Five Things to Know About Sugar

Sugar is omnipresent in human lives today. From our morning cuppa to the dessert that puts a close to dinner, these crystals are everywhere in every household.
Here are a few interesting facts about sugar:
A short & sweet history lesson
It has been recorded that these shiny crystals were already in existence and use at the time that the Gupta dynasty ruled ancient India - around the 5th century AD. Sugar was called 'Khanda' or 'Khand', and this is the source of the word 'CANDY,' which has come to mean all things sweet and delectable. And forbidden.
Indian sailors carried their sugar supplies to all the parts of the world along their trade routes. But it was only as late as the 19th century that sugar was felt to be a 'necessity' in Europe, and the demand for this sweet ingredient grew exponentially. The quest for the quick buck by commercially producing sugar drove colonisation of tropical countries like India. As sugar production in those times was labour intensive, it gave birth to a supporting industry-slave trade in Africa.
Scientifically sugar-savvy
Chemically sugar is a form of carbohydrate! It is made up of bonded carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Funnily enough, not all sugars are sweet!
Sugar(s) are of two kinds depending on the bond between these elements:
Monosaccharides have the simplest chemical structures and are the fundamental units of carbohydrates. Glucose is one of the sweet, simple sugars.
Disaccharides are compound sugars formed by the joining together of two monosaccharides. Examples of these are maltose, sucrose, and lactose.
Common talk of sugar actually refers to sucrose.
Nothing sounds so sweet this way, does it?
How is sugar made?
There are two sources of sucrose that we use to make sugar:
Sugar cane is a grass cultivated in the tropical and subtropical parts of the earth. The stems of this plant are where the sweet sucrose is stored.
Sugar beet is cultivated in temperate regions with good rainfall. Beetroot, the tuberous root, contains high amounts of sucrose.
Juice is extracted and then clarified by heating with lime(calcium oxide) to destroy the enzymes. The result is a thin syrup which is then supersaturated by super-heating under vacuum to concentrate it. Sugar is crystallized from this concentrate.
The crystals are whitened by bleaching with sulphur dioxide or by a process called carbonatation (using calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide).
The scare about sugar
In modern times, much has been written and said about the ill effects of sugar consumption. According to the WHO, studies on the health impacts of sugar are conflicting and inconclusive.
Sugar is not addictive. It has no established relationship to diseases like Alzheimer's. Some studies on links to diabetes suggest that eating sugar does not cause or accelerate the onset of this disease. Controlling diabetes means control of calories and that is why sugar as well as other carbohydrates are to be watched.
'Sugar Rush' and hyperactivity among children because of eating sweets and sugar are also considered myths. Studies show that the real effect of sugar is actually on parents with pre-conceived notions on sugar as a source of instant and uncontrollable energy. It does not agitate their kids!
The healthy principle is not to eat anything in excess- sugar is no exception. The WHO recommends that 10% of total energy intake should be from sugar. If this figure is reduced to 5%, there is additional benefit for dental health.
Organic sugar
As with all things organic sugar too can be produced using natural and biological methods of farming shunning the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Refined sugar is chemically cleaned to give it the sparkling white colour. In this process, it loses its outer brown coat of the minerals that sugarcane juice possesses. Refining this way supposedly makes sugar a table attraction.
On the other hand, organic sugar is not super-refined: it is slightly browned and has a richer flavour because it has not had its coat of minerals polished right off.
Organic sugar is also lower on the glycemic index than white refined sugar.
Sugar is not the poison that it is made out to be. Everything in excess is poison. Choose a good brand of organic sugar where you can trust that no chemical has touched even the sugarcane plant, the fountainhead of sucrose.
The next time you curl up with your refreshing cup of tea or bake a cake, make sure the sugar at hand is sweet and organic.

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A Brief Guide to Peruvian Cuisine

Introduction
When my mother immigrated to the United States, she didn't entirely leave her Peruvian heritage behind. Sure she learned the language and adjusted to the customs, but my sister and I were well aware growing up that there was a bit of Incan flare in our home: From unorthodox Christmas time traditions, to decorative plates of the Nazca lines in our dining room.
But if there are two things Peruvians (as well as any people of hispanic background) love, it's music and food. Today we will be talking about the latter.
Keep in mind, this isn't a recipe guide, but rather just a brief overview of some dishes I particularly enjoy.
Anticuchos
At some point in your life or another, you've probably eaten a variety of different cow parts; brisket from the upper body, sirloin from the back, ribs from the... well, ribs. You get the idea. We like to use most parts of any animal we eat.
Yet if you were to tell someone in the states that you had eaten a cow's Heart at some point in your life, they would probably raise an eyebrow or two in your direction... unless that person happens to be a Peruvian, in which case you'd be in good company.
Anticuchos are pretty straight forward: cuts of meat served on a stick like a kebab. What makes an anticucho an anticucho however is the specific piece of the cow used, which you might have already guessed is the heart.
While the idea of cooking an animals heart might seem grotesque to some, it is actually a very tender piece of meat, with a soft chewy texture and mild yet satisfying flavor (not counting the plethora of spices that would be applied, of course).
Cui
Perceptions of certain animals vary from country to country.
To Americans, Cockatoos seem like rare exotic birds, but to Australians they're practically pigeons.
Cows are seen as mere livestock to Westerners, yet they are revered as holy beings in the streets of India.
And while someone in the states would think "Animal Companion" when they think of a guinea pig, a Peruvian would think "Dinner"
Much like how we use the word Chicken, Cui is a word used to describe both the guinea pig animal and the guinea pig's meat. It's a very common dish in Peru, and can be found served in a majority of restaurants across the country.
It's a very gamey meat, comparable to rabbit, but unlike rabbit, Cui is traditionally served whole... yes, even the head. The head of the Guinea Pig is served still attached, gaping toothed maw spread open, as it is served on your plate. The rest of the animal's body is served flattened with limbs extended.
Overall, it's a hilariously grotesque display, but the average Peruvian citizen isn't bothered by it. And hey, it's some pretty good meat.
Tallarines Verdes
Green Noodles. The name Tallarines Verdes literally translates to green noodles. Green tends not to be a very appetizing color to a lot of people, and seeing a pile of green stringy stuff may not sound mouth-watering at first, but I assure you one taste is enough to make the sight of it plenty stimulating.
Pasta preparations tend to be the same anywhere you go in the world, but as they say, the secret is in the sauce, which just so happens to get its distinct green coloration from a mixture of basil and spinach. Other ingredients include condensed milk, pecans, and Queso Fresco, which literally translates to "Fresh Cheese". While the naming conventions of this dish leave a little to be desired, the creamy, rich, yet not overpowering flavor are sure to satisfy, especially if served with some fried milanesa.
Chicha Morada
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you oranges, you make orange juice. And when life gives you corn, you make Chicha. And if there's one thing South America has in abundance, it's corn.
Chicha is found in a variety of South American countries, with different variations based on the local maize available.
They're all prepared by boiling corn in water and adding a sweetener (and in some cases alcohol, but not always) but there is one kind of chicha that is unique to only Peru: Chicha Morada
Chicha Morada has a sweet, nutty flavor, and generally served without alcohol. For those without any knowledge of Spanish, the name basically translates to "Purple Corn Drink" and yes, where most Chicha is a yellow color, Chicha Morada's claim to fame is its distinct purple color, produced from boiling purple corn.
It's widely considered one of THE signature beverages of Peru and has a history of consumption even predating the Incas of old.
Conclusion
Usually when people think of Spanish food, stuff like Tacos or Paella come to mind. But just like divergent evolution in animals, the different cultures of South America's various countries have also evolved in different ways, and food is a major aspect of culture (and I've only talked about four dishes). So keep that in mind; there's more on the menu than you might think further south than the south of the border.

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Diverse Food of India

If you're looking for a diverse location for your next travel destination, India is definitely the location. Not only can diversity be found in the culture, geography, and climate; diversity can also be found in their food as well.
In India spices, blending techniques, and oils play a key part in the preparation of their food. Different regions have different techniques and use different ingredients. An example of that is the coconut oil that is commonly used in the north, whereas in the south they use an abundance of mustard oil.
Indian foods have been said to be greatly impacted by religion. Although there are many different religions in India, the Hindu and Muslim religions are said to have impacted the foods and cooking traditions in India the most. The Hindu religion is mainly known for the vegetarian traditions. However, the Muslim religion has mainly impacted the meats among the Indian culture.
A typical meal in northern India would include chapatis, rice, and certain other sides. Chapatis is unleavened bread baked on a griddle. Some popular sides in northern India include fried vegetables, curry, curd, and pickles.
Some popular foods in southern India include rice, sombhar, rasam, dry and curried vegetables, and pachadi. Rasam is a thin soup and pachadi is a curd preparation. Another popular dish in south India is dosa, which is a rice pancake.
Curry is probably one of the most commonly raved about Indian dishes. Curry is a spiced dish and comes in many varieties. Depending on what spices are used, some curry dishes are spicier than others.

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Food Capitals You Need To See Around The World

Food and travel are probably the two things in the world that have the ability to bring joy to anyone's face. And when plan to travel in order to eat, well let's just say that makes the whole experience twice more enjoyable. Our world has a lot of exquisite cuisines to offer and all you have to do is stretch out a bit and make a grab for them. Some places around the world are famous for the food that they deliver to their consumers and we have made a list of such places for you. So grab your bags and get a flight of Cathay Pacific Airways to one of these food capitals around the world.
1. New York, USA
Because New York is home to literally thousands of people from many different backgrounds this place can offer you any type of cuisine that you might crave. They have hot dogs on the street and fresh bagels in the morning. And you also get to enjoy the world finest morning coffee here at Starbucks. Other then that, New York also offers some hauntingly delicious Chinese take out which is light on the pocket as well. And if you want something that's even more spicy than we suggest that you go for Indian cuisine which will surely be a blast for your taste buds.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Everything in Spain or with an origin related to Spain is exotic. And this principle applies to food as well. The food offered by Spain is exotic and amazingly refreshing for the taste buds. Barcelona is the place in Spain which is heaven for any food lover. It offers a multitude of cuisines. But if you want a true experience, then we suggest you try the sea food here. The Paella which is a rice dish combined with sea food is a mouth watering delicacy that you need to try at least once in your lifetime.
3. Paris, France
The French are famous throughout the world for their mouth watering delicacy's such as the fine buttered croissants and pastries. And Paris has the ambiance, environment and the fine cultured sophistication to give you the complete experience of the French Cuisine. Their food is mouth watering, the view is breath taking and the prices are reasonable too. And the best part is that no matter where you go, whether it be a 5 star restaurant or even a street vendor or a road side cafe the food will be amazing everywhere and anywhere.
4. Sydney, Australia
Australia may be on one corner of the world but it has food delicacies that are famous throughout the world. They feed you things like snow eggs and truffles egg pasta that will leave you wanting more and more. And even though japan is far away from here you still get to taste some amazing Japanese stones here.

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Top 5 Places to Visit Before You Die

If you are one among the few who desire to travel as much as possible before you leave this world, then this is for you. Here are the top 5 places you must visit before you die. This is useful for everyone who is going to travel in near future and also to those who are planning a trip soon. Here are few insights on the place you are going to visit and the specialty of the place. These places are spread across many countries of the world which means you got to travel many countries to visit these places. Hence, it comes handy if you have an idea on the customs, traditions do's and don ts of the country and sometimes it is essential to have an idea about the place of the visit as this makes your travel much easier and convenient.
Before knowing about the place let's look at few basics which you ought to follow while traveling. Pack as less luggage as possible and be prepared for the unforeseen. Plan your trip with sufficient rest time as too much traveling would lead to many problems later. Plan your trip well before and organize everything accordingly. Now as you are ready for the trip, let's look at top 5 places that must be visited before you die as per the latest survey.
Kauai, Hawaii: If you want to visit heaven on earth, then you must visit this place. This place is nicknamed as 'Garden Island' famous for its greenery and scenic view. Though there are 8 other islands in Hawaii, Kauai is a hot cake island as it is the oldest of all 8 and has many cliffs at its heart, peaks and the scenic Wailua River. All these geological spectacles have made Hawaii a paradise on the earth.
Wengen, Switzerland: If you are tired of busy urban life, then you must visit Wengen, Switzerland. A city where no cars are being used in last 100 years and are surrounded by alpine mountains, grassy hills is a spectacular tourist spot. The city is known for its finest ski slopes on the earth and is the only place which is clean and unpolluted all across the globe.
Santorini, Greece: A place which is unique and beautiful along a cliff of volcanic rocks. It's the only place which is surrounded with world's largest volcanic eruptions. The white washed houses with a coat of volcanic ashes make them distinct and give them a pearl color which makes the place more attractive.
Mount Fuji, Japan: Japan's highest peak and is one of the sacred locations which is also the most popular spot for artists and tourists. Amazing architecture, rich cultural experience, blooming lakes all together will surely make your visit much exciting. Mount Fuji is one of the world's best natural destinations.
Cinque Terre, Italy: A town located in Northern Italy and a picturesque town with atop cliffs, mountains. A place known for finest dessert wine while enjoying the stay at the shores of Mediterranean Sea makes your trip much fun filled.

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5 Texas Festivals That You Won't Want To Miss This Spring

Texas is one of the more diverse areas of the United States. There is no greater proof of this than a quick look at the various events taking place throughout the year. Texas festivals, in a nutshell, are something to behold. If you're a big proponent of taking in the cultural richness of an area, then you need to check out these five great festivals:

1. South By Southwest (SXSW) - Perhaps one of the largest music gatherings in the world, Austin, Texas is transformed into the center of the music world every March. Interestingly enough, the festival began as a way for local Austin residents looking for a way to celebrate the artistic tilt of the city's population. The first run of SXSW was in March 1987, and the response was tremendous. It has grown exponentially since then, and for the music lover, it is a definite 'bucket-list' item.

2. La Grange Uncorked in La Grange, TX - If you're a foodie & wine lover, this is the place to be. Nearly 20 wineries hold court in La Grange's premier wine and food festival. There are plenty of tasty treats and live music.

3. Texas Music & Crawfish Festival with Billy Mata in Boerne, TX - Nothing makes for good eating than a fine crawfish "bowl" (the Texas pronunciation). Combining fresh crawfish all day, family-friendly fun & games, vendors providing other great foods, and the music of Texas swing music legend Billy Mata, this festival aims to celebrate the state's most iconic roots.

4. Bluebonnet Festival of Texas in Chappell Hill - This festival has celebrated the state flower of Texas for over 50 years. The Bluebonnet Festival was declared the "Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas" by the Texas Legislature and is high on the list of Texas getaway ideas & itineraries. Hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, the goal is to celebrate Texas & Chappell Hill's designated National Historic District, not to mention that Chappell Hill is in Washington County, arguably one of the most historically important areas in Texas history.

5. Annual Cotton Gin Festival in Burton, TX - Celebrating nearly three decades of good, old-fashioned fun, the Cotton Gin Festival is built around Burton's claim-to-fame as being home to the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Not only is cotton king in these parts, the festival (and the city's central museum) is dedicated to keeping the history of the cotton industry alive and well.

With more daylight, cool temperatures, and a need to break out of the winter doldrums, enjoying any one of a number of Texas festivals this year is a "win-win" for everyone. So, whether it's you & your family, a bunch of buds aching for a road-trip, or the girls getting together for a weekend getaway, there are more than enough options to please the crowd.

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How To Make The Most Of A 3-Day Vacation

Nowadays, taking a long holiday has become tough due to the demanding nature of jobs. Which is why most people prefer taking short trips in between to detox and come back with a refreshed mind. If you are one among them, then it might do you some good to go on a 3-day vacation. However, when you are going on such a short holiday, it might be difficult to get the best of it. So, here are some tips that will help you have the best experience.

Choose a Location That Requires Minimum Travel Time

If you are going to need a long time to travel to your destination, then you will be wasting a lot of time on just getting from one place to another. Pick a place that you like and is also close to your place of residence. You could choose a small place on the outskirts of your city. If you, however, want to fly out then make sure that you keep the travel time in mind. Also, if you are looking for the lowest airfares on domestic flights, then the shorter the distance, the cheaper they will be.

Decide What You Want to Do

When you are going on a vacation, you might have some idea about what you would like to do while you are at it. If you are just going to destress, then you don't have much planning to do. All you need to do before flying out is to book a hotel so that you don't have to worry about it later. On the other hand, if you want to explore a place, then you must narrow down the places you would like to visit. Get in touch with a travel agent or a local guide who will be able to take you to these places.

Visit a Spa

One of the best ways of giving your body some much need relaxation is to get a spa massage. This will loosen up your knotty muscles and also improve blood flow in your body. Additionally, it will also help you get rid of all work related worries and just enjoy the vacation. However, pick a spa wisely. Generally, hotels have spas or can put you in touch with one. Consult a spa expert before going in for a massage so that you get the best out of your experience. They will be able to recommend the right kind of treatment for you.

These are some ways in which you can have an amazing 3-day vacation. You will come back fully relaxed and rejuvenated to take on the world again. Bon Voyage!

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