen. 
• Epicurious (YouTube)

Seafood method & timing: 

• 0:53 Blue Crab
• 2:57 Soft-Shell Crab
• 3:49 Dungeness Crab
• 7:37 Maine Lobster
• 9:25 Cooked Maine Lobster
• 12:12 Crawfish
• 13:17 Langostino
• 14:22 American White Shrimp
• 15:14 Prawn
• 16:50 Sea Scallop
• 18:10 Duxbury Oyster
• 19:48 Baywater Sweet
• 21:08 PEI Mussel
• 22:06 Hard-Shell Clams
• 23:28 Soft-Shell Clam
• 25:02 Razor Clam
• 26:35 Geoduck
• 29:26 Cockle
• 30:08 Abalone
• 31:20 Conch
• 32:46 West Coast Sea Urchin
• 35:31 East Coast Sea Urchin

-the information provided is based on reference materials 

---

Credits :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJTy_8Dtbsc&feature=youtu.be

Tomato Shrimp rice 番茄鲜虾饭 - 1 pot rice cooker recipe

Tomato Shrimp rice 番茄鲜虾饭
Servings: 2pax

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1.5 cup water (depends on rice, some rice like basmati/ whole grain require more water 1:1.5 . Typical rice is 1:1 ratio)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 
• 90g cherry tomatoes / 1 pcs big tomato 
• 60g green peas 
• 70g brocolli 
• 30g/ 6 pcs shrimp 
• 2 teaspoon kombu granules  (salt for replacement)
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
• 3 dashes pepper 
• Garnish with anchovies

Procedure:

1. Wash rice, soak 10-15mins
2. add all ingredients & water into rice cooker. set rice setting, cook for 20mins like normal rice,
3. When cooked, stir and keep warm for 10-15mins before serve.

Note: Ingredients amount varies from original recipe due to lockdown limitation.
**Recipe may improvised to 2 serving with whatever ingredients available & depends on our preferences.
**Refer credits for original recipes.

---

Credits :

https://tagla.com.my/%E3%80%90%E6%87%92%E4%BA%BA%E9%A3%9F%E8%B0%B1%E3%80%91%E5%88%AB%E5%86%8D%E5%8F%AB%E5%A4%96%E5%8D%96%EF%BC%81%E6%95%99%E4%BD%A0%E7%AE%80%E5%8D%95%E5%81%9A%E6%87%92%E4%BA%BA%E4%B8%80%E9%94%85%E9%A5%AD/?fbclid=IwAR2lctNKByfxXB53kP4LuRem_hhP84Zt9zhXzuyqhiBIE0YH6WlrVzbdvlg

Maintain healthy lifestyle during corona outbreak & how to maintain good immunity -professional dietitian advise

Had conference with professional dietitian from one of the renowned local private hospital regarding maintaining healthy lifestyle during corona outbreak & how to maintain good immunity.

Some interesting take away:

• have sufficient vitamin C & zinc to maintain good immunity.
• minimise high sodium food like instant noodles & canned food.
  -instant noodles & canned food wiht high sodium can elevate blood pressure.
  -Try to prepare simple meal with fresh ingredients. 
• maintain balance diet with plenty of immune boosting food to maintain health.
  -use healthy meal plate as guide (1/2 vegetables, 1/4 meat &others  , 1/4 grains)
• go for healthier options like lean meat, brown rice, whole grain bun whole grain noodles ,more vege.
  -chicken rice: lean meat,brown rice,more vegetables. (1/2 vegetables, 1/4 meat , 1/4 rice)
  -wonton mee: wholegrain noodles, more vege
  -mixed rice: 2 vegetables, 1 meat/tofu/egg, brown rice
  -burger: wholemeal bun, lean meat, swap fries with salad.
• avoid excessive caffeine.
  -caffeinated drinks: coffee, tea, chocolate drink, energy drink
  -can alleviate feeling of restless, anxious, irritable
  -limit the intake to not more than 2 cups /day
• 1 glass of trendy dalgona coffee ~300 calories = 1 standard balance meal. The sugar content is very high. It’s definitely ok to try but try to share your coffee to reduce consumption.
• Food Safety Precaution:
  -leftover good could harbor bacteria & unsafe.
  -2hours rules: food in room temperature for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
   -do not keep leftover food in fridge >3 days.
• small, frequent & regular meal time to prevent overeating.
  -stick to regular meal pattern
  -small frequent meal every 4 hours to prevent overeating
• get enough sleep.
  -sufficient good quality sleep
  -boost effectiveness of T cell (immune cell)
  -at least 7-8hrs/day
• exercise.
  -mood boosting & immune boosting
  -stretching, yoga / exercise with streaming short workout video at home to stay active
• stay mentally strong & maintain positive thinking.
  -read from credible sources to avoid misinformation & create unnecessary anxiety 

Vitamin C

• antioxidant, limit inflammation and tissue damage associated with immune response
• Boost collagen production for healthy skin, boost activity phagocytes
• Promote growth lympocytes
• Recommended Nutrient Intake, RNI:
  Adult: 70mg/day
  Elderly (>65 years) : 80mg/day
  Pregnancy: 95mg/day
  Lactation: 95mg/day

Zinc 

• Meat (beef & pork), 2.9-4.7mg/100g
• Poultry, 1.8-3.0mg/100g
• Seafood, 1.8-3.0mg/100g
• Nuts & Seeds, 2.9-7.8mg/100g
• Beans & lentils, 1.0-2.0mg/100g
• Wholegrain cereals, 0.5-3.2mg/100g

Note:

• inadequate intakes of essential minerals & vitamins should be avoided.
• Megadose supplements should be avoided, can be harmful sometimes.

---

I actually still prefer advises from professional medical doctors & dietitians. They’re more likely to portray overall picture about health including nutrients, lifestyle, sleep cycle, hormonal balance, immunity, body function, physical & mental health and with scientific data. The wellness doctor once told me healthy muscular figure doesn’t mean healthy inside. It’s not just about how fit u look, you’ve got to see overall picture.
Credits:
Parkway Pantai