A Bite of China – Power of Time on Cured Meat


Time, the sworn enemy of food, sometimes is also the friend of food. Although we have obtained diversified ways to preserve food by means of modern technology, such old methods as pickling, air-drying, fumigating and salting had once unexpectedly brought us different and sometimes even unrivalled taste of food, which is the taste of time. Even to these days, those cured food still have a strong impact on people's daily diet. Here I will talk about two cured meat that is popular in South China especially in Hunan Province - bacon and salted fish.When autumn comes to South China, people there will be tempted by another taste of time - different from the taste of Kimchi in North China. People have their own way to preserve food that is contrast to that of North China as the weather and natural environment is quite different. With the intention of better preserving fresh meat which easily goes bad in humid and hot weather of the south, people created a way which can sometimes be a combination of salting, air-drying and fumigating.

The unexpected bonus is they gain a different and even more unforgettable taste. Bacon is a traditional winter necessity for southerners in China. Today, bacon can be seen on family table as well as on the table of top restaurant. Hot Pot Rice (Bao Zai Fan) is a typical way to eat cured meat. Cooking Hot Pot Rice is a both sophisticated and painstaking task. The most difficult thing is timing. Fresh rice and a clay pot are needed to cook a good pot of rice. Rice is to be done with big fire and then be baked on charcoal stove to allow the gravy slowly seep into rice. Warm, fragrant and sticky Hot Pot Rice is always a mouthwatering food right to be eaten in winter.In central mainland of China, you will have the chance to enjoy a primitive food - salted Hehua fish (scientific name: Procypris merus, actually a kind of carp that is native to China). Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County (Jingzhou for short), a county in the west of Hunan Province, has a mountainous terrain and is quite secluded from the outside world.Winter is the season to make bacon for each family in Jingzhou. Bacon is fairly popular in Sichuan, Huanan and Guangdong Province. It is usually made in the twelfth month of Chinese lunar calendar, early than Chinese Spring Festival. It can hardly go bad. As it is smoked and salted, bacon is free from flies even on "sauna day". Moreover, not being too greasy, it has unique flavor and can be appetite-boosting and digestible. In Jingzhou, Fresh meat is first cut into even slices and then daubed with salt which will be melted in homemade rice wine. Jingzhou is abundant in wood resources. Hardwood from tea tree and arbutus is ideal to be used as fuel to fumigate the meat. The ready meat is then to be hanging above the fire pond where cooking takes place. Cone cores and orange peels will be added constantly to make the cured meat more scented. The best place to keep bacon is the dry and lucifugal granary. Bacon must be peeled off with fire and cleansed in rice water before it is cooked.

The eighth month of Chinese lunar calendar is final growth stage of rice and the best time to make salted fish as well. It is essential to make a good wooden bucket, the major material of which is a bunch of China fir. The bucket will eventually be fastened with bamboo splits to avoid erosion of salt. In fact, a Hehua fish is a carp growing in rice paddies and got its name as it likes eating standing grains. The Hehua fish tastes sweet and tender as thriving rice contains high sugars and nutrition. Catching fish in rice paddies is do the most enjoyable and exciting thing for boys and girls in Xiangxi rural areas. Although these simple boys and girls are short of modern toys, they do not lack fun. The first step to cure the fish is to fry the sticky rice with oil, which is an indispensable condiment. Fresh red peppers, gingers, Shan Nai (Rhizoma Kaempferiae), Mu Jiangzi (Litsea cubeba) and salt are mixed together with fish. Clamp the fish layer upon layer and finally cover the bucket with heavy staffs. Salted fish is edible one month later and usually served along with beans. Bacon is usually served with radish slices. For simple Miao people, Cured meat is not only food but also unforgettable memory in life.

Beautiful Beaches And Flavors of Florida


If yes, then book your cheap flights to Florida, an ideal destination for family, individuals or for honeymooners. You will find both the tranquility on the secluded beaches as well as beaches thriving with activity in Florida. You get to splurge in yearlong sunshine for perfect tanning on the sand filled sunny beaches by eth Gulf of Mexico or enjoy in water sports in eth Atlantic Ocean Waters too. Dream Destination the Walt Disney World You can make the most of your family vacation by taking the flights to Florida and enjoy the whole collection of parks in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney. Here you will find wide array of exciting parks like the Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Typhoon lagoon and many more.

The exquisite memories of fun and excitement you will indulge in these theme parks will forever be cherished by you and your family. The live caricatures of Cinderella's Story and huge Mickey's escorting you and your kids will be a dream come true in this unique place. So do not wait just go ahead and book the cheap tickets to Florida for the whole family. After all the fun and excitement, it's time to fulfill the appetite. So we decided to try the authentic Floridian cuisine which is the most unique and diverse cuisine. Since the state is famous for being the largest orange and citrus fruits producer in United States, so most of the drinks served here had orange base and the kids really enjoyed the signature orange juice based soups, cakes, marmalades, confectionary and we liked the most the ceviche raw fish marinated in citrus juices. You should also try this fine cuisine long with eth avocado-grapefruit salads. Main Attractions in Florida Keys Next destination was the Florida Keys which sit eh epicenter of activities and bustling with many things to do for the visitors who come to Florida to soak some sun after booking their air flights to the state. This is the exclusive home to the famous Jimmy Buffet and Ernest Hemmingway and you can take a long drive to the Florida Keys by hiring a taxi.

Start your vacation with an adventurous snorkeling trip form the Key Largo and then you can go to the Southernmost Point of the U.S. continental where you can take some awe-inspiring pictures for your picture perfect vacation. Not to miss out here is the finest dining restaurants which are famous for "conch fritters", so if you are fond of this edible mollusc which is raised in plenty on this chain of small islands then you must try few exclusive dishes prepared form these conch. You should also eat the bitter key lime pies which are prepared by mixing the egg, key lime juice and condensed milk. While vacationing in Florida do not miss the fresh seafood and the stone claws which are the specialty and served in the best way at eth famous Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant while you are enjoying your getaway by booking the cheap flights to the state.

Too Old To Hike


Many people have an interest and desire to explore the great out doors, whether it's a short hike on the level or a multiple day trek into the mountains. But some of us have become out of shape over time and have put on a few extra pounds, leaving us with the desire to explore the beauty that nature has to offer, but with a body that may not be able to deliver what it takes to get there. So what can we do when the desire to explore persists, but our body rebels with even the slightest exertion? Give up, sit on the couch, eat Twinkies, and live in the world of soap operas? NO! Don't give up. There is hope and a way to get back out there. It only takes some planning and some organized effort.First, get a good attitude. Don't give in to the negativity of your lazy over-the-hill friends who take the easy road. Start by seeing your physician, tell him your plans, and get his OK. Realize that this may include blood tests and possibly a treadmill. Once your get clearance from your doctor, it's time to start training. Start with short hikes on the level and slowly progress to longer hikes and then add some uphill terrain.

How hard should you push it in getting back into shape? Using your heart rate is a good guide. When you feel tired or winded, stop and check your pulse. If it is below 110, it's OK to keep going. If it's between 110 and 140, you may resume your hike after a short rest. If your pulse is over 140, then a longer rest would be appropriate before you resume. Do not continue to hike, however, if you develop any chest pain. This could be a warning sign of serious heart problems. This period of training may last anywhere between 1 and 3 months. It is also a good idea to have a friend to hike with, someone who will hold you accountable on the days when motivation wanes. Now you are ready to get out on the trail. Start with a hike of 1-2 miles with no more than 1000 foot change in elevation. Be sure and take enough water and the usual emergency supplies (another article). Don't load your pack over 10-15 pounds at first.

Take your camera and enjoy your outing. With time you will be doing longer hikes, going higher in elevation, and maybe even an overnight hike. After a successful hike, take time to reminisce, look at the pictures, and talk about the pleasure you have experienced. Then make plans for the next hike. I like to try and have the next hike always on my mind, something to look for ward to. It keeps me in shape, mentally. Hiking later in life is enjoyable, gives me a real sense of accomplishment, and renews my self esteem. With some planning and following the above simple rules, you too will find yourself surrounded by God's natural wonders and awesome beauty.