Gorkha Delish February 2017

MAHA SHIVARATRI A Grand Festive Night Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with an enthusiasm that far surpasses the vigor of the biggest of cultural festivals in the Nepali annual calendar.

VALENTINE’S DAY A festival of Love The 14th of February has a special significance for and thousands of greeting cards, chocolates, gifts and flowers are exchanged as an expression of love.

Issue 7 February 2017

lovers all around the world. On this day, hundreds

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CONTENT Maha Shivaratri: A Grand Festive Night

A Festival of Love: Valentine’s Day

Recipe: Rayo ko Saag

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Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

22 Jholey Momo : the craving for Jhol

Food Born Illness and Prevention

A Mollusc and a delicacy

Ask the Chef

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Food O Scope

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Editor In Chief Prabesh Chapagain

Content Editor Sujan Tiwari

Creative Director Sandeep Khatri

Art Director Yogesh Dhakal

Marketing Abhimanyu Sharma

Graphic Artist Shambhu Ghimire

Photography Suman Shrestha

Write to us at: editor@gorkhadelish.com promotions@gorkhadelish.com

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Romantic February

Dear Readers,

between food handling and infection-something that is utmost essential to understand incase you are involved with the food and hospitality industry.

Love is in the air. Borrowing some aroma that is dispersed in the romantic air, we bring to you the midFebruary to mid-march issue of Gorkha Delish. This issue

As usual, in our restaurant review section, we attempt to

we delve into ‘the festival of love: Valentine’s Day’ and

give you a true account of a restaurant in Kathmandu: its

read to you some romantic messages from around the

food, service, hospitality and the like.

globe. Our cover story will give you an insight into the biggest Hindu Festival: Maha Shivaratri, that takes place

Our ‘Ask the Chef’ section has a viable solution for your

at night, and oblige you to visit the Pashupatinath temple

cooking queries.

in Kathmandu in case you happen to be in the vicinity at this time.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

As usual we have featured some delicious recipes, which you can make, anytime, at the convenience of your own home, with just a few easy ingredients.

Editor-In-Chief

Gaurav Khatiwada, a food technologist, in his article entitled ‘FOOD BORNE ILLNESS AND PREVENTION: You Ought to Know’, explores the relationship

Prabesh Chapagain

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Maha Shivaratri: A Grand Festive Night

By Prabesh Chapagain

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S

hiva is considered to be an Adiyogi: the first Yogi of the world. It was him who first discovered the essence of life and the science to elevate one’s consciousness to its maximum potential; this is what Yoga is all about.

The literal meaning of Maha Shivaratri is ‘Great Night of Shiva’. This festival is celebrated every year-in the month of February or March- before the advent of spring, and has a massive popularity amongst the people in the Indian subcontinent: ranging from the top of the Himalayas to the banks of the Ganges.

The festival of Maha Shivaratri tends to fall on the 13th night and 14th day of the Nepali month of falgun (Sometimes, Maha Shivaratri can also occur in the month of Chaitra).

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with an enthusiasm that far surpasses the vigor of the biggest of cultural festivals in the Nepali annual calendar. On this day, followers of Shiva frequent to Shiva temples all around the country and shout slogans like ‘Bum Bhole’, ‘Jaya Sambhoo’, ‘Om Namo Shivaye and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ in the reminiscence of the lord. Along with prayers, various items like sweets, milk, fruits, leaves, Dhaturo flowers, etc are offered to Lord Shiva.

Fasting and doing Yoga are some activities that are widely observed (globally) on the day of Maha Shivaratri.

There are numerous legends associated with Maha Shivaratri.

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One: a desperate hunter, unable to find a kill in

You might have been to the Pashupatinath

a forest, climbed a Woodapple tree and waited

(Pashu:

on its branch. Hoping that it will attract a deer,

Kathmandu many a times, but making it to

he started to pluck the leaves of the tree and

Pashupatinath on the night of Maha Shivaratri

threw it on the ground one by one, oblivious

could be a whole different ball game- you will

that there was a Shiva Linga underneath.

be astounded by the crowd. On this night, the

Impressed by the offering of the Woodapple

temple and its periphery is aglow with lights

leaves, Lord Shiva showed himself to the hunter

and various colorful decorations that gives the

and blessed him.

entire space the feel of a faire; devotees are

animals,

Pati:

lord)

temple

in

seen standing in never ending queues in order to enter the temple grounds; tourists, wearing Two: Planet Earth faced a dire crisis and was at the verge of destruction. Goddess Parwati prayed to Lord Shiva that he save the planet.

Lord Shiva was moved by her prayers and agreed to act as the savior provided the people of Earth worship him wholeheartedly, with

yellow shirts that read ‘OM’, are spotted all over enjoying the night; high on Marijuana, seated near and afar the temple’s entrance, Jogis and sadhus are generous enough to provide ‘devotees who ask’ with a nail or a joint, or even a shot of the Chilam they had been smoking.

passion and dedication. After that day, this

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with a lot of

particular night was called Maha Shivaratri.

enthusiasm all over the country. This night, the night of ‘the God of destruction’- most feared, most powerful-has a charm that is

Three: Shivaratri is associated with the marriage and the union of Lord Shiva and Parwati, his divine companion.

incomparable to any other Hindu festivals, and it is no wonder that hundreds and thousands of devotees from all over the world gravitate to the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal(on this day) in order to feel close to Shiva and receive his blessings.

After having conducted the evening Aarati, the devotees who had been fasting resort to eating fruits and Milk products; they are grateful to Shiva for survival and sustenance.

On the night of Maha Shivaratri, enthusiastic devotees of Lord Shiva stay awake all night (a Jagaram custom that has been followed

by Shiva’s devotees for hundreds of years) and treat themselves with Ganja, Bhang and Dhaturo (taking it to be a Prashad of the Lord) and sing his praise in the form of Bhajan, Kirtan and songs. To beat the cold at night, the devotees have also been following a Dhuni Tapne custom, where, they set fire to logs and sit around the fire, feeling its warmth.

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A festival of Love: VALENTINE’S DAY

By Prabesh Chapagain

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The 14th of February has a special significance

Who is Valentine? How did the tradition

and families. Valentine, who was well aware

for lovers all around the world. On this day,

initiate?

of the prejudice, went against the decree

hundreds and thousands of greeting cards,

of the emperor and continued to carry out

chocolates, gifts and flowers are exchanged

There are many legends associated with

marriages for willing lovers, in secret. When

as an expression of love. On this particular

Valentine. One such legend asserts that

Emperor Claudius discovered this, he ordered

day, each nook and corner of the globe seem

Valentine was a priest who served in Rome

that Valentine be put to death.

to be oozing with an ecstatic vibration that is

during the 3rd Century B.C. The Emperor of

absolutely romantic and incomparable to any

Rome, Claudius II, barred young men from

Another legend has it that when Valentine

other days of the year.

getting married believing that they would

was imprisoned he fell in love with a girl who

make better soldiers without wives, children

visited him during his confinement. Prior to

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his death, Valentine wrote a letter to this girl

of the most prominent saints in France and

which was signed as “From your Valentine”.

England. Hence, on the 14th of February

This signature is still popular amongst young

we reminisce the saint’s involvement towards

lovers who write letters or pass along a

uniting ‘lovers’ and celebrate the Valentine’s

greeting card to their loved ones on February

Day.

the 14th.

Today, Valentine’s Day could mean many Although, we cannot be absolutely certain

things to many people. But, however one

as to which legend is true, one thing is pretty

perceives it, there is no doubt that this is the

clear: Valentine was a hero and a romantic

perfect day for you to do something special

figure. It was also this very reputation of his

for the one you love and demonstrate to them

that (after his death) established him as one

that they are important to you. Small words of

This is the perfect day for you to do something special for the one you love and demonstrate to them that they are important to you.

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Gorkha Delish appreciation, a beautiful red rose, a romantic dinner for two, a precious

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Vinay Sharma

gift: whatever idea is on your mind, there could be no other opportune day, but the 14th of February, to show your beloved that you really care.

Janakpuri, New Delhi I want to grow old with you. See you next to me every morning I wake up. Can we be together for the rest of our lives?

Fishing for romantic ideas, we had asked a few People if they have something to say to their valentine. Here are the responses as it is:

Robin Baral Sydney, Australia

Sweta, I really care about you a lot. We’ve been friends for so long.

Would you be my valentine for the rest of my life?

Saurav Shrestha Panga, Kirtipur Deepa, I am really sorry for breaking your heart. I promise I will change.

Please forgive me.

Pratik Chhetri Chandragadi, Jhapa Sonam, I understand your parents are looking for security. Please give me a year’s time to prove myself. I love you and I cannot live without you.

Tsering Sherpa Bouddha, Kathmandu I miss you sooooo much Sameer, please complete your education and come back to Nepal soon.

Sandhya Manandhar Bhaktapur Day in and day out, you are the only thing my eyes want to see; I cannot get enough of you. I love you Milan.

Nimisha pradhan Siliguri, West Bengal

Priyanka, I really love you a lot. In your absence everything seems out of place. Please come back to Delhi soon.

This 14th of February, tell that ‘someone’ that you love just how important they are to you.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

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Rayo ko Saag ‘Rayo ko Saag’ is the Nepali name for Mustard greens. It is both nutritious and has wonderful health benefits. ‘Rayo ko saag’ is a very popular Nepali cuisine which is consumed in the Nepali household almost every day.

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Ingredients required:

Add in Rayo Ko Saag and sprinkle salt on top of it; stir consistently.

Rayo ko saag

1 mutha(handful)

Rayo ko saag sheds water. Make sure that

Mustard oil

1 tbsp

you let the heat dry all the water in the pan.

Red chillies

2 whole(chopped)

Ginger paste

1 tbsp

After the water dries off, add in ginger paste

Thyme seeds

1 tbsp

and mix well. Let the dish cook for a minute

Salt

to taste

or two over low heat.

Your Rayo Ko Saag is now ready. Serve it with a bowl of rice or Chiura.

Method: Ensure that you properly discard the roots of the mustard greens. Next, wash the mustard green thoroughly and chop them into small pieces.

Heat a pan and add oil onto it; after the oil is hot add in thyme seeds.

Recipe by:

Ashish Thapa

Add in chopped red chilies and let cook until it turns golden brown.

Rayo ko saag sheds water. Make sure that you let the heat dry all the water in the pan.

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Blue Berry Cheese Cake

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Ingredients required:

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Make filling: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until will blended. Beat

For crust

in flour. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating just

2 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs

until combined. Beat in sour cream, milk and

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

vanilla. Pour filling into crust.

1/4 cup sugar Place springform pan in large roasting pan.

For filling

Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room

come 1 inch up sides of pan. Bake cheesecake

temperature

until just set in center and top is slightly puffed

1 1/2 cups sugar

and golden brown, about 1 hour. Turn off

1/4 cup all purpose flour

oven; keep door closed. Let cheesecake stand

5 large eggs

in oven 1 hour. Remove cheesecake from

1 16-ounce container sour cream

roasting pan. Refrigerate until cold, at least 6

1/4 cup milk

hours. Cover; refrigerate overnight.

Recipe by:

Prativa Basnet

1 tablespoon vanilla extract Make topping: For topping 1/3 cup all-fruit blueberry spread

Stir blueberry spread in large skillet over low

2 6-ounce baskets fresh blueberries or

heat until melted. Remove from heat. Add

12-ounce

blueberries; toss to coat. Spoon blueberry

package

frozen

blueberries,

thawed, drained

mixture over top of cake, spreading evenly.

Chill until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Method:

Run small sharp knife around sides of cake to loosen. Release pan sides. Transfer cake to

Make crust: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Wrap outside of 10-inch-diameter springform pan with heavy-duty foil.

Combine all ingredients in processor. Blend using on/off turns just until crumbs are moist.

Press crumb mixture firmly onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of prepared pan. Bake until crust begins to brown, about 8 minutes.

Transfer crust to rack and cool. Maintain oven temperature.

platter. Cut into wedges.

Refrigerate until cold, at least 6 hours. Cover; refrigerate overnight.

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Bagiya rice flour dumplings Bagiya is a healthy and delicious Tharu food. Since Bagiya is convenient to carry, it can easily be taken to the farm (where the family members work) and pertaining to this very reason it is also considered as the staple food of the Tharu community. In order to savor the taste of Bagiya, you will just need some rice flour, lentils, spices and a pot of boiling water.

The recipe is easy and you can make it at your home, anytime.

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Ingredients

bore a hole and put the mixture of lentils and spice into it. Next, flatten the middle with your

Rice flour:

1 kg

palms, but leave both the ends or just one

Whole lentils:

200 gm

end protruding out.

Cumin powder:

1 tsp

Chilly powder:

1 tsp

Steam the dumplings over a clay pot of

Mustard oil:

1 tbsp

boiling water.

Onion chopped:

1 tbsp

Garlic and ginger paste:

1 tsp

Salt: to taste

Your Bagiya is now ready. You can serve it with chutney or vegetable curry.

(optional)

Method

Recipe by:

Satya Naryan Chaudari

Shift the rice flour to a Kadai (a Nepali Pan) and fry it. (Do not add oil and keep in mind not to burn the flour).

Student of Culinary Arts in Pacific Hospitality and

Mix warm water to the flour and knead enough and until the dough becomes tender.

Boil the lentils and sautĂŠ with mustard oil, chopped onion, garlic and ginger paste, chilly and salt.

Out of the dough, make round dumplings;

School of Culinary Arts

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Jholey MoMo the craving for Jhol

I

f you, just like most of us, are offended by the word Jholey you might want to reconsider. Jholey, in our culture is a slang for “being in swallow”. In reality,

when it comes to filling one’s stomach with dishes such as rice, or pulses, jhol works the best; and that is precisely why jhol plays a crucial role in the Nepali cuisine. We, Nepalese people, never had ‘curry’ as a part of our food tradition; neither did we volunteer to adapt it, but due to some educated fool the word made it into our food phrase anyway.

Normally, our lentils, which we call daal, are light hearted and even the stews are not semi liquid but watery. We have a drier version with fewer spices where we savor the taste of real vegetables or meat. 20 years back, our nation was more on the natural, and with just a hint of garlic, ginger, stoned grind spices, we had our very own teeuwan: the Nepali version of curry (or stew to be more appropriate).

Anyway, coming back to the word Jhol, it refers to something which is in liquid form and full of flavor.

It could be infused with chives, spring onion, spring garlic, potato or any vegetables along with meat. I

By Sandeep Shiva Khatri

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remember when I was a kid, we used to savor lot of Jholey vegetables with rice accompaniment(with green leafy sautéed which we call saag) to zest up with Chutney made from flame grilled tomatoes with a hint of Sidra (our version of dry anchovies) or tomatoes. Once a week, we savored mutton, cooked with hearty light stew. Even after all the tender pieces of meat were eaten up, we literally lifted the bowl up to our mouths and licked it clean. Today, this cuisine has been commercially accepted as mutton soup in our menu.

Restaurants and hotels, today, are tracing back to our traditional roots and rediscovering Jhol ideas in order to mint money. It’s the flavors that are attracting people and not the richness of the gravy (as is the case with Indian curry). In our popular food daal bhat, we don’t drink up to finish our daal as we do in Indian cuisines like daal makhani or daal fry; rather we end up finishing the bowl to the end.

Let me begin the story of momo here. When the Newar population was engaged in handicrafts trade with Tibet, a local trader belonging to the Tuladhar Clan (one who carried the weight scale) brought the steamer back home with him after learning to cook dim sum. The ingredients were altered thoughshallots were used along with a touch of ginger (stone grinded). However, the traders were unable to convince their wives about the right shape and so they ended up calling the cuisine ‘GUJI GUJI HAU’ in the Newari language- the way the women wear their long dress wrapped like saree”. ‘GUJI GUJI HAU’ means ‘fold and flip right and left, and tuck it in at the end’. Hence, our own version of momo was born. And then a question aroused: what sauce would go best with it? We, Nepalese, always had an abundance of dry soybeans, white sesame and reduction of citrus juice. Hence, the soybeans were stone grinded along with dry roasted sesame seeds; simply by adding coriander and chives to it, and balancing it by adding reduction of citrus, our very ‘jhol’ was created.

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As time elapsed ‘jhol momo’ became popular

immensely popular and part of every semi or

we borrow from the western culinary styles, at

among local eateries. During my younger

fine dining. Today, many such palatable and

the end of the day a bowl of warm ‘Jhol’ is

years, I often visited local eateries. Then there

fancy versions have been created (serving it

what the Nepali population would absolutely

was no status quo, but later, with improvement

with minced meat or in stew style); however

adore.

in position/ social status this habit became a

the root or the basics remain the same.

taboo. One restaurant, ‘Le Trio’ introduced bone soup with our very favorite dish: momo.

Jhol momo is perfect especially in the winter to

What next, every restaurant started serving

kill the cold and make the stomach warm. No

the same and now this food style has became

matter how much we dine out, or how much

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FOOD BORN ILLNESS AND PREVENTION: You Ought to Know

By Gaurav Khatiwada (Food Technologist)

C

an we perceive that the food we consume everyday could be the source of our illness? It might be hard to

Major microorganisms which cause food borne illness are bacteria.

believe, but the truth is: if food is not handled properly it

However, apart from bacteria, protozoan, viruses and nematodes also

can act as a means to carry different diseases, ranging

result in foodborne illness. Bacterial contamination could be broadly

from simple nausea to life threatening conditions like malfunctioning

categorized into two types’: food poisoning and food infection.

of body organs.

Food poisoning is caused due to the toxin present in the food. The toxins

Food borne illness is

could be a chemical

defined as: an illness

toxin, naturally occurring

which is induced by an

toxin

organism, substance or

produced by bacteria.

material, of any kind

Few examples of toxin

present in food and

producing bacteria are

gets access to our body

Staphylococcus aureus

when such substandard

(they produce toxins

foods are consumed.

called

There could be different

Similarly,

modes of transmission:

botulinum

Direct,

neurotoxins,

Indirect

and

and/or

toxins

enterotoxin).

Clostridium produces adding

Cross contamination. In

more Bacillus cereus

direct transmission, food

producing enterotoxin

handlers transmit the

etc.

pathogens; in indirect transmission, an agent carries the pathogens; whereas, cross contamination is caused by the surroundings. For

Food infection is caused by living microorganisms. For instance,

instance, keeping raw meat and cooked meat together; stuffing

Salmonella choleraesuis causes diarrhea and abdominal pain;

vegetarian and non- vegetarian items in the same place inside the

Salmonella typhi and Paratyphoid causes typhoid. Some other

refrigerator can easily cause cross contamination.

infection causing bacteria are: Shigella dysenteriae , Vibrio Cholerae,

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Food borne diseases are transmitted through careless handling of foods.

Simple prevention, such as washing hands properly before touching any food items, could reduce 99% of germ load of hands.

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Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, etc. Viral infection is infectious hepatitis and is commonly known as Jaundice. It is caused by Hepatitis A virus.

Food borne diseases are transmitted through careless handling of foods. Simple prevention, such as washing hands properly before touching any food items, could reduce 99% of germ load of hands. Similarly, temperature and time also plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of food poisoning or infection. During manufacturing, house monitoring the quality and keeping eyes on food safety norms: such as trade quality, plant quality and food quality, will ensure the hygiene of the food products. In restaurants, temperature zone should be properly monitored; one should ensure that food be served hot; food should be stored in a temperature ranging between 64 to 66 degree centigrade (incase the food is not to be consumed immediately, it should be preserved below 4 degree centigrade). Other thing that needs to be taken into consideration is that the pest control logbook should be updated on a regular basis; once pest control has been carried out properly, a thorough washing and cleaning of the restaurant of work-station should be conducted.

Another important thing is personal grooming of restaurant staffs. Knowledge sharing and learning session can help mitigate the risk of foodborne illness in restaurant and food manufacturing industry.

Food plays a vital role in our lives, and we should not be careless in regards to handling our food. Meager things like washing our hands properly before eating, using separate utensils and kitchen equipments for different food items, not storing the food for too long, etc, could really help us stay healthy. We should understand that change starts from within ourselves and prioritize on healthy food habits.This will help us lead a quality life.

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A Mollusc and a delicacy

By Naresh Gupta

A

number of families of salt-water bivalve molluscs

Background:

which reside in sea or rakish water bodies are clubbed together under the term oyster. Some kinds of oysters

Oysters are protandic; during their first year they spawn as males by

are fit for human consumption. The edible oysters are

releasing sperm and over the next two or three years they spawn as

cooked or eaten raw. However, enjoying raw oyster is highly acquired

females, releasing eggs. Oysters generally attain maturity in one year.

taste. Lemon juice, cocktail or hot sauce are the right accompaniments to the raw oyster. The meat inside the oyster shell is the edible part of

Another singular feature of oysters is that they can act as habitat for

the oyster.

several marine species. A number of tiny creatures

The

edible

mainly the

oysters

belong

genera

can and do live on

to

the hard surfaces of

Otrea,

oyster shells and nooks

Crassostrea, Ostreola,

between these shells.

and Saccostrea. Pacific oyster, Belon oyster and

Oysters

Sydney Rock oyster are

beneficial

some of the important

environment.

edible oysters. According

molluscs intake nitrogen-

to Wikipedia, the Pacific

containing compounds,

oyster is presently the

phosphates, plankton,

most

detritus,

bivalve

widely

grown

around

the

are for

also the These

bacteria,

and dissolved organic

world. A cluster of oysters is commonly called an oyster bed or an

matter, and whatever of these is not used for the oysters’ growth is

oyster reef.

ejected as solid waste pellets, which decompose into the atmosphere as nitrogen. Thus water gets freed from the negative influences of the above-mentioned organic and inorganic substances. Succinctly, oyster as a water filter of sorts.

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Some kinds of oysters are fit for human consumption. The edible oysters are cooked or eaten raw.

However, enjoying raw oyster is highly acquired taste.

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Then and Now: The consumption of oysters dates to prehistory. In Japan, the cultivation of oysters could be traced to at least 2000 BC. The oyster farming in the UK can also be traced to

But it was not always so. For example, during the 18th and the early 19th century, oysters were in plenty and very much affordable.

Then they were primarily consumed by the working class population. But now oysters are scarce, which accounts for their high price.

The causes for decline in oyster population can be attributed to overfishing, diseases and widespread pollution.

Nowadays the presence of oysters is most abundant along the Atlantic coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico in North America. They are generally found in bays, estuaries and tidal creeks. Oysters can live in a wide variety of temperatures, salinity and sediment concentrations. Japan and Australia also has large beds of edible oysters. France heads oyster production among the European countries.

Oysters for Humankind the Roman era. In Italian peninsula, oyster farming was practiced by the ancient Romans during the 1st century BC. Sergius Orata, a merchant from the ancient Rome, is considered the first important merchant and cultivator of this seafood delicacy. Here it deserves a mention that during the 19th century, oyster beds in New York Harbor were the largest source of oysters across our blue planet.

Cancale, a seaside resort of France, is well known for its oysters. However, in France too most of the oysters consumers are occasional consumers of this sea food, as oyster today is perceived as a highly priced delicacy.

For oyster farming, the temperature and salinity of the water are controlled or monitored, so as to facilitate spawning and fertilization and also to speed the rate of maturation of oysters.

Oysters can be harvested by collecting the oysters from the oyster beds. In shallow waters, they can be collected by hand or through smaller rakes. In slightly deeper water, rakes with long handle and oyster tongs are used to reach the oyster beds. Divers can also be inducted to collect oysters, and in some areas scallop dredge is also employed to gather oysters.

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Culinary Applications Oysters can be put to several culinary uses. Oysters can be had raw, fried, grilled or can be enjoyed in a stew. Oyster curry is also a delicacy, which can be enjoyed even by those whose culinary preferences are confined to only Indian dishes.

Oyster stout is a beer, which is suited to be partaken with oysters. Sometimes oysters are also used in the brewing process of stout. The first known brewery to use oysters as part of the brewing process of stout was Hammerton Brewery in London, UK. That was in late 1938.

Oysters play a vital role in French cuisine. France tops the list of countries of the Europe in terms of consumption of oysters.

Oyster in ice cream, which is savory in taste, can also be treated as a delicacy among many globalized Indians, with frequent exposure to overseas travel. The high-end food service outlets in India can feature this unique ice-cream in their

popular belief is supported by scientific basis. The amino acid content in oysters

menus more vigorously.

is believed to ignite the sex hormones. They are also rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc, selenium and iron.

In Taiwan and many other parts of Asia, one can find oyster omelette, Oyster omelette is an omelette

Especially, the zinc content in oysters is amazing. A single serving of oysters has

with fillings comprising primarily small oysters.

1500 percent of the daily requirements of zinc for the human body. Oysters are

Oyster sauce is used as a condiment. It is also

richly endowed with phosphorous, potassium, and sodium too.

apt for flavoring meat and vegetables. In cashew chicken and Hainanese chicken rice, oyster sauce

Oysters also facilitate in weight loss. Besides being rich in nutrients, oysters are

can play an important role. Crab in oyster sauce

low in calories. A serving of oyster has nearly half the calories as compared to

is a delicacy, which is rampantly enjoyed in China,

an equal serving size of chicken. Thus intake of oysters facilitates losing weight.

Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Oysters also give an impetus to metabolic activity, improve immunity and increase bone strength.

Health Benefits Oysters have a reputation for being a great aphrodisiac, and what is interesting is that this

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Ask The Chef

by Pak Shastri

Question: Chef, I don’t want to cook on Valentine’s Day. What’s your idea about a good night out on Valentine’s Day?

Question: I like preparing curry for my husband. It tastes delicious, but somehow it always ends up becoming too spicy. Is there a way I can fix this?

Question: I tend to add too much cooking oil to rice. How can I fix this?

Sudan Bhattarai

Prateeka Thapa

Rupendehi, Nepal

Biratnagar, Nepal

Chef: That is something I can relate to. My idea of a good time out on Valentine’s Day would be going to a movie theatre and watching a movie; hold hands with your date, eat popcorns. You could also go bowling and drink beer.

Chef: Of course, the easiest method is to add in plenty of diced tomatoes.

Alternatively, you can just purchase a can of tomatoes and pour it into the dish.

Chef: In case you have just brought it to a shimmer, you might just drain the excess oil out; start over the cooking process. However, in case you have added too much of oil, the best way is to use paper towel or a piece of bread to soak up excess oil.

Question: I like vinegar and tend to add vinegar in almost everything I cook. Not all of my friends like it. How can one get rid of the taste of vinegar in food?

Question: Is there a way to get rid of the burnt taste in food?

Gyanu Giri Kalimpong, India

Basanta kandel Parsa, Nepal

Chef: That’s a very good question.

The best way is to add brown sugar.

You can add ¼ tablespoon/ 2 cups of food. Once you have added the sugar, make sure that you stir the mixture properly. Taste the cuisine and keep adding brown sugar until the dish is to your liking.

Chef: This could be tough, but here’s what you can do. First get rid of the burnt area and secure the unaffected food. Transfer this unaffected portion to another pot or bowl. Next, you need to add in masking ingredients. If it’s a soup or stew, add in tiny portion of sugar and taste it; keep doing the same until you notice the burnt taste wane.

Sabina Shrestha Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Question: Can we fry fish in olive oil?

Kapil Verma New Delhi, India Chef: Absolutely, you can fry fish in olive oil. As a matter of fact, many chefs prefer to salute fish in olive oil.

However, you must keep in mind not to overcook the fish, for it tends to cook very fast.

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Fed up with regular Horoscopes??? Try our dose of FOOD-O-SCOPE instead

From time immortal, civilizations have believed that distant stars and celestial bodies of the Universe influence life on Earth. Astrologers are of the belief that we were created of the same matter that constitutes the universe and therefore the subjectivity of the stars and celestial bodies have a direct impact on our lives. Suddenly I came across a thought: to link one’s eating habit with the day and time s/he one was born.

cope

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Aries: March 21st- April 19th ‘Bixed bag’ is the best term to define your month. You can look forward to making romantic connections with a prestigious or a high-ranked person. In case you are married, your partner will climb to a higher position because of your influence. This month could also be a good initiation for a joint venture. It is recommended that you go easy on your diet. Do not eat greasy and junk food and avoid a heavy meal at all times. Hot lemon with honey and fresh lime soda will do you god this month.

You should incorporate plenty of greens and vinaigrette salads in your meal. It is also recommended that you choose fish to meat this month as this will help you remain alert.

Taurus: April 20th- May 20th Work could seem frustrating to you the remaining of the month. But you’ve got to understand that it pays well. The good thing is your energy level will be high this month, so it is recommended that you engage in things that interests you; meet friends; go out with your family. You should try and avoid read meat and food rich in high proteins this January. Be cautious about your blood pressure as well. It is best for you if you eat a lot of leafy green vegetables and drink plenty of water. As autumn approaches, make sure that you intake good amount of clear soups (fish or white meat). This month, treat yourself with smoked Chicken on a pizza.

Gemini: May 21st- June 20th This is a wonderful month for you in terms of a love relationship. All the misunderstanding that you might have been going through since the past few months, will clear away. You will enjoy many romantic moments this month. The work that had been piling up on you will come to a closure this month. It is recommended that you opt for simple food; avoid junk and processed food at all cost. Eat light for breakfast and something nice like whole wheat chapatti with less greased curry could be good for your dinner. Cheese or yoghurt mussel is advised if you are suffering from an upset stomach. Yoghurt based drinks are good for you to boost up your metabolism.

Cancer: June 21st- July 22nd The planets favour you this month but you will be required to be constantly on the move. This can also be a good opportunity for you to make a job switch provided you are offered better opportunities. You might face problems of the bone, hair or teeth. The best thing for you to do is to start exercising (if you haven’t already initiated on it). Avoid alcohol completely this month. It is also recommended that you drink a lot of water. Make sure that you eat very healthy brown bread with preservative-free jams. You should also look forward to introducing organic food in your diet. Have lots of sprout based salad and soups made from free range chickens. It might also be a good idea to visit nearby organic markets and buy organic food.

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Leo: July 23rd- August 22nd The month is going to be fascinating to you in terms of new concepts and innovative ideas. You will be appreciated by co-workers and will gain a lot of attention. Some envious people might try to provoke you but you should keep your cool. This month, you should be careful with your money. Do not make any hasty decision when it comes to investing. This month, it is recommended that you cut down on your carbohydrate intake. Think food like buckwheat pasta and organic whole wheat this month; they are good for your stomach. Avoid milk coffee or tea this month.

Virgo: August 23rd- September 22nd This month is all about shopping for you. You will find yourself filled with a new thrill when it comes to purchasing new things. Watch out for new responsibilities in terms of work, this could be your opportunity to prove yourself. Maintain proper oral hygiene this month. This month you must opt for food that is rich in water. For example: watermelon, cucumber or water crisp and iceberg lettuce could be good choices for you.

Libra: September 23rd- October 22nd You are always driven by a sense of inner balance. This month is all about discipline and an orderly lifestyle for you. The month is going to be fulfilling in terms of personal relationships. Make sure that you always have a plan B handy for the remaining of the month; you are most likely going to need it. You can suffer from flu and cold this month; hence it is strictly recommended that you avoid street food or food at all cost.

Chinese or Thai soups, green curry, Chinese white chicken with scallion could be some great choices for you this month.

Scorpio: October 23rd- November 21st The seductiveness of your sign will be at the peak this month. You can further intensify it with a good sense of dress-up and your charismatic smile. This month is all about listening to your heart. You might want to be cautious about allergies this month. Keep yourself warm and drink a lot of soup; this will help flush the toxins from your body.

Also, make sure that you drink plenty of nourishing drinks made up of multi-grains.

Avocado can be a great fruit for you this month. In case you suffer from cough and cold opt for basil tea with dash of black pepper. Green tea can also do wonders for you.

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Sagittarius: November 22nd- December 21st This could be a good month for you to sort out all the pending legal issues. If you have been involved in a romantic relationship for some time now, this could be a good period to take it to the next level: propose for marriage. You will have to make sure that you eat and drink to beat the cold. Go a little spicy this month. Opt for hot soups: mushroom, chicken or even veggies. Good and healthy non-fatty kebab is also a good choice for you this month.

Capricorn: December 22nd- January 19th You will have a lot of energy this month. Make sure that you not indulge in overspending. Be patient and treat your younger with love. You will have to be careful with travelling; do not plan any long trips this month. Good cheese platter and quality red wine could be an awesome combination in case you want to call your beloved home for dinner; this will vitalize the romance. This month, indulge yourself in zesty natural fruit desserts as apple pie with cinnamon, or go for branded ice creams.

Aquarius: January 20th- February 18th This month is all about friends and get-togethers for you. Join your friends for watching soccer or a cricket game; go listen to live music. Your friends add in a spark of content in your life this month. It is also most likely that you will meet an unexpected love companion in one of these very events. You might feel a little drained out or restless this month and it is recommended that you maintain your intake of protein. Milk and boiled eggs should help you maintain your energy. This month opt for chicken sandwich, South Indian dosas. Since you will be doing quite a lot of drinking this month it is recommended that you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Pisces: February 19th- March 20th This month might bring in opportunities for travel. Relax and let yourself loose this month. In case you are not travelling, it is recommended that you spend quality time with your family at your home; you will be amazed how much good it will do you.

Make sure to eat lot of root and leafy vegetables which will give your personality an earthly and airy feel. Eat fried veggies tossed in olive oil, or a simple veg briyani with buttermilk curried raita. Salmon fillet and lemon caper sauce can be a good combo for you and your mood.

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