Saturday, January 28, 2017

Why we eat pineapple tarts during CNY and the meanings behind other goodies


Source Website: http://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/food/why-we-eat-pineapple-tarts-during-cny-and-meanings-behind-other-goodies
By Mandy Lim Beitler, The Straits Times, Tuesday, 24 January 2017


Pineapple tarts, (黄梨塔, Huáng lí tǎ)
PHOTO: Pineapple tarts, (黄梨塔, Huáng lí tǎ)
This buttery pastry with a sugary pineapple filling is a mainstay of almost every household's ba bao he (eight treasure box). Pineapple sounds like the arrival of prosperity in several Chinese dialects (ong lai in Hokkien and wong lai in Cantonese).
Picture posted by Malaysian Traditional Cookies
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The Lunar New Year is a time to indulge, especially in treats that symbolise all things abundant and prosperous.

Forget about that waistline and dig in!

Sweet and savoury snacks
Bak kwa
Originating from Fujian province in the days when meat was scarce, these slices of preserved pork were a luxury treat reserved for guests and special occasions. Marinated with sugar and spices before being grilled, it is also called long yoke in Cantonese, which means to have robust fortune.



Bak Kwa (Pork Jerky), a favourite of many.
PHOTO: Bak Kwa (Pork Jerky), a favourite of many. Rain or shine, usually there are long queues during the lunar new year festival season. Marinated with sugar and spices before being grilled, it is also called long yoke in Cantonese, which means to have robust fortune. The Gourmet bakkwa, which is made from the best part of the pig, stemmed from the desire to satisfy customers with a connoisseur taste bud.
Photo: The Straits Times
Posted by Mandy Lim Beitler, The Straits Times, Tuesday, 24 January 2017

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http://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/food/why-we-eat-pineapple-tarts-during-cny-and-meanings-behind-other-goodies



Made to Order Fire-Grilled Oriental Bak kwa.
PHOTO: Made to Order Fire-Grilled Oriental Bak kwa. Tender and moist, salty-sweet taste, natural smoky BBQ flavor from the fire grill. Each piece is individually hand-grilled on fire to perfection. As high protein snacks or add to your favorite instant noodles, sandwiches, salads and more.
Posted by  Fragrant Jerky (USA) Singapore-Style Fire-Grilled Jerky - Bacon Jerky (Original Flavor) 經典五花肉 Jīng diǎn wǔ huā ròu (Classic pork)
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https://www.fragrantjerky.com/products/bbq-bacon-jerky-original-flavor



Love letters
Actually crispy egg rolls, they are said to be formerly used to convey secret notes between lovers. The recipient would eat the egg roll to show the words had been taken to heart. Its shape and colour also resemble gold bars, while the inclusion of eggs represents fertility.



The love letters, there are Traditional flavored, Charcoal flavored and Hei Bee Hiam flavored.
PHOTO: The love letters, there are Traditional flavored, Charcoal flavored and Hei Bee Hiam flavored. Cooked with an iron mold over a charcoal flame, the Premium Love Letters were made crispy with a fragrant eggy taste.
Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it is yet another season to binge on goodies! With relatives and friends visiting, no doubt it is important to get the best goodies to serve them. Thankfully, with so many roadshows around the island, we do not have to travel too far to get these goodies.
Posted by Aileen Lim, Miss Tam chiak on 26 January 2016
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https://www.misstamchiak.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/kele_confectionary_with_red_flowers_side_view-001-1300x867.jpg
https://www.misstamchiak.com/5-love-letters-cny-2016/


Mandarin oranges (橘子, Jú zi)
Their appearance says it all - round in shape and orange in colour, they look like gold ingots. Even better, its Mandarin name ju sounds like ji (luck in Chinese). Thus, Mandarin oranges not only bring Vitamin C to the table, but also symbolise prosperity.



Seedless Ponkan Mandarin
PHOTO: Seedless Ponkan Mandarin
They are perhaps the most popular Chinese New Year mandarin orange as they combine a generous size with a succulent, juicy texture and a flavour that is sweet, vibrant and tangy. Yet, they are not so concentrated that you cannot eat a few at a time. The skin peels off easily.
Texts posted by Chris Tan, The Straits Times on 20 January 2015 at 8:47 pm SGT, http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/a-guide-to-mandarin-oranges-11-types-of-citrus-for-the-season
Picture posted by Golden sugar, 金砂糖 (Jīn shā táng) on 17 May 2015 at 10:19:00
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Mandarins are important during Chinese New Year for several reasons.
PHOTO: Mandarins are important during Chinese New Year for several reasons. Many mandarin types are at their seasonal best between mid-winter and mid-spring, when the New Year falls. Their round shape and golden colour are also considered auspicious, symbolising wealth and good fortune; and they are conveniently sized for giving and eating.
Texts posted by Chris Tan, The Straits Times on 20 January 2015 at 8:47 pm SGT, http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/a-guide-to-mandarin-oranges-11-types-of-citrus-for-the-season
Picture posted by Topsy.one (Twitter) - #ponkan
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http://www.photo-dictionary.com/photofiles/list/8508/11627ponkan_oranges.jpg
http://topsy.one/hashtag.php?q=%23ponkan



Roasted peanuts (花生, Huā shēng)
Often offered to guests still in the husk, they are commonly called hua sheng (flowering of life in Mandarin), offering good wishes for health and growth. They are sometimes known as chang sheng gua (长生果, Cháng shēng guǒ - nuts of longevity), as their shape promises a long, healthy life.



Roasted peanuts (花生, Huā shēng)
PHOTO: Roasted peanuts (花生, Huā shēng)
Health and safety standards are always one of our highest concerns. They are sometimes known as chang sheng gua (nuts of longevity), as their shape promises a long, healthy life. But roasted nuts give an extra kick because of its more distinctive flavor.
Picture posted by Georgia Nut Company
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http://georgianutcorp.com/roasting/



Longan (龙眼, Lóng yǎn) and red date (红枣, Hóng zǎo) tea
The Mandarin name for red dates is hong zao, which means prosperity comes early; while longans, a homophone for dragon's eye, represent the legendary creature's vigour. The ingredients are cooked in a sugared broth with wishes for a sweet life. Ginkgo nuts are often added as their shape represents silver ingots.


Longan (龙眼, Lóng yǎn) and red date (红枣, Hóng zǎo) tea
PHOTO: Longan (龙眼, Lóng yǎn) and red date (红枣, Hóng zǎo) tea
This Chinese dessert is cooked during Chinese New Year and on special occasions such as weddings, birthday celebrations due to the sweetness of the dessert. Sweetness in foods usually symbolises sweet life and blessings for the future.Snow fungus is used for its clear, sweet flavour and its health benefits. Longan/ Dragon eye- a sweet fruit is used for this dessert to give a more flavoursome sweet taste. Fresh gingko nuts can be bought encased in its white shells. Crack off the shells for the yellow gingko or buy canned ones.Posted by Winse Chan on 25 February 2015 - Gingko, Longan, red dates and snow fungus Dessert
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https://winsesweewok.com/2015/02/25/ginkgo-nuts-red-dates-longan-and-snow-fungus-dessert/



Melon seeds, (瓜子, Guā zǐ)
Seeds in general are a popular Chinese New Year snack, as they represent fertility. These include lian zi (lotus seeds), whose name means many sons. Gua zi (melon seeds) signify many sons or multiple coins.



Muskmelon seeds, from cantaloupe which contains beta carotene, or vitamin A, which is believed to regulate the growth of skin cells on your scalp and sebum in the skin's outer layer, Dr. Zeichner says.
PHOTO: Muskmelon seeds, from cantaloupe which contains beta carotene, or vitamin A, which is believed to regulate the growth of skin cells on your scalp and sebum in the skin's outer layer, Dr. Zeichner says. This keeps pores from getting clogged and causing flakes.
Posted by Alexandra Sifferlin on 18 September 2015
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https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/canteloupe.jpg
http://time.com/4040074/cheese-listeria-chicken-salmonella/


 Melon seeds, (瓜子, Guā zǐ), Cantaloupe Seeds
PHOTO: Melon seeds, (瓜子, Guā zǐ), Cantaloupe Seeds
Seeds in general are a popular Chinese New Year snack, as they represent fertility. Gua zi (melon seeds) signify many sons or multiple coins.
Picture posted by Alibaba.com.
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https://sc02.alicdn.com/kf/UT8hwIgXARaXXagOFbXL/Cantaloupe-Seeds.jpg
https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/hami-melon-seeds.html



Nian gao, (年糕, Nián gāo)
With a name that means soaring to great heights in the new year, nian gao (above) traditionally comes in a round shape, symbolising reunion. Its taste also suggests a sweet life. Slices of nian gao can be steamed and eaten with desiccated coconut, or dipped in batter and fried.



Nian gao, (年糕, Nián gāo), sometimes translated as year cake or Chinese New Year's cake, is a food prepared from glutinous rice and consumed in Chinese cuisine.

PHOTO: Nian gao, (年糕, Nián gāo), sometimes translated as year cake or Chinese New Year's cake, is a food prepared from glutinous rice and consumed in Chinese cuisine. While it can be eaten all year round, traditionally it is most popular during Chinese New Year.
Photo: The Straits Times
Texts from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nian_gao
Picture posted by Mandy Lim Beitler, The Straits Times, Tuesday, 24 January 2017
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http://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/food/why-we-eat-pineapple-tarts-during-cny-and-meanings-behind-other-goodies



Nian Gao, (年糕, Nián gāo) - Glutinous Rice Cake
PHOTO: Nian Gao, (年糕, Nián gāo) - Glutinous Rice Cake
The Chinese word (nián), meaning "sticky", is identical in sound to
(nián), meaning "year", and the word (gāo), meaning "cake" is identical in sound to (gāo), meaning "high or tall". As such, eating nian gao has the symbolism of raising oneself taller in each coming year (年年高升 nián nián gāo shēng).
Texts from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nian_gao
Picture posted in Josephine's Recipes on 27 January 2016
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScQx9fFtHPI



Pineapple tarts, (黄梨塔, Huáng lí tǎ)
This buttery pastry with a sugary pineapple filling is a mainstay of almost every household's ba bao he (eight treasure box). Pineapple sounds like the arrival of prosperity in several Chinese dialects (ong lai in Hokkien and wong lai in Cantonese).



Pineapple tarts, (黄梨塔, Huáng lí tǎ)

PHOTO: Pineapple tarts, (黄梨塔, Huáng lí tǎ)
Pineapple tarts or nanas tart refers to small, bite-size pastries filled with or topped with pineapple jam found in different parts of Asia.
Pineapple sounds like the arrival of prosperity in several Chinese dialects (ong lai in Hokkien and wong lai in Cantonese).
Source: The Business Times, The Straits Times, Shutterstock.com
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http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/683x410/public/soshiok/gallery/images/cny01_3.jpg?itok=3b_eJq08
http://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/food/why-we-eat-pineapple-tarts-during-cny-and-meanings-behind-other-goodies



Ingredients for the dining table
Yu sheng
, (鱼生, Yú shēng)

Lunar New Year is not complete without mixing the auspicious yusheng (raw fish salad), a tradition known as lo hei (Cantonese for tossing to great heights), where auspicious sayings are called out as ingredients like raw fish slices and lime juice are added. It began as a simple raw fish salad eaten on the seventh day of Lunar New Year, a practice that early settlers from Guangdong, China, brought to Singapore. Thanks to some creative tweaking by four local Cantonese chefs in the 1960s, the tradition of lo hei yusheng has evolved into an elaborate dining must-have at every festive gathering throughout the 15 days of Chinese New Year.



Yu sheng (鱼生, Yú shēng)
PHOTO: Yu sheng (鱼生, Yú shēng)
Fresh Salmon and special signature sauce that is tantalising and refreshing. It complements perfectly with the fresh ingredients used to fully bring out the flavour of the dish.
The auspicious yusheng (raw fish salad), a tradition known as lo hei (Cantonese for tossing to great heights).
Auspicious sayings are called out as ingredients like raw fish slices and lime juice are added. The tradition of lo hei yusheng has evolved into an elaborate dining must-have at every festive gathering throughout the 15 days of Chinese New Year.
Picture posted by shamieraosment on 1 February 2015
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https://shamieraosment.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/sakae-sushi-chinese-new-year-treats-yee-sang-launch/



Fish, (, Yú)
Called yu, a homophone for surplus (, yú), this practically mandatory item should be served whole, as the head and tail represent a year of abundance from start to finish. Raw fish has become quite the ubiquitous dish, as its Chinese name yusheng sounds like an increase in abundance (余生, yú shēng).



Fish, (鱼, Yú)
PHOTO: Fish, (, Yú)
Yu, a homophone for surplus, this practically mandatory item should be served whole, as the head and tail represent a year of abundance from start to finish. The chinese name yusheng sounds like an increase in abundance.
Picture posted by Angeline, Dorsett Hotels on Thursday, 29 January 2015
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http://www.everydayfoodilove.co/2015/01/toss-to-prosperity-with-dorsett-hotels.html



Dried oyster, (蚝豉, Háo shì)
Called ho see in Cantonese, which means fortunate situations or events (好事, hǎo shì), dried oyster is usually served braised with black sea moss (发菜, fà cài) and dried shiitake mushrooms. Together Dried Oysters with Black Moss (Ho Si Fat Choi), the dish has a name that sounds like gong xi fa cai (恭喜发财, Gōng xǐ fā cái), the common Chinese greeting that wishes someone prosperity and wealth.



Dried oyster (蚝豉, Háo shì) dish with black sea moss (发菜, fà cài) is like gong xi fa cai (恭喜发财, Gōng xǐ fā cái), the common Chinese wishes someone prosperity and wealth.
PHOTO: Stewed sun-dried oysters with sea moss and garden greens in oyster sauce (蚝豉发菜, Háo shì fà cài).
Posted by Brigitte Rozario
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http://3age.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Black-Sea-Moss.jpg
http://3age.com.my/2016/02/01/valuing-traditional-dishes-at-cny/



Lettuce, (生菜, Shēng cài)
Usually eaten raw, sheng cai is a homophone for growing wealth. Used as a wrap for braised abalone, it further implies fertility - young newlyweds are often encouraged to enjoy this. Lettuce also appears wherever there is a lion dance in action, with the lion scattering lettuce leaves to spread good luck.



Lettuce, (生菜, Shēng cài) sounds like 'growing wealth' in Chinese.
PHOTO: Lettuce, (生菜, Shēng cài) sounds like “growing wealth” in Chinese. Chinese treat it as their “lucky food”. You can use minced chicken and even dried oysters in the wrap.
Picture posted by 123RF Limited
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Black sea moss, (发菜, fà cài)
This hair-like ingredient (fa cai in Mandarin; fatt choy in Cantonese, meaning to have a windfall) is usually served with braised dried oysters. In recent years, it has also become a part of the popular pen cai (盆菜, Pén cài, treasure pot) when braised with other premium delicacies such as abalone.



Black sea moss, (发菜, fà cài)
PHOTO: Black sea moss, (发菜, fà cài)
It is usually served with braised dried oysters, abalone and part of treasure pot (盆菜, Pén cài).
By Mandy Lim Beitler, The Straits Times, Tuesday, 24 January 2017
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http://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/food/why-we-eat-pineapple-tarts-during-cny-and-meanings-behind-other-goodies



Abalone, (鲍鱼, Bào yú)
Perhaps the priciest and most prized seafood in Chinese culture, abalone is called bao yu in Mandarin, which means a guaranteed surplus. Hence, it is often eaten during the season to ensure good fortune in the coming year. It is so popular that its price tends to skyrocket in the month leading up to the festival.



Abalone, (鲍鱼, Bào yú) sounds like 保余 (Bǎo yú), meaning guaranteed surplus.

PHOTO: Abalone, (鲍鱼, Bào yú) sounds like 保余 (Bǎo yú), meaning guaranteed surplus. it is often eaten during the season to ensure good fortune in the coming year.
Picture posted by The Palace
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http://thepalacedimsum.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Braised-Whole-Abalone.jpg
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Sea cucumber, (海参, Hǎi shēn)
A literal translation of its Chinese name is ginseng of the sea, as sea cucumber is believed to have healing properties, not unlike the famed herbal root. Much like abalone, it serves to impress guests at dinner, while its Cantonese name sounds similar to the term for happiness, making it a must-have.



Braised duck with sea cucumber, (海参, Hǎi shēn)
PHOTO: Braised duck with sea cucumber, (海参, Hǎi shēn)
The gravy was perfectly seasoned to make the soft and tender braised duck taste so scrumptious that you will dream about it all the time. Sea cucumber cantonese name sounds similar to the term for happiness, making it a must-have.
Posted by: Ieatandeat Team on 04 August 2013 - Jing Long Seafood Restaurant (金隆海鲜菜馆, Jīn lóng hǎi xiān cài guǎn)
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http://ieatandeat.com/jing-long-seafood-restaurant/



Chinese leek, (大 蒜, Dà suàn)
With a name like da suan, which sounds like the term for "big counting" (大算, Dà suàn), it is no wonder the Chinese leek is often served to add flavour - and auspicious meaning - to other dishes. When cooked with prawns (har in Cantonese), it implies counting with laughter and, when mixed with cuttlefish (you yu in Mandarin), it means counting up an abundance.



Chinese leek, (大 蒜, Dà suàn)
PHOTO: Chinese leek, (大 蒜, Dà suàn)
Leek is an auspicious food for Chinese New Year because the character “”, (
suàn) in its Chinese name (蒜苗, Suàn miáo /大蒜, Dà suàn) sounds like calculating “”,
(suàn) in Mandarin, symbolizing wealth.
Texts posted by MoneyDigest on 12 February 2015, http://www.moneydigest.sg/23-chinese-new-year-food-wealth-prosperity/
Picture posted by YouMaker.com on 17 October 2013 at 13:58:44 - Molly, who is profoundly deaf, was honoured for her giant leeks and onions
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http://s60.youmaker.com/other/2013/10-17/oth30878716824b4587d12e042d99bc724948ed7e83a0010.jpg
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Longevity noodles, (长寿面, Cháng shòu miàn)
Typically served during Chinese New Year feasts and at birthday celebrations for older folks, these noodles are longer than the regular versions and left uncut, as they represent the hope for a long life. Typically stir-fried with mushrooms and leek, they can also be served in a broth.



Longevity Noodles, (长寿面, Cháng shòu miàn) are often served during birthday celebrations and during Lunar New Year
PHOTO: Longevity Noodles, (长寿面, Cháng shòu miàn) are often served during birthday celebrations and during Lunar New Year. The noodles, as the name suggests, comes in long strands and this symbolize long life or longevity. Do not break the strands with your chopsticks or by biting them until you put them into your mouth to chew.
Image credit: weelicious.com
Posted by MoneyDigest on  12 February 2015

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ueK2NW0MbGOjST8osM2iXjU8MN1exyQC8-hP3NLY25mr-pf4IB-13q6x88vRumQ_L_7Hwk9eg43UC9tT-g6P46s1mAy_PWV2rO3Nl3KzQTh2DaFMT_AgrFwzOClxFYCqAhWtgJKrqvN/s1600/Long-Life-Noodles.jpg
http://www.moneydigest.sg/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Long-Life-Noodles.jpg
http://www.moneydigest.sg/23-chinese-new-year-food-wealth-prosperity/



Yu sheng (鱼生, Yú shēng) and Pen Cai or Poon choi (盆菜, Pén cài) or Big Bowl Feast  (treasure pot)
PHOTO: Yu sheng (鱼生, Yú shēng) and Pen Cai or Poon choi (盆菜, Pén cài) or Big Bowl Feast  (treasure pot)
This dish originate from Hong Kong as a Cantonese cuisine and it usually filled with an assortment of delicacies ranging from abalone, scallops, prawns, braised mushrooms and other vegetables. It was a dish served to the Emperor back in the Song Dynasty and it also signifies abundance and prosperity with its luxurious offerings.
Texts posted by MoneyDigest on 12 February 2015, http://www.moneydigest.sg/23-chinese-new-year-food-wealth-prosperity/
Picture posted by ION Insider
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http://www.ioninsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2-1024x767.jpg
http://www.ioninsider.com/2016/02/02/decisions-where-should-you-go-for-your-chinese-new-year-reunion-dinner/


By Mandy Lim Beitler, The Straits Times, Tuesday, 24 January 2017



Reference