Thursday, October 8, 2020

Sustainable agriculture in Malaysia | Farm to Home Vegetable Delivery

 

The modern farmers are no longer what is depicted in the movies.  Mass agricultural production involves the use of many heavy machineries like tractors, processes such as tilling the soil, over-grazing, using fossil fuel based fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. All these produces vegetables fast to meet the public demand at the cost of leaving carbon footprints and damaging the environment. 

Farm to Home Delivery


An example of my everyday lunch box--full of nutritious salad from my vegetable subscription box!

Have you heard of sustainable agricultural practice called carbon farming? I was lucky enough to be able to learn about this environmentally friendly indoor farm around the Kayu Ara area. PG led me through his farm housed in the city. They produced compost onsite— using withered vegetables, quality soil, rainwater and the powerful decomposing power of earthworms and good bacteria. 



What a wonderful and natural way to farm! Carbon Farming involves implementing practices to improve the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and converted to plant material and/or soil organic matter with a net result of CO2 gain. 

Read here to know more about carbon farming and why we should support it. 




Farm to Home Delivery has also collaborated with UPM to farm purple sweet potato leaves using ozone water. The UPM lab has proven their purple sweet potato leaves have antioxidants levels higher than those contained in grape seed oil. 


We actually asked Lala Chong to help us cook some of the awesome vegetables from the box, absolutely mouthwatering especially the Petai fried rice!

So where does Farm to Home Delivery source their vegetables? The main supplier is a reputable farmer from Cameron Highlands— the vegetables are chemical and pesticide free (CPF). Some vegetables are from Mantin carbon farm whereas the micro greens are from local farmers in Klang Valley. They ensure the vegetables are delivered from the farm to your doorstep within 48hours. If you would like your vegetables to last longer, you can request for them to be washed in ozone water at a minimal cost each box. Unlike many other vegetable delivery service, the customers can customise their orders — hence the tag line healthy, affordable and flexible.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?





I think it’s very important to know where your food come from, especially if you love to have them raw as salads. I have learnt so much recently about the scary facts in mainstream agriculture that I choose to get my vegetables from reliable sources only. I love Farm to Home Delivery because the quality control is good with the ability to exchange unsatisfactory items. Having said that, each box undergoes strict checks and sanitisation before they were being delivered. Even if u stay alone like me, one box can stay fresh up to 2 weeks as it is washed using ozone water— and remember to always cook the outer layer or leafy vegetables first which are more perishable.

Do you know that Farm To Home Delivery is having a Start-Up Pre-order Promo (40% discount!). Limited for the first 60 Customers with more than 27 veggie varieties to choose from and flexible delivery timings. Delivery is free within Klang Valley area; With an additional 10% discount on all PWP purchase. 

To get more freebies in your box besides the huge savings— head to this unique link to get your very own Clean Eating Vegetable Box from Farm to Home Delivery!






Monday, September 21, 2020

Kuantan-Johor Bahru Makan Road Trip

 Malaysia is full of good eats. So while we cuti cuti Malaysia as the border is still closed, we ought to Jalan Jalan Cari Makan as well! This is one of the many road trips we took recently from Kuantan to Johor Bahru and back. Hope this can become a guide for everyone else who has decided to take this route!


We drove from Kuantan towards Muadzam Shah heading to Segamat. The road is non toll but the road condition has improved a lot -- much wider, less windy and flatter. 


The first pit stop was morning tea at Segamat. This Chinese eatery is famous for the crispy Roti Canai with flavours like egg, sardine and onion. Their Mee Siam is equally delicious. 


Tengah Chinese Roti Canai





16, Jalan Cheng Kuok Tong, Kampung Tengah, 85000 Segamat, Johor

07-932 2681 

https://g.co/kgs/NuMHgb


We then stopped by this traditional bakery. The must buys are Tau Sha Peah (Mung Bean Cookies- with sweet/savoury variety), Hong Peah and Ma Fan (Twistie Biscuits). They have various packaging, catering to both own consumption as well as gifting purposes. 



Hock Hoe Seng Confectionery 福和成糕饼厂

B, 25, Jalan Segamat, Labis, 85300 Labis, Johor

07-925 1714 

https://g.co/kgs/w28ZFr


If you decide to stop halfway for lunch, I will suggest to try the famous fish ball noodles and grab the famous ogura cake from Family Bakery, both in Yong Peng town along Jalan Besar.


We took PLUS highway from Yong Peng to Johor Bahru. These are the two places that you should try as well. Both located along the cultural street in JB. 


Hiap Joo Bakery

13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

072231703

https://g.co/kgs/Jvrexj



They have the best charcoal baked banana cake in town. It's fragrant, fresh and soft without artificial preservatives, best consumed within the same day.


Salahudin Bakery

26, Jalan Dhoby,  80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.

0127668380

https://g.co/kgs/54qE1p



This bakery is full of the memories from the old days. Their signature puff pastry with fillings are best eaten after being microwaved for 10 seconds-- mutton curry, classic potato curry, sardine and chicken curry. Their buns are also rich in the aroma of charcoal. 


If you fancy street food, you should definitely pay a visit to Tea Garden.  Fried tofu with dried squid and peanut rojak sauce, nasi lemak with fried chicken, egg tart, fried radish cake are among the must order items here. 



Tea Garden Bukit Indah

11, Jalan Indah 15/1, Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru.

https://g.co/kgs/DCBUzW


From JB, we headed back to Kuantan by driving through Kluang. 



Restoran Hock Mun

3, Jalan Tembikai, Taman Suria, Kluang

https://g.co/kgs/ynHVKh



Yum cha with their signature dim sums is the way to go when you are after some brunch. Prawn dumplings, custard lava bun, Cheong fun, fried yam balls with mince pork filling, Char Siew bun, bun with braised pork in caramel sauce and chive dumplings were all fresh and finger licking good. Musang King mochis are also their signature dessert. 


Yuen Fatt Biskut Sdn Bhd.

39, Jalan Haji Manap Nordin, Kluang Baru.  

https://g.co/kgs/MYZG6e



This is the place to be if you are after some traditionally baked pastries, especially great for gifts. Their Shang Hai Mooncakes are famous throughout the nation and we were lucky enough to be able to grab a dozen of boxes as we were disappointed on many occasions as they were sold out like hot cakes. They came in flavours such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste and pandan lotus seed paste with 0/1/2 salted egg yolks. Other pastries like Tau Sha Peah, Shao Bao and egg tarts are available all year long. 


There you go, our complete list of Kuantan- Johor Makan loop! *non-halal*

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Jiang Moi 姜小妹Bentong Ginger Tea

 Bentong is a piece of fertile land in the Western part of the Pahang state— with weather and mountainous terrain suitable for the cultivation of the famous Bentong ginger.



Bentong ginger has a distinct aroma and spiciness that is unlike other ginger. Those who have tried it will fall in love with it. We usually get our own Bentong ginger supply from the local farmers in the Bukit Tinggi area.  As Kuantan is about 2 hours drive away, we often store our ginger supply under piles of sand to maintain its freshness until our next visit. 


There are many ways to enjoy Bentong ginger. Julienne some and add them on top of a reared Patin fish fillet with some Bentong soy sauce to create a wholesome and nutritious meal for the family in 10minutes. Or julienne and deep fry them then garnish your pan fried red fish. Bentong ginger can also be fermented to transform into confinement wine which is a great ingredient for wine braised Kampung chicken aka free range chicken. One can also drink ginger wine to improve general well-being.



Besides that, Bentong ginger can also be made into tea. Ginger is rich in anti-oxidants which are vital to protect our cells against damage and illnesses such as common cold. In traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is touted to warm up and strengthen the lungs, stomach and spleen. Ginger can also ease indigestion, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. It helps to decongest the nose and lungs when one is down with cold.


Jiang Moi 姜小妹is a fully Malaysian owned company which produces Bentong Ginger Tea. Jiang Moi's tea is brewed for 5-6 hours under this strictest condition using organic brown sugar and 100% Bentong Ginger. It does not contain preservatives, artificial colouring and harmful additives. 



It is very easy to prepare Jiang Moi Ginger Tea. Each bag contains 24 individual vacuumed packed ginger tea powder. Add 200ml of hot water to dissolve and recreate that warm cuppa. The bag is resealable for convenience. 


What does Dr Yingzangel think?



I first came across ginger tea 姜母茶 during my travel to Taiwan. I was very much attracted to the spiciness and sweetness that immediately chased away the frigid winter. As long as it is consumed in moderation (1-2 servings a day), it can be an useful adjunct to ease medical conditions as stated. 


Get your own Jiang Moi Ginger Tea here. Don't forget to apply JiangMoi05 for more discounts upon check out!

https://jiangmoi.com.my/


It’s Hero Time with the new Ben 10 movie on Cartoon Network on 10.10.2020


 



 

It’s Hero Time with the new Ben 10 movie on Cartoon Network on 10.10.2020

 



 

Catch the Special First-Look Clip from the TV Movie Here!

“Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movie” Images and Key Art

(Credit: Cartoon Network)

 

MALAYSIA, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020: The entire galaxy will come to a grinding halt as Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 takes over your screen right on the dot of 10am with the worldwide premiere of Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movie.

 

On Saturday, October 10, fans of the Emmy Award-winning show from across the globe can catch the highly anticipated movie on Cartoon Network (Astro Ch 615 HD / 635), as well as on other WarnerMedia channels - HBO, Boomerang and Warner TV, and via the streaming service HBO GO. 

 

The action-packed TV movie will focus around a blast from Ben’s past returning to do double the damage on Team Tennyson and planet Earth itself, forcing Ben to go interstellar to save the day. Meanwhile, Gwen and Grandpa Max team up to help protect the world in Ben’s absence. But when our boy hero is confused for the villain in space, Ben must figure out a way to get back to Earth to help save it!

 

Leading up the movie’s premiere, loyal fans can also enjoy the Ben 10 “Power of 10” stunt airing every Saturday on Cartoon Network. These special episodes feature riveting moments with several of Ben 10’s most forceful adversaries such as Kevin 11, Steam Smythe and Vilgax, the insufferable intergalactic alien warlord.

 

Fans who want to embark on a thrilling mission with Ben 10 can also participate in the online Ben 10 Fan Challenge. From building their own epic Ben 10 battle to searching for hidden animated GIF graphics on the Ben 10 microsite, they will need to complete a maze of challenges to be rewarded with a downloadable Ben 10 Watch Party Pack. Visit the Ben 10 microsite: https://ben10.cartoonnetworkasia.com/ for more details.

 

The series is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and created, and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment (Big Hero 6, Generator Rex), with John Fang (Mixels, Generator Rex) as executive producer.

 

Just remember – it’s hero time at 10am on 10.10.2020! Tune in to “Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movieon Saturday, October 10 at 10am simulcast on Cartoon Network, HBO, Boomerang, Warner TV and HBO GO.

 

###

 

Channel Details:

·        Cartoon Network: Astro Ch 615 HD / 635

·        Boomerang: UnifiTV Ch 555

·        Warner TV: Astro Ch 712 HD / UnifiTV Ch 451

·        HBO: Astro Ch 411 HD

·        HBO GO: download the HBO GO app at App Store or Play Store and get a 7-day free trial. HBO GO can now be accessed via Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality

 

 

About Cartoon Network Asia Pacific

Cartoon Network, the leading kids’ channel in Asia Pacific, offers the best in original animated content including the multi-award-winning global hits Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans Go!, Adventure Time and We Bare Bears; and Asia Pacific originals including Monster Beach and the International Emmy-nominated Lamput.

 

Cartoon Network is available in 17 languages and in more than 135 million pay-TV homes in 29 countries throughout Asia Pacific. Internationally, it is seen in 192 countries and over 400 million homes, and is an industry leader with a global offering of the best in award-winning animated entertainment for kids and families.

 

The brand is known for putting its fans at the centre of everything by applying creative thinking and innovation across multiple platforms. Cartoon Network also reaches millions more through its websites, games, partner platforms like HBO GO, and apps including Cartoon Network Watch and Play. In Asia Pacific, Cartoon Network, companion brand to Boomerang and POGO, is created and distributed by WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks.

 

Issued on behalf of Cartoon Network by IN.Deed Communications. For more information, please contact:

Sophia Lee

Tel: (6016) 229 7727

Email: sophia@indeedcommunications.com

 

Rubini Maruthian

Tel: (6012) 220 7457

Email: rubini@indeedcommunications.com

 

 

 


Friday, September 4, 2020

Gong Cha Introduces Its First-ever e-Drink Series with Shopee

Malaysians’ favourite bubble tea chain Gong Cha and Malaysia’s no.1 e-commerce platform Shopee are joining forces to bring all Shopee users an exciting range called the Shopee 9.9 Super Drinks that will sure tingle the taste buds, put a smile on everyone’s faces and have them wanting more. 


Introducing three special brews - the Mango MatchaLatte, Mango Latte & Mango Marble, these exclusive and special beverages are introduced in celebration of Shopee’s flagship annual shopping event - the Shopee9.9 Super Shopping Day. 


Mango Matcha Latte

The triple-layered and eye-catching Mango MatchaLatte consists of tangy mango puree, rich-flavoured matcha and creamy fresh milk. While some may wonder at the odd coupling and contrasting bitterness of the matcha and sweetness from the mango, they actually complement each other well when mixed together. Be bold and adventurous with this Mango Matcha Latte that will sure to stir your gastronomic senses. 

 


Mango Latte

The Mango Latte’s flavours are subtle and on point. The Gong Cha's freshly brewed green tea blends perfectly with the fresh milk while the bits and pieces of mango offers a unique and addictive texture to the drink. This refreshing and fruity version of a green tea latte is something you can’t afford to miss!

 


Mango Marble

The blend of mango, paired with milk green tea and Gong Cha's signature milk foam, creates a beautiful marble texture which gives the drink its name. The combination of rich, creamy milk foam and the floral taste of mango may just be that refreshing drink for you to sip on during a fun, road trip with friends. 


Gong Cha is introducing their e-drink series for the very first time where the drinks can only be purchased digitally via the Shopee app and collected at their outlets. Get the Shopee x Gong Cha e-drink series now exclusively on Shopee through the Food & Services Vouchers in-app portal. The Shopee 9.9 Super Drink vouchers can be redeemed at all Gong Cha outlets nationwide from now to 27 September. 


Fans can enjoy the drinks at an introductory price of RM7 (Normal price: RM10) from now to 13 September. Save more when you purchase the drinks at RM5 only on these special dates: 6 Sept and 9 Sept. 


Apply the code GC99 upon checkout to enjoy 30% coinscashback (capped at RM5) when you purchase the e-drink series on Shopee from 1 - 9 September.


The Shopee 9.9 Super Drink is introduced in conjunction with the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, happening from now to 9 September 2020. Users who visit Shopeeare in for an exciting shopping event - free shipping with minimum spend of RM9, daily Shocking Sale with RM9 deals, 50% off vouchers as well as prizes worth up to RM 99,000 to be won through Shopee Games.


What are you waiting for? Visit https://shopee.com.my/gongcha-shopee-series now! 

 

Friday, August 28, 2020

#AyamWithYou Campaign Supports Orang Asli with Healthy Food

 Kuantan, August 04, 2020 – Orang Asli community have felt the economic impact of COVID-19 through reduced economic opportunities. 


 

Ayam Brand™ in cooperation with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) is introducing the #AyamWithYou community care campaign to Orang Asli communities in Pahang. 

 

The #AyamWithYou community pantry is now self-sustaining in 13 locations nationwide with communities coming together to give and to take daily essentials such as food, to help those in need, supported by product contributions from Ayam Brand, Mission Foods and Alce Nero.

 


The community care campaign is being rolled out at Kampung Teluk Gunung, with one month’s supply of Ayam Brand and Alce Nero products being contributed to a total of 47 Orang Asli families from these communities. 

 

The Director General of JAKOA, Prof Dr Juli Edo said that the #AyamWithYou campaign was needful for its tangible and psychological support of Orang Asli communities through the contribution of food essentials during these challenging times.

 


“The stimulus provided for Orang Asli has been helpful for many communities, nationwide but they are still facing economic challenges, specifically putting food on the table. The #AyamWithYou campaign is a timely and positive uplift for Orang Asli communities, a reminder that they are not alone, as organisations and individuals have their interest at heart. Our thanks to Ayam Brand and Alce Nero for their generous contribution of premium healthy food products,” Prof Dr Juli Edo says. 

 

As the communities are deep in the interior, JAKOA will take on the logistics support, and coordinate with the En Harun to distribute a box of 27 products to heads of households in each community, while ensuring that social distancing is practised. 

 

“These communities are hard hit economically, and the contribution of food items with longer shelf lives is a vital lifeline. We hope more organisations join the #AyamWithYou campaign, or initiate their own charitable giving,” he adds. 

 

Through its long-running Corporate Social Responsibility programmes Ayam Brand™ has contributed more than 2 million healthy meals for charity, providing nutritious food to more than 21,800 people from 524 charity organisations and NGOs over the past 13 years. 

 

The #AyamWithYou community care campaign has supported front liners at Hospital Sungai Buloh, the homeless, the differently abled, orphans, single mothers and the elderly since the Covid-19 pandemic started in Malaysia. Approximately 20,000 Ayam Brand products have been distributed to date. 

 

“We have reached out to different communities, especially those in need through the community care campaign, and are glad to work with JAKOA to support Orang Asli communities. Our products are nutrient dense with reduced sugar and sodium that well suit Orang Asli diets. We modified the community pantry concept as there are fewer donors due to the isolated locations. We welcome other brands to join us in supporting these communities. The take away from the #AyamWithYou campaign is that as communities we can lift each other up,” says Ayam Brand Malaysia’s Marketing Manager, Ms Teoh Wei Ling. 



 

The #AyamWithYou campaign was a welcome surprise to residents of Kampung Teluk Gunung in Pahang. 

 

“Times are very tough for us as economic activity in our area has reduced, and opportunities are scarce.  This contribution from Ayam Brand and JAKOA eases some of our worries on providing for our families. We appreciate the thoughtfulness, and the quantity of quality products. This can keep all 47 families here fed for a month or longer. We have not tried tuna, saba or pasta before so this is also a culinary adventure for us!” En Harun Bin Abdullah explained. 

 

A villager said the contribution was a windfall, generous and highly welcomed by the Teluk Gunung Orang Asli community.

 

“All of us know Ayam Brand, but it is a luxury or special occasion treat. And now we have enough to last a month. We don’t even need a can opener for the tuna, saba, baked beans and santan. We are feeling that the rest of Malaysia is with us too through the #AyamWithYou campaign,” the villager shares. 

 

Find out more about the #AyamWithYou community care campaign, visit https://www.ayambrand.com.my




About Ayam Brand

Ayam Brand, a household name in Malaysia and Asia for 128 years, is famed for its wide range of quality and healthy canned food that are preservative free and contain no added MSG. Ayam Brand products are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities that meet the highest international standards with worldwide-recognized certifications (HACCP, ISO 9001) and are certified ‘Halal’. Since 2013, Ayam Brand has been ranked in the Top 10 of Malaysia’s most chosen FMCG brands, according to the Kantar Worldpanel’s Brand Footprint Study.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Good And Bad Fats | Inchaway Sacha Inchi Oil Review

 Yes you didn’t read it wrongly. Fats can be good for you! Essential fatty acids aka linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, are good fats that can’t be produced by our body. It needs to be acquired from diet such as Sacha Inchi oil, sunflower oil and oily fish like tuna and salmon. Fat is also rich is vitamins A,D,E and K. Total calorie intake is the main culprit in weight gain including excessive carbohydrate and protein, not necessary fat! Saturated fat and trans fat though are definitely the ones we should limit as these can lead to heart attacks. 



Read WebMD to know more about the good and bad fats!


Inchaway Sacha Inchi Oil 



Sacha Inchi is commercially planted to harvest its seeds in which oil high in polyunsaturated fatty acids can be produced. Inchaway uses advanced cold pressed technology to preserve the nutrients in its oil including omega 3/6/9 fatty acids, vitamin E (including tocotrienol which is promising in stroke and dementia prevention). The seeds are farmed as non GMO, fertiliser and pesticide free. Therefore it is also vegan friendly. Inchaway owns about 2000 acres of Sacha Inchi plantation in Laos, managed by an experienced Taiwanese professional. 



Besides that Inchaway Sacha Inchi Oil is also certified by GMP and Hakim so our Muslim friends can enjoy its benefit as well. 


Interestingly, there’s a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study done on Sacha Inchi Oil consumption. This is a type of high quality study in which people compare using different plant based oils with a dummy looking at the effects under controlled environment. The great news is both sacha inchi oil and sunflower oil were beneficial in lowering bad LDL cholesterol. Good HDL cholesterol increment was only observed in Sacha Inchi oil. There was no kidney or liver damage seen during the study period. Nor significant side effect besides mild nausea which resolved with time. 



The full study can be found here.


I personally dislike consuming oil on its own but find using Sacha Inchi oil in salad dressing gives a pleasant nutty taste. Below is one of my favourite salad recipe.


Chicken Slice salad with Sacha Inchi Oil vinaigrette 



Vinaigrette Ingredients


1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup sacha inchi oil

4 cloves garlic roasted and minced

2 TBSP thyme fresh

Himalayan pink salt to taste

Black peppercorns ground, to taste


Salad ingredients

1 hard boiled egg quartered

2 Roman lettuce coarsely chopped

6 Cherry tomatoes halved

1 Grilled chicken breast - sliced 


Basically toss everything and a nutritious yet filling lunch is done!



Grab your own Sacha Inchi Oil from Inchaway! Remember to use the code HTIxDR!

Website

FB


MISMIS: EMBRACE NATURE, NURTURE YOUR SMILE

 Good oral health is the basis of general well-being. It ensures a healthy smile. This boosts self confidence and leaves a lasting impressio...