Category Archives: Food

Satisfying and Appropriate Lenten Season Filipino Food Options

The Lenten Season is a time of reflection and sacrifice for Christians around the world. In the Philippines, the season is marked by fasting, abstinence, and a focus on religious observances. For those who observe the Lenten Season, it is important to find food options that are both satisfying and appropriate for the season. Here are some popular Filipino foods that can be prepared and enjoyed during the Lenten Season.

Paksiw na Ayungin (Silver Perch)

Vegetable Dishes

During the Lenten Season, many Filipino households prepare vegetable dishes that are both healthy and filling. One popular option is the Pinakbet, a dish made from mixed vegetables such as bitter melon, eggplant, okra, and squash. Another popular dish is Ginisang Monggo, a dish made from mung beans and various vegetables such as ampalaya (bitter melon), malunggay (moringa), and tomatoes.

Seafood

In the Philippines, seafood is a popular option during the Lenten Season due to the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays. Seafood dishes such as grilled bangus (milkfish), fried tilapia, and shrimp sinigang (sour soup) are among the most popular choices.

Meat Alternatives

For those who are looking for meat alternatives, there are many options available. One of the most popular is tofu, which can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as sautéed, grilled, or fried. Another option is seitan, a plant-based protein made from wheat gluten that can be used as a meat substitute in dishes like adobo or mechado.

Rice and Noodles

Rice and noodles are staples in Filipino cuisine and can be prepared in a variety of ways during the Lenten Season. One popular dish is the Pancit Bihon, a noodle dish made from rice noodles, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. Another option is Arroz Caldo, a rice porridge made with chicken broth, garlic, and ginger that can be topped with boiled eggs and fried garlic.

Fruit and Sweets

In addition to savory dishes, there are also many sweet treats that can be enjoyed during the Lenten Season. One popular option is the Turon, a Filipino snack made from sliced bananas and jackfruit wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried. Another option is the Bibingka, a traditional Filipino cake made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and salted eggs.

Vegetable and Seafood Soups

Soups are a popular option during the Lenten Season as they can be both comforting and filling. One popular soup is the Sinigang na Hipon, a sour soup made with shrimp, tamarind, and various vegetables. Another option is the Tinola, a ginger-based soup made with chicken or fish and various vegetables such as green papaya and chili leaves.

In conclusion, the Lenten Season is a time of reflection and sacrifice for Filipinos who observe the religious celebration. By choosing appropriate food options, you can still enjoy satisfying and flavorful dishes while observing the traditions of the season. Whether you prefer vegetable dishes, seafood, or meat alternatives, there are many delicious and healthy options available. By incorporating these foods into your meals, you can stay true to your faith and still enjoy the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Hydroponics: Best for Indoor Gardeners

These days many people have started showing interest in gardening to connect with nature, and to reduce the cost of food for their families. If you are living in a house where it’s not possible to have an outdoor garden, such as apartments, or places with hostile environment that is cold or dry for the plants to thrive, it would be really disheartening to want a garden but having no real way to proceed. This is where grow kits from aquaculture-hydroponics can come in handy. These hydroponic kits help the new gardeners in getting success with their indoor hydroponic gardening project because they have all the necessary hardware for getting started with this exciting hobby.

Image by 41330 from Pixabay

Hydroponics UK offers many selections, which can be found here, they care products like grow kits and tents and lights that may vary from manufacture to manufacturer, or depending upon the type hydroponic gardening you are interested in. However, there are few components that are common to all types of kits. As all types of plants need food, water and light for growth, you would have to ensure that your chosen hydroponic system ensures that to your plants. You can get hydroponic lights in kit for, and this is the easiest way to build your hydroponic system. These lights could be LED, or they might also be HID lights, which need digital ballast for the proper operation. They also have fans and reflector depending upon the size of the room and number of lights that are to be set up.

Image by Trần Anh from Pixabay

As hydroponics is a kind of gardening where only water is used, therefore, the hydroponic grow kit you are interested in should have way to hold water and ensure its supply to the plant’s roots. However, the crown of plants should be held out of water to prevent it from rotting, and this is usually accomplished with the help of hydroponic supplies such as trays, or nets with holes in them so that only the roots of plants are exposed to water. Filters and pumps are also used for moving water and oxygenating it. Pumps are also used for raising or lowering the water level. The features of the system may vary and it depends upon your preference so you can buy appropriate model according to your needs and budget.

Finally, the most important component that you’ll need for the growth of the plant is food, and is also referred to as hydroponic nutrients. These nutrients contain all macro as well as micro nutrients that are required by the plants. You can choose from among hundreds of formulations to meet the needs of your plants.