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Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey‬ Adventure

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Taiwan's Formosan Rock ‪#‎Macaque‬ are the only monkey native to ‪#‎Taiwan‬

Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey Adventure

Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey Adventure has arrived! The place is Taiwan! The time is now! Come along with our team and explore the world of the Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey! This little fellow, with such a big name, is Taiwan’s only native monkey. What a unique honor! Besides humans, the Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey is the only native primate living on this beautiful island. This little money, with a long tail, and a brownish grey color, has the most amazing cheeks. Look at those little pouches! What are these strange cheeks for? Why they are food storage, of course! Work hard today, store your food wisely, and you will not go hungry tomorrow. What a wise little monkey!

This little monkey with his built-in food storage is extremely smart and resourceful. The Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey has a custom-made pouch allowing him to grab his food and run! These specialized storage cheeks allow him to venture into strange places. He can then grab his food and “boggy on out of Dodge”! Watch as he takes his morsels back to the safety of the jungle canopy or a tall cliff. There he can get his bearings, gather his food, and safely enjoy. What a smart little money!

The Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey lives in the beautiful Hardwood  Temperate Forest of Taiwan! He also likes the Bamboo Forests and the grasslands of the island. Nature has provided him with a million dollar home. These are some of the most fantastic hardwoods in the world. Imagine calling them home! As an added bonus, this pesky little money pays no rent for his 5 star accommodations! From the safety of the canopy of these tall trees, he can safely eat his bounty, and relax from a hard days work. Now that must be a home with a view!

The Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey spends most of his time in these trees that he calls home. Only when out foraging in the grasslands do you see him on the ground. His diet consists of fruits, tender leaves and he loves his bamboo. He also enjoys flower buds, insects, and snails.  For desert, he loves bird eggs. It is in situations like this, that he puts his stolen eggs in his pouch and takes off for the forest. An angry mama bird is not a pleasant companion. The bigger the bird, the faster he must travel. No time to enjoy his bounty yet! He is a wanted monkey, on the run!

The Formosan Rock ‪‎Monkey enjoys the cliffs at the edge of the island. This little fellow in the photo was enjoying the ocean view from the safety of the tall cliffs. When our team photographer sought to get his photo, he tried his best to commandeer him a professional camera. With wisdom and skill, she gave him a banana for his efforts. After all, a workman is worth his hire! He displayed a lot of cunning skill, as he sought his bounty. Who could not give him something for his efforts?

If you are looking for some island adventure, check out the tropical forests of Taiwan. It is there you will find this cute little monkey. With his amazing personality, who knows what you may see. Your monkey adventure is new every day. So grab your passport and head on over to Taiwan. There you will find 5 star adventure!

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Traditional Taiwanese Dried Persimmons

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 Traditional Taiwanese Dried Persimmons

Traditional Taiwanese Dried Persimmons can still be seen in Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County (新竹縣新埔鎮). If you arrive at Weiweijia Persimmon Orchard (味衛佳柿餅工廠 ) during the month of September, you will see the whole persimmons drying in the open air. The colorful scene is beautiful! The fragrance of the persimmons is heavenly. The hills and terraces of Xinpu, coupled with the dry climate, make the perfect environment for drying persimmons. From the month of September through the month of December the dry winds blow. This is natures food dryer. The persimmons are dried naturally. There is no need for baking.

The modern method of drying persimmons is to slowly bake them at low heat. This prolonged baking process strips away the nutrients of the fruit. Weiweijia Orchard still dries the persimmons the traditional way. They are laid out in the sun for a week to ten days. When the fruit is completely dry, it can be kept for a long time. No refrigeration needed. In doing things the traditional way, using only the dry winds, the nutrients are kept and the fruit retains it’s a good flavor.

Weiweijia Persimmon Orchard is clean, modern, and run by knowledgeable people. They understand the fruit! They know the art of drying fresh fruit. They are professionals! The staff at the orchard is friendly. The fruit must be picked at exactly the right time. If not, the persimmons will not dry correctly. They cannot be overly ripe, or the fruit will fall apart in the drying process. The world of drying fruit is a science. It is precise! Nothing can be left to chance. The finished product will only be high quality if each step along the way is done precisely on time.

If you enjoy the fragrance of the persimmons drying in the open air, you will enjoy the Weiweijia Persimmon Orchard during the fall months. Be sure to watch the women as they peal the persimmons. Then they are carefully charcoal grilled. The grilling speeds up the drying process. It also helps the persimmons to retain their color. Fruit that is not grilled will often become dark when the air touches it. The grilling process also sterilizes the fruit, so they do not carry harmful bacteria. They are then placed on open racks and set in the sun to dry. Mid-way they can be shaped if needed. At the close of the drying period, they are put briefly in the oven to disinfect the fruit.  The persimmons are then placed in the freezer for a few days. They are then taken out and packaged to sell. Drying persimmons the natural way is a science. It is a work of art. The staff at Weiweijia Persimmon Orchard invites you to join them during the windy months of fall. Come, immerse yourself in the traditional culture of drying persimmons the natural way. The air is dry! The wind is blowing! Are you ready? Grab your passport and pack your bags. Join us at the orchard.

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Persimmons Drying In Xinpu Township

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Persimmons Drying In Xinpu Township

Persimmons, a fruit rich in anti-oxidants, are drying in the hot sun of Taiwan. Xinpu Township is an urban township in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. It is the home of many large persimmon orchards. Weiweijia Persimmon Orchard is one of the major orchards in the township. What a delight it is to savor the fragrant persimmon orchards. What a delight a day at the orchard is!

Persimmon season has finished throughout much of the world. But in Taiwan, September to October is the peak drying season. It is then that the Northerly winds blow, acting like a giant food dryer. What a blessing the wind is! For those who have the foresight to dry some of this amazing fruit, here is a Korean recipe for punch or tea. It is delicious! It is packed full of potassium and other minerals. Persimmons have an abundance of vitamins.  Enjoy some of the best tea, and savor your vitamins. Persimmon tea is healthy! It is exquisite!  For those who choose not dry Persimmons while in season, you can find dried Persimmons at most Asian Markets year around. Perhaps you will find persimmons from Weweijia Persimmon Orchard. They are some of the best in Taiwan!

Sujeonggwa (Korean Persimmon Punch)

Serves 4

8 cups water
1/2 cup peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
8 cinnamon sticks, rinsed
1 cup sugar or honey
4 dried persimmons, stems removed
Pine nuts for garnish

Place water, ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover pot, lower heat, and simmer for 1 hour. Discard ginger and cinnamon sticks.

Add sugar, stir to dissolve, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain liquid into a pitcher or bowl and add the persimmons. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least two hours and up to a couple of days.

To serve, pour into cups or bowls and garnish with pine nuts. The softened persimmons may also be added whole or sliced.
(Taken from the website: thekitchen.com)

Another fun adventure is Persimmon folklore. Many feel that you can predict the winter weather by what  a cracked open Persimmon seed is shaped like. Believers in this world-wide folklore say that if the seed is shaped like a knife, then you are in for a bitter cold winter. If it is shaped like a nice spoon, get the snow shovel out! Snow, is on the way! And finally, if it is shaped like a fork, prepare for a nice mild winter. Enjoy!

Another favorite way to use fruit is to make Drinking Vinegar. Following  is a basic recipe and also some guidelines on what can be mixed.

BASIC RECIPE FOR DRINKING VINEGAR

2 cups fresh or frozen Persimmons, whole berries or other fruit (You can also used dried fruit that has been soaked)
2 cups vinegar (we like using Champagne or apple cider vinegar, though distilled white vinegar may be substituted in a pinch)
1 1/2 cups of Organic sugar

Combine the fruit and vinegar in a large jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Let infuse for one week at room temperature, shaking daily. Strain the juice through a double layer of cheesecloth and funnel into a clean glass bottle. Add sugar and shake to combine. Refrigerate for one week before using, shaking daily until sugar has fully dissolved.

NOTE:  To dilute in a drink, add one ounce (or more, depending on taste) to five ounces of soda water. Serve over ice. Following the method outlined above, you can experiment with these other flavor combinations:

SOME OTHER POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS

Blackberry + fresh thyme
Cucumber + mint + honey
Cherry + vanilla bean + maple syrup
Ginger + Demerara sugar
Apple + agave
Strawberry + basil
Persimmons are also extremely good in puddings and cakes. I like to take a basic vanilla pudding recipe and add Persimmons! Now that is mouth-watering good! They are such a versatile fruit, that you can take almost any favorite recipe and adapt it for persimmons. Cakes, breads, and syrups are amazingly good. So step out of your comfort zone. Grab your apron and head for the kitchen! This is the adventure of cooking with Persimmons! Your combinations are endless!  So explore your options and enjoy your Persimmons from Taiwan. They are some of the world’s best! See you in the kitchen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bamboo Charcoal Noodles A Taste of Asia

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Bamboo Charcoal Noodles

Bamboo Charcoal Noodles are a unique Taiwanese taste! The Japanese were the first to begin producing Bamboo Charcoal noodles. Today, Taiwan is one of the largest producers of bamboo charcoal products worldwide. The noodles get their black color from the Bamboo Charcoal.
Bamboo charcoal is known to have many health benefits. It is estimated that bamboo charcoal has more than 400 kinds of minerals and possibly hundreds of medicinal benefits.  Bamboo Charcoal is reported to have many positive effects on our health.  Taiwanese food that is quick, easy, and healthy!

So how does this work? Why are these noodles made with black bamboo Charcoal healthy? Where do the minerals come from? Let us take a look at the common tree. It is from trees that the Bamboo Charcoal Noodles have their humble beginnings. As trees and shrubs grow they soak up necessary minerals from the ground. Because of this process, when trees and shrubs are made into charcoal, these highly oxidized minerals will be easily dissolved in water. Therefore, if the Bamboo Charcoal is placed in water, the minerals which are trapped in the charcoal will begin to dissolve. At this time, the water will be changed to Mineral Water. How exciting can cooking be? As a side note, if you use spring water to soak your charcoal in, you have doubled your medicinal effectiveness.

Usually, you can find Bamboo Charcoal Noodles in large Asian Markets. Simply prepare the noodles as directed on the package.  Add a variety of fresh vegetables. Then add one or two kinds of fresh mushrooms, a dash of sesame oil, onions, and garlic. You just have made a quick Taiwanese Bamboo Charcoal Noodle Meal. The taste is superb! The meal is dramatic and remarkable! It is a fast, nutritious, and cost-effective. What a wonderful introduction to Taiwanese healthy cooking. Bamboo Charcoal Noodles will bring you all the health benefits you crave. They are easy, quick, and Taiwanese!

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler July 5, 2017 at:

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Haisenping Bay Curiosities

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Haisenping Bay Curiosities

Haisenping Bay, a large cove on the eastern shores of Green Island, is blessed with unique and radical  volcanic rock formations. Nothing is of greater curiosity than the rock formations found on these islands. The islands of Taiwan in general, are blessed with interesting geological  formations. Green Island is no exception. Here, on Haisenping Bay, you will find quiet rocky beaches filled with bizarre volcanic formations. All of this is a blessing from their active and dormant volcanoes. As the Pacific Plate moved and shifted these curiosities were formed. Around each island curve you will find  extraordinary and beautiful landscapes.

Fabulous Vistas

Fabulous vistas come with a great cost. Green Island is amazing and you only have to open your eyes to see its exceptional beauty.  Take a short stroll up a steep challenging 400-meter path, known as the Little Great Wall, for a jaw dropping view! Little Great Wall is the northern wall of the crater of the volcano that formed Green Island. What amazing vistas of this whole volcanic island. The views of Haisenping Bay are magnificent. But first there is the climb that leads from the roadside.  Climbing straight up to a small pagoda you reach paradise. You are now standing at the top of the crater of this dormant volcano. How amazing are the interesting geological formations around the island. What a classic view Haisenping Bay! What rugged and wicked beauty!

Sleeping Beauty

Little Great Wall  leads to a pavilion where you can see Haishenping Bay. This is the crater bay! Everywhere you look, you are interacting with the volcano. Across the bay is Sleeping Beauty rock formation. Look closely and you will see the neck and then you can identify the figure. It is the princess sleeping soundly on the beach. A fantasy tale has come alive!

Pekingese Dog Rock

Another interesting rock formation is Pekingese Dog Rock. Take a good look at the rock and you will see the form of a Pekingese Dog at rest. The Pekingese is a small, well-balanced, compact dog. Why you ask, is it a Pekingese Dog? Perhaps the answer is waiting for us in Chinese History. Pekingese  dogs were bred for centuries in China. They were to be the well-loved companions of the imperial family of China. A royal breed, for a royal family. A breed of excellence. Now gaze again at the rock in Haisenping Bay. See the Pekingese companion dog to the Royal family. A dog of excellence! Trainable! Friendly and Gentle! They are again being trained as companion dogs…..they are a dog with a purpose. They are brave little dogs! They are sensitive, independent, trustworthy, and extremely affectionate. These adorable dogs make wonderful companions to the disabled. They provide company for seniors living alone. They are dogs with a purpose! Dogs of greatness! Dogs waiting to be a companion!

While In The Area

A short distance North of the Little Great Wall is a sign that says “to Youzihu (柚子湖).” It’s a winding road down to a rocky beach with towering and massive volcanic formations. Explore stone houses from an abandoned aboriginal tribal settlement overlooking Haishenping Bay. Take time to relax in the beautiful meadows that parallel the beach. Take time to hike, climb, and discover all the extraordinary caves and arches. Climb up a steep cliff to the North and discover a hidden grotto.  Discover Green Island’s interesting past. Haishenping Bay is one of Taiwan’s best kept secrets.

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Diving Warm Volcanic Waters

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Diving Warm Volcanic Waters

Diving warm volcanic waters of the deep is spectacular. The warm tropical climate is awesome. The water is clear and clean. You can see forever!  Just as volcanic soil can really grow almost everything, so it is with the sea. These waters are rich with marine life! Diving warm volcanic waters is an unforgettable experience. It is a vacation in paradise! The richness of the sea is so vast that the volume of colorful tropical fish is amazing. The rich abundance of smaller fish bring in larger marine life, such as sharks.  As one diver put it, “telling you what you will see is impossible! Maybe, I should tell you what you will not see.” One thing is for sure, the list would be shorter.

Diving warm volcanic waters brings you smack dab into the warm Japanese current. It is that current that allows you to see over 200 species of coral. There are miles of hard and soft coral beds waiting for your exploration. What beauty!  There is a vast amount of Mountain Coral in these waters. The Mountain Coral can only be seen within the Japanese current. What a privilege to dive these unspoiled and crystal clear waters. What an amazing underwater adventure! This is a divers paradise! It is a jewel that is unforgettable! It is one of Taiwan’s gems! It is one of Asia’s best kept secrets! Diving warm volcanic waters generates a spirit of awe! The amazing waters around Green Island creates what only nature can……a most magnificent diving site!

Diving warm volcanic waters brings an element of surprise. Green Island was once known as “Fire Island.” It is this amazing fire that created such spectacular beauty. The volcanic formation of the island left a rough and curvy coastline. Coastal beach terraces stair step off into a sea of coral. Fantastic cliffs drop off into the warm tropical waters. White sand beaches fill the coastline of the island. The beautiful coves around the island lead out to the deep blue Pacific. What fantastic beauty abounds! Diving warm volcanic waters is a dive into paradise.

Spectacular Coral Beds

Warm, crystal-clear, shallow tropical waters provide the perfect growing environment for coral. Green Island is exceedingly blessed with such a fantastic ocean environment. Location can be everything! Green Island is a tropical island located in the middle of the north-flowing channel of the warm Japanese Current. It is this awesome location that has provided such a magnificent world of coral. What beautiful underwater skyscrapers! The intensity of the colors is amazing! There are over 200 different varieties of coral around Green Island. This in itself would be magnificent. These amazing coral beds are home to more than 300 species of marine life. The beautiful bright-colored reef fish are the most abundant. These brightly-colored fish  gracefully swim among the coral cityscape. What a beautiful world! What an grand undersea display! What a wild and vibrate underwater pageant. This underwater pageant is waiting to be explored. You’ll find it, surrounding Green Island. It is a jewel in the midst of the warm tropical sea.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on June 9,2017 at:

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Seashore Park: Taitung Taiwan

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                                 Seashore Park

Seashore Park is a first-class destination famous for its delightful beaches.  Forests and rivers are near by. It is a perfect place to stroll among nature. The ocean beaches are dazzling to gaze at. During the daytime, you can sit on the shores and enjoy the breeze from the sea. Appreciate the view of the Pacific from the shoreline.The area is filled with bike lanes near the beach. These are quite pleasant. The lanes go up and down as they twist and turn. What a beautiful workout. What relaxation! What amazing views! Seashore Park is romantic and a couples dream. Walk slowly through the park. Breath in deeply the fresh air. Let the fresh air and ocean breezes revive your tired and overworked mind. Dialogue directly with the wind and the waves. In the evening watch the moon as it lights up Taitung. Full moons cause the water to sparkle and dance. Enjoy a leisurely day and a relaxing night at Seashore Park.

            Paposogan Bamboo Walkway

One of the highlights of a day spent at Seashore Park is the Paposogan Bamboo Walkway. Spend some time and just observe this special cane roof. As you look at this amazing structure, you will begin to see its uniqueness. It is a marvelous work of art. Couples like to just walk through this walkway at night. With the tiny lights amidst the bamboo, it is extremely romantic. What an amazing place to stroll hand in hand! Truly, this is lovers paradise!

                      Taitung Forest Park

Adjacent to Seashore Park is Taitung Forest Park.  Forest Park is a secluded haven in which to commune with nature. The mild and pleasant breezes move the air through the canopy of trees. Local residents call the park, “Black Forest,” because of the dark and beautiful Beefwood Trees. In the midst of the park lies a serene and peaceful lake. Pipa Lake is fed by a rushing stream. The sound of music is in the air! Be still, and maybe you will hear the sound of the pipes. Magnificent Pipa Lake is home to many aquatic animals and flora. There is a viewing platform from which to admire the lake. Visitors are free to enjoy a small day use cabin nearby and a boardwalk where you can stroll the shores of this fabulous lake. Enjoy the bike routes. Take a swim in Pipa Lake. Walk the boardwalk along the shore. Life is amazing in Taitung Forest Park.

                             The People

The people of Eastern Taiwan are friendly and simple. The Hakka live in harmony with the indigenous people of Taiwan. The Min Nan and the Mainland Chinese also live in the area. These major groups all live in peace and enjoy the many celebrations that each group has. Like a beautiful backyard is Eastern Taiwan. The population lives and works in perfect harmony, much like a fine tuned piano. Take time to enjoy Taiwan’s Eastern Coasts. Explore its mountains and shorelines. Spend the day at Seashore Park. Meet some of the friendliest people on earth. Immerse yourself in the life and history of Taiwan. It is a Taiwanese adventure waiting to happen!

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on June 10, 2017 at:

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Green Island Adventure

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Green Island Adventure

Green Island Adventure looms before our eyes! What unspoiled tranquility lies all around. The water is so blue and welcoming. The lure of unknown adventure is in the air. We gaze at our destination from a far. Some of the finest dive sites in Asia are in these waters. The door to a water paradise is wide open as we race toward our destination. Green Island is an island of untold mysteries beneath the sea. Just dive and see all the brightly colored coral fish. As we race across the deep blue sea, we ponder our next Green Island adventure.

Green Island Get Away

Are you wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of Taiwanese cities? Is your head tired of crunching numbers all week? If you are wanting to get away, then Green Island is your paradise. Green Island is the perfect place for the nature lover. This small island is sparsely populated. There are a few towns, but most of the island is an open paradise. Adventure is everywhere!  For the most part,  the island has been kept free from commercial development. There are dive resorts on the Western and Northern side of the island. There you will find restaurants with amazing food.  From the moment you arrive, adventure is waiting.

Divers Heaven

International visitors are delighted with the quality of diving off Green Island. This is some of the best diving in all of Asia. The water is pure and clean. It is the deepest blue. Visibility seems to be endless.  The beautiful coral reefs are amazing. There are over 200 species of hard and soft coral in these unspoiled waters. It is even home to the Mountain Coral which is found only in the warm Japanese current. Beautiful colored tropical fish and coral reefs put on an amazing underwater display.  Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions are available with trained guides. First timers have nothing to fear. Everything is professional and safety a priority. For those who prefer not to dive, there are glass bottom boats cruises. These boats  cruise above the amazing coral reefs. No matter how you choose to enjoy Green Island, adventure is waiting.

Plenty Of Adventure

Green Island is a nature lovers paradise! Life on the island is relaxed. The pace of life is slow, giving ample time to savor each experience. The islanders are friendly and give their guests a pollution free environment to enjoy. Here you get away from the intense tourist spots and simply enjoy Taiwan at it’s finest. The island can be easily hiked by anyone.  There are many trails waiting to be discovered. For those not so ambitious, rent a bike or a motor scooter and cruise around the island in style. Discover the island! Set out on a Green Island Adventure. Enjoy the many rock formations that are present on the beaches. They are magnificent! No matter where you go on the island,  excitement is waiting. The climate is tropical and can be enjoyed year around. The water is always warm and inviting. Green Island is in the tropics, so even if it is miserable in Taipei, it might be beautiful on Green Island. Green Island is waiting. Escape the city! Explore the unknown! Discover your Green Island Adventure today!

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler June 7, 2017 at:

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Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant Taitung

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Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant

Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant in Taitung, Taiwan is a delight. What excitement! What an adventure! Dare to enter an unknown world!  Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant has an authentic aboriginal cuisine in an air-conditioned restaurant. The food is delicious! The servings are generous. The atmosphere of the restaurant is authentic! The staff is professional and friendly. What an adventure! Mabanai is taking traditional Aboriginal cuisine to a whole new level. Rural Taitung County is home to large numbers of the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan. It is in this setting, that Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant flourishes. It is amazing! It is fun!  Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant has a very unique feeling. You are made to feel welcome.  Adding to the uniqueness are  women dressed in national costume. The costumes are bright! They are beautiful! Dare to explore yesterday! Take a journey among the Aboriginal Tribes.

Menu Highlights

Make room for fresh fish on the menu! The fisherman supply only the freshest fish. Eating at Mabanai is an adventure! The Salted Fish and the Grilled Cuttlebone are both excellent choices. Grilled Squid seems to be a dish ordered by many locals. There are so many  unique platters  at Mabanai.  Be sure to try local favorites with Betel Flowers. Some other fine dishes include betel-nut flower salads and sticky rice and corn. They are delicious!  Another plant that is extremely good is sugar cane. The taste was unusual and fantastic. What an experience in fine dining! Whatever you choose to eat, it is sure to be an adventure in the Indigenous Cuisine of Taiwan. The food is excellent! The service is outstanding! Dare to explore the Indigenous Cuisine! The options seem endless. There are so many exciting vegetables. They are delicious and different! Fern is fabulous. There are over 800 varieties of edible fern. Be sure to try several! The Mabanai cuisine is exciting!

Information

Mabanai Indigenous Restaurant

470 Chuan Guang Rd

Taitung, Taiwan

Prices were reasonable with lunch beginning around 200 NT. The restaurant is open for both lunch and diner.

Taitung is extremely easy to get to from most points in Taiwan. Taiwan has an extremely efficient train and bus system. There are many international flights that travel to Taiwan daily. No matter where you are, it is not hard to travel to Taitung. Following is a website that is dedicated to providing travel information. http://tour.taitung.gov.tw/en-us/Traffic/Transport

Note: If staying in a local hotel in Taitung, they can make your reservations. They can also give order guidelines. English is limited and it takes the stress out of dinner. Just sit back and relax! Enjoy the entertainment. Let dinner be a surprise!

While in Taitung there are many gift shops. Here you will find many of the crafts of the Indigenous Peoples.  Several of the  shops have fantastic native music cd’s. The Old Sugar Mill has many different crafts for sale. You can also watch the artists at work. Taitung is a fun place to be. Rent a bike. Explore the city. Watch the weavers. Learn a new craft. Explore the shops. Find the night market. Taste the famous Taiwanese snacks. Breath  the mountain air!  It is fresh! It is clean! There is lots of adventure in Taitung. Enjoy this mountain city!

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Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Taiwanese Favorite

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              Those Humble Sweet Potatoes

Glazed sweet potatoes are a favorite on the island! Fresh sweet potatoes have long been a Taiwanese favorite. Perhaps it started during the Japanese Occupation or even before. For centuries these humble potatoes have graced the homes in Japan, Korea, and elsewhere in Asia. Sweet potatoes grow well in Taiwan. The nutrition behind them is amazing! So what makes Glazed sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are not just something to sweeten your taste buds! Yes, they are good! They are delicious! These little gems are also good for your cardiovascular health! They are a key to good nutrition. This underground tuber was initially cultivated in  Central American. Now it is cultivated the world over. Would you like some sweet potatoes?

Sweet potato are a  starchy sweet flesh. Depending on the pigment concentration, they range from white to  yellow,and from orange to purple. Sweet potatoes of all colors are used to make Glazed Sweet Potatoes. There are actually many different recipes for sweet potatoes. The tuber contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. It  is a rich source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Glazed Sweet Potatoes

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.
MAKES: 8 servings

Ingredients

Two pounds sweet potatoes or two large cans sweet potatoes drained

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup Maple Syrup

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. If using fresh sweet potatoes, place in a large saucepan or Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 25-40 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly and peel. Cut into chunks.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°. Place sweet potatoes in a 2-qt. baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine butter, syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour over potatoes.
  3. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 8 servings.Recipe for Glazed sweet potatoes taken from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/glazed-sweet-potatoes

Cooking With Sweet Potato Greens

Sweet potato leaves are also edible. Dig the potatoes and cut the stems and leaves. All parts of this plant are eaten. While Glazed Sweet Potatoes are awesome, so are the cooked leaves. Not only are they good, but they are good for you.  Sweet potato greens are fabulous. They are tasty and nutritious. In fact, the greens contain more nutrients and dietary fiber than most of the popular green. Braised greens (leaves and stems) with some onion and garlic are fantastic. They are good served with a dash of vinegar. Like spinach, sweet potato greens cook down a lot. You can actually use them in any recipe that uses spinach. Here is a recipe that pairs the greens with Coconut Cream. When doing a holiday dinner, they are a good side dish. They compliment Glazed Sweet Potatoes on the holiday table. They add color to the table! They are nutritious! They are delicious!

Sweet Potato Greens in Coconut Cream

Yield: 4 side servings

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large bunch sweet potato greens
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root (from a 1/2-inch piece)
2 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric root, or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 red thai chili, finely sliced
2-inch lemon grass stalk, trimmed and finely sliced
1 to 2 teaspoons soy sauce, or to taste
1 cup coconut cream plus 1 cup water (or substitute 2 cups light or regular coconut milk)
2 to 3 teaspoons raw or brown sugar, or to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Trim off any thick stems from greens. Add to boiling water and blanch for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer greens to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking. Drain.

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili, and lemongrass and stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce.

Add coconut cream and water (or coconut milk) and bring to a simmer. Add blanched greens and return to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Add sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into bowls and serve with rice.

Read more at http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2012/09/sweet-potato-greens-in-coconut-cream.html

The Sweet Potato culture

Sweet potatoes are widely eaten in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Though eaten in many countries, they are a household favorite in Asia. In Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, they have many different ways to cook the potatoes and the greens. Glazed Sweet Potatoes are only one of the favorite recipes. Wherever you live, sweet potatoes belong on every table.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on May 28, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/glazed-sweet-potatoes-taiwanese-favorite

https://exploretraveler.com/sanxiantai-dragon-bridge/