If you experience symptoms such as unexplained itching, a constant urge to rub your eyes, mouth ulcers, or even vomiting and diarrhea... be aware of chronic food allergy, also known as food intolerance.      Food intolerance is a complex hypersensitivity disease where the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods entering the body as harmful substances, triggering an excessive protective immune response against them.      If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you get tested for food intolerance:      Skin reactions: Itching, rashes, dryness/redness, exacerbation of eczema      Eyes: Reddened and watery eyes, rubbing of the eyes      Mouth: Swollen lips, mouth ulcers      Gastrointestinal reactions: Vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain      Respiratory reactions: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose      Note that food intolerance is categorized as chronic food allergy, detected by IgG levels in the blood; whereas allergen screening falls under acute allergies, detected by IgE levels in the blood. Some individuals may only exhibit chronic allergies, hence they may test positive for food intolerance but negative on allergen screenings.      Here comes the question: should you avoid eating the foods you test positive for,…

Eating is the Chinese's forte, which makes the world envy them. Chinese cuisine is even more famous all over the world, and there are Chinese restaurants in almost every country. When Chinese people greet each other, they often say: "Have you eaten?" There are also many proverbs about eating, such as "Food is the first necessity of the people", "People are like iron, and rice is like steel", etc. It can be seen that eating has a high status in the hearts of Chinese people. Today, let's take foreigners to know our Chinese cuisine! I often hear foreigners say that Haidilao is delicious; I like Chongqing spicy chicken the most, etc., but once asked, do you know where these dishes are from in China, most people will shake their heads and look confused. Therefore, it is also very important to popularize food knowledge to foreigners. China has a vast territory and many ethnic groups, and the taste of food in different regions is also different. As the saying goes: "Sweet in the south, salty in the north, spicy in the east, and sour in the west", that is, southern dishes are sweeter, northern dishes are salty; dishes in the east…

Basic Introduction to Jing'an Ponkan"Jing'an Ponkan" is a specialty of Jing'an County, Jiangxi Province. It is certified as a pollution-free food and green food by the state, a famous agricultural product in Jiangxi Province, and a national geographical indication product. It is characterized by compact plant type, early fruiting period, beautiful fruit shape, bright color, crisp flesh, sweet taste, late maturity, and good storability. It is known as the "Far Eastern King of Oranges." Similar to the pomelo, the Jing'an ponkan stands out with its uniform size, full moisture content, beautiful appearance, and excellent storability. Nutritional ValueIt contains proteins, sugars, inorganic salts, vitamins, over ten essential amino acids for the human body, and various minerals, especially corniculin, vitamin C, vitamin P, and carotene, making it a precious fruit for health and wellness. It has been cherished as the "Holy Fruit of Vitamin C." The vitamin C and citric acid in ponkan can beautify the skin and alleviate fatigue, respectively. Regular consumption can lower cholesterol levels in the human body, eliminate residual harmful substances, and promote overall health. Product CharacteristicsSensory Features: High, flat, and round-shaped, with an intact peduncle, bright orange (or yellow) color, smooth and delicate skin, a thickness of…

Basic Introduction to Liu Shu Quan Jumbo DatesThe Liu Shu Quan Farm of the 13th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps is located on the northwest edge of Hami, at the foot of the eastern Tianshan Mountains in Balikun's alluvial and diluvial inclined plains. The Liu Shu Quan Farm is a multi-ethnic, unique state-owned farm and the birthplace of Hami dates. Dates are the mainstay industry of the farm. For a long time, locals have been planting jumbo dates around their homes and at field edges. Since the 1990s, the farm has accelerated the development of jumbo dates as a 'famous, high-quality, special' leading product. Due to the farm's typical temperate continental arid climate, with abundant sunlight, rich heat, large temperature differences between day and night, severe cold in winter, little snow, hot and dry summers, scarce rain, strong evaporation, and frequent strong winds, the soil is mainly loam and Gobi gravel sandy soil. Organic matter content is relatively rich, and the soil is fertile, which is very suitable for the growth of jumbo dates. Therefore, the fruit produced is large, bright red with luster, full grains, fewer wrinkles, thick and delicate flesh, thin skin, small seeds, and also…

Basic Introduction to Tianhua GuyanTianhua Guyan is a top-notch brand product, produced in the deep mountainous areas of Taihu County. It is made from high-quality raw materials using exquisite processing techniques and was created under the personal guidance of Professor Chen Yuan, a renowned tea science expert in China.Taihu County is located in the southwestern hilly and low mountainous area of Anhui Province, with higher terrain in the northwest and lower in the southeast. To the northwest of the county seat are the undulating peaks of the Dabie Mountains, with more than 16 mountains above 800 meters in altitude, including General Mountain, Tong Mountain, Mountain Peak Fort, Six Provinces Slope, Tianhua Peak, and Furong Fort, among which General Mountain is the highest at 1,109 meters, serving as a natural barrier between Anhui and Hubei provinces. Except for the picturesque Xiangming Mountain and the beautiful Pohu Lake in the southeast, most of the area consists of alternating hills and plains. The total mountainous area of the county is 1,242.41 square kilometers, accounting for 61.18%; the hilly area is 490.27 square kilometers, accounting for 24.14%; and the plain area is 77.37 square kilometers, accounting for 3.83%, making it suitable for tea tree…

Zongzi is a signature food of the Dragon Boat Festival and is much loved by people. Xu Shen's Sayings on the Interpretation of Chinese Characters from the Han Dynasty states: “Zong (zongzi) is glutinous rice wrapped in reed leaves.” This indicates that at the time, reed leaves were primarily used for wrapping zongzi. In fact, with different customs and local products across regions, different leaves may have been used to wrap zongzi in various places south and north of the Yangtze River, such as the leaves of the Nandina, banana, lou, and lotus plants, which can be aptly described as “sticky rice remains, while the zongye varies.” What many do not know is that the zongye discarded after eating zongzi also has medicinal and health benefits. Reed Leaves Reed leaves are one of the oldest types of zongye, mainly distributed in areas such as North China, Northeast China, and the Two Lakes Region. Reed leaves are commonly used to wrap zongzi in northern regions and along the Yangtze River. After being boiled in water, reed-leaf-wrapped zongzi emit a unique fragrance, which can refresh one’s mood during the sultry weather of the Dragon Boat Festival. The "reed" mentioned in "The reeds…

Have you ever pictured yourself standing in an open wetland where groups of birds are flying and spinning in the sky freely and elks are running and jumping through the water merrily? Everything seems dreamy, romantic and peaceful in this imagination. Well, if you come to Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase I), you will know that such beautiful scenes exist in real life.  On July 5, 2019, the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase I) was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a natural site. Located in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, the site covers an area of 4553 square kilometers. It consists of two parts—the Migratory Bird Habitats in the north and south respectively of Yancheng. Being the central node of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the intertidal areas of the Yellow Sea/Bohai Gulf are of global importance for the gathering of many migratory bird species that use this flyway. As the site has rich biodiversity, it provides millions of migratory birds with a variety of food resources. Come and feel the beauty of nature and life!

Basic Introduction to Guzhang Maojian Guzhang Maojian, a type of green tea and a renowned tea from ancient times, is named after its place of origin, Guzhang County in the Wuling Mountains of Hunan Province. The county features towering mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, a network of streams, and beautiful landscapes. Among the lush mountains, besides vast cedar forests, there are also the evergreen trees like Dianxia and Red Torreya, ornamental trees like Bailing and Davidia, as well as economic forests like oil trees, tea plants, and nutmeg, which add charm and scenery to this forested region. Nutritional Value Enhancing Health Guzhang Maojian contains rich proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, tea polyphenols, sugars, organic acids, and water-soluble minerals. It has functions such as quenching thirst, clearing the mind and brightening the eyes, refreshing the spirit, removing greasy food, inhibiting arteriosclerosis, preventing cancer, treating scurvy, and protecting against radiation. Drinking Guzhang Maojian regularly can lower blood pressure. The caffeine and catechins in tea can relax the walls of blood vessels and increase their effective diameter, maintaining certain elasticity in the vessel walls and eliminating spasms in the arteries. The amino acid GABA in Guzhang tea has a more significant effect on relaxing…

Having practiced medicine and taught for over six decades, Dr. Wangdui, as a Tibetan doctor, diligently works in clinical settings for more than 10 hours daily. As an educator, he rises early and stays late, being involved in almost every aspect of his students' lives. As a researcher, he never lets go of a book, delving deeply into ancient Tibetan medical texts.In such a busy work environment, Wangdui, who holds three roles, still maintains high spirits. To him, when busyness becomes a habit, it turns into enjoyment. His dedication to researching Tibetan medicine supports his life dedicated to its preservation.Living Regularly and Immersed in WorkIn Wangdui's long career, "sitting still" is not the norm. Upon arriving at work, he always wishes to be involved in every step, often filling his schedule so tightly that he only sleeps for 3-4 hours a day. To most people, his daily routine of seeing patients, teaching, reading, and researching seems immense and fast-paced, but this does not leave Wangdui feeling drained; instead, his body has adapted to this constant state of busyness.The Huangdi Neijing states: "Ancient people who understood the Dao followed the principles of yin and yang, harmonized with the methods of health…

Basic Introduction to Suining Qingqianliu TeaSuining Qingqianliu Tea, a specialty of Suining County, Hunan Province, is a Chinese national geographical indication product. Qingqianliu is a tree species under national second-class protection and is one of the rare tree species that survived from the Quaternary glaciation, existing only in China. In Suining, Qingqianliu is commonly known as the “Money Tree,” growing in humid mountainous areas at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 meters. Suining’s Qingqianliu series of health teas, processed using unique techniques, have effects such as lowering “three highs” (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) and are favored by consumers.Suining is located at the convergence of the Xuefeng Mountains and the Eighty-Li DaNanshan Mountains. Its climate is warm and humid with abundant rainfall and significant diurnal temperature differences, creating a superior natural environment for the production of Suining Qingqianliu Tea. During the spring tea production period, the area is often shrouded in mist, with over 100 days of fog annually. This unique climate satisfies the preference of Qingqianliu trees for diffused light and moisture. The fog reflects long-wave light from sunlight while allowing short-wave light to pass through, promoting the formation of amino acids and aromatic substances within…

Basic Introduction to Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea Kaiyang selenium-rich tea has a deep historical background. The South Tribute Tea of Kaiyang is produced in Nanlong Township, Kaiyang County. It was named as a royal tribute during the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period and gained prominence during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, with a history spanning over 200 years. Nanlong Township is located in the southeastern part of Kaiyang County, 18.5 kilometers from the county center. The township covers an area of 125.24 square kilometers and comprises three administrative villages: Wengduo Village, Tankan Village, and Zhongqiao Village, with a total of 131 village groups. The total population is 18,889 people, of which 18,403 are agricultural residents, accounting for 97.4% of the total population. Multiple ethnic groups reside within the territory, including Han, Bouyei, Miao, and Shui. Nutritional Value 1. Selenium-rich tea helps reduce fat and prevent cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between tea drinking and weight loss is very close. As early as over two thousand years ago, the book "Shennong's Herbal Classic" mentioned the weight loss effect of tea: "Long-term consumption can calm the mind, invigorate qi... lighten the body and prevent aging." Modern scientific research and clinical trials have confirmed that drinking…

An owner of a malatang stall serves a customer on a snack street in Qinzhou District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 19, 2024. At dawn, the bustling snack streets of Tianshui, a city in northwest China's Gansu Province, were already teeming with activities, with visitors eager to taste the local specialty, malatang, literally meaning a numbingly spicy hotpot.( tasteallchina /Ma Xiping) LANZHOU, March 20 ( tasteallchina ) -- At dawn, the bustling snack streets of Tianshui, a city in northwest China's Gansu Province, were already teeming with activity, with visitors eager to taste the local specialty, malatang, literally meaning a numbingly spicy hotpot. Dong Liangyan, 29, hailing from Daqing in the northernmost province of Heilongjiang, said she has come all the way traveling over 2,000 km just to savor this delicacy that has intrigued her for quite some time. "When I unlocked my phone, all I could see was promotional messages about Tianshui malatang spicy hotpot," she said, adding that the aromatic chili oil and the velvety texture of hand-pulled noodles made her culinary quest all the more rewarding. This simple spicy hotpot delicacy has recently thrust this quaint city into the online spotlight, enchanting tourists with…

Introduction to Qiangang Glutinous Rice Paste LitchiThe Qiangang Glutinous Rice Paste Litchi is produced in the village of Qiangang, Taiping Town. It is one of the first batch of famous and high-quality brands in Guangdong Province and Guangzhou City. The ten words "large fruit, small seed, smooth flesh, abundant juice, rich sweetness" aptly describe its natural beauty. Nutritional ValueThe rich sugar content helps replenish energy and nutrition. Studies have shown that it nourishes brain tissue and can significantly improve symptoms such as insomnia, forgetfulness, and fatigue; the high vitamin C and protein content in litchi flesh help enhance the body's immune function and improve resistance to illness; it has the effect of reducing swelling, detoxifying, stopping bleeding, and relieving pain; the abundance of vitamins promotes microvascular circulation, prevents freckles, and makes the skin smoother. The fruit pulp has the effects of tonifying spleen and liver, regulating blood, warming the middle to relieve pain, nourishing the heart, and calming the spirit; the seeds have the effects of regulating qi, dispersing nodules, and relieving pain; it is a good food therapy for persistent hiccups and early morning diarrhea, and also benefits the brain, improves appetite, and strengthens the spleen. Product FeaturesThe certificate…

Basic Introduction to Suichang Bamboo Charcoal PeanutsThese are peanuts coated in bamboo charcoal, a specialty of Suichang. The bamboo charcoal is activated by high-tech nanotechnology, ground into powder, and added to the food as an additive. They are then made through high-temperature roasting, resulting in a dark appearance, crisp texture, and a taste that appeals to all ages. Research has shown that adding bamboo charcoal powder to food aids digestion and helps cleanse the intestines. Nutritional ValueThe addition of bamboo charcoal powder in food can help with digestion and assist in eliminating waste. The structure of bamboo charcoal is very fine, dense, porous, and rich in trace elements (minerals), giving it strong adsorption and decomposition capabilities. It can absorb harmful substances in the body and expel them. Additionally, great care is taken in processing the peanuts, ensuring there is no raw bean flavor or burnt, dry, greasy texture. Product FeaturesReady to eat upon opening. They have a dark exterior but are fragrant and not greasy, offering a crispy texture. A pleasant aftertaste lingers in the mouth for several minutes after eating. Manufacturing MethodSelect premium locally grown North Harbor peanuts from Suichang, top-grade sugar, and nanometer bamboo charcoal powder. Surface carbon…

Basic Introduction to Kurla PearThe Kurla Pear (Pyrus sinkiangensis yu) is known in the Uyghur language as Naximit or Naxiputi. It is native to the southern Xinjiang region, particularly in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and Aksu, where it has been cultivated for over 1,300 years, making it an ancient and excellent local variety. The city of Kurla in Bayingolin has the largest planting area, covering around 24,000 mu (approximately 16 square kilometers), with an annual yield exceeding one thousand tons. It is exported to countries and regions such as the United States, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau. This variety is named for its superior quality, and the Kurla Pear is a highly regional and exceptional variety, considered one of the best local pear varieties in the region and the country. Nutritional ValueThe Kurla Pear is high in nutritional value, containing sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and various carbohydrates at 14%, with water content at 86%. Its sugar content is 10%, acid at 0.03%, and ash at 0.12%. In every 100 grams of Kurla Pear, there is approximately 4.3 milligrams of Vitamin C, along with glucose, fruit acids, and multiple trace elements, with 83.6% of the fruit being edible. In addition…

Basic Introduction to Kunyu Mountain ChestnutsKunyu Mountain Chestnuts are a specialty of Wendeng District, Weihai City, Shandong Province, and are protected under the national agricultural product geographical indication. The geographical indication application for protection covers an area within the Wendeng District of Weihai City, from Dianzitou Village in Jieshi Town in the north, to Wolong Village in Zhangjiachan Town in the east, to Wanjiazhai Village in Xiaoguan Town in the south, and to Xitanjia Kou Village in Gejia Town in the west. It spans 359 administrative villages across six towns—Gejia, Jieshi, Songcun, Zetou, Zhangjiachan, and Xiaoguan—as well as Huanshan Subdistrict.Kunyu Mountain Chestnuts are a distinctive type of nut in the Wendeng District of Weihai City. They have medium-sized husks, heart-shaped fruits with tender yellow flesh that is finely textured, sweet, and fragrant, with a uniform shape. The outer skin is crisp and thin, blackish-brown in color, not particularly glossy, and can be easily peeled open with a fingernail without sticking to the flesh. Chestnuts can be eaten raw for their crisp sweetness, or stir-fried for a fragrant flavor. They can also be ground into flour or made into various dishes and pastries. Kunyu Mountain Chestnuts are popular due to their…

River crabs, also known as freshwater crabs or hairy crabs, mainly live in the muddy banks of rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are mostly active at night and are a common food in daily life with rich nutritional value. It is important to know how to cook river crabs deliciously while preserving their nutrients.How to Cook River Crabs Deliciously: Spicy River CrabsIngredients Needed4 river crabs, 10 dried chili peppers, 50g ginger, 50g garlic, 5g Sichuan pepper, 1 tablespoon seafood sauce, 1 tablespoon garlic chili paste, 10g chicken bouillon, 150ml Shaoxing wine, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 100ml Erguotou liquor.Cooking Steps1. Place fresh river crabs in a container, add Erguotou liquor, cover the pot, and marinate for 20-50 minutes.2. Once the river crabs are no longer aggressive, clean them with a brush, then cut them in half with a kitchen knife.3. Coat the cut surfaces of the crabs with cornstarch and set aside.4. Heat an appropriate amount of oil in a pan until it reaches 50% heat, then place the crabs cut-side down in the oil.5. Fry on low heat for 3 minutes, flipping once halfway through, then remove when cooked.6. In a cool pan with cool oil, add Sichuan pepper and…

 Previously, Cup of Tea recommended an article titled “Why Should You Stock Up on Tea When You’re Young?” Many tea enthusiasts had questions about how to store tea. So, Cup of Tea has done its homework and prepared this informative piece for you. It’s a common belief that even the finest tea becomes no different from ordinary tea if left for some time without being consumed. When buying tea at a shop, the more upscale the store, the more refrigerators you’ll find inside—a trend in line with improved living standards and increased awareness of food preservation. This approach appears advanced but overlooks its negative consequences. Firstly, people are hesitant to buy tea, always considering how much they can consume in a short period; after purchasing, they worry about storage. Secondly, it encourages the sale of tea that hasn’t been fully processed. Standard tea production aims to ensure the tea is stable in quality before it’s considered complete. Thirdly, it limits the potential for aging tea and reduces opportunities for consumers to enjoy aged teas. This segment of the market, which could account for one-third of sales, is thus diminished. Experienced tea makers often discuss storing new tea, considering how to…

Basic Introduction to Wenheng Red-Skin PeanutsThe peanuts of Liancheng County, Fujian Province, are famous, and the red-skin peanuts are even more so. There is a folk rhyme that goes: "Red house, red canopy, inside lives a plump red fellow." Indeed, the Liancheng red-skin peanuts stand out; their full-bodied fruits have a thin skin and are rosy pink from inside to outside. They are fragrantly sweet, crisp, and tender, making them particularly appealing.The Wenheng red-skin peanuts are a traditional local variety in Liancheng County with a long history of cultivation. Through long-term cultivation selection and the excellent soil and ecological environment, they have developed unique morphological and quality characteristics, becoming an important traditional specialty agricultural product of our county. The Wenheng red-skin peanuts belong to the small pearl bean type variety. Their shells are thin and have clear reticulation, giving them a beautiful appearance. They mainly produce two-seeded pods, with a glossy purple-red seed coat. Freshly eaten, they are crisp, smooth, and fine without residue, while cooked, they are fragrantly sweet and delicious. They not only contain rich fats, proteins, carbohydrates, various vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium but also meet people's dietary nutritional needs well. The…