Kam (柑 - gān) is the Canto word for mandarin orange. It other words, it sounds like "gold" (金 - jīn). Hence, it is an auspicious fruit to consume during this festive season, symbolizing riches and good fortune. It is said that specific provinces in CHina produce the best kam.
Nutritionally, the mandarin orange is similar to other citrus fruits (eg: orange, pomelo, etc...), therefore, the main nutrient of interest would be vitamins, especially, Vitamin C. It is said that the mandarin orange has the moderate amount of Vitamin C that is 5 times higher than watermelon. However, it is half of the papaya and one of seventh of the guava.
In addition, the small amount of carotenoids (the orange coloured pigments), shows that it also can provide Vitamin A.
An interesting additional note about this fruit is its peel. The peel can be dried and used when braising or simmering dishes. For an example, when added to red bean soup dessert, the peel of the mandarin orange gives it a very pleasant zesty flavour.





This dish is called yee sang in Canto-speaking (余生 - yú shēng)like a "must-have" during this festive season period. The main ingredients are multi-coloured small pieces of crunchy rice crackers, and of course, a small serving of raw fish, hence the name of the dish is called yee sang.
Other condiments in he dish vary considerably and may include jelly fish, shredded carrot, turnip, pomelo, peanuts (usually will be grinded into smaller pieces), sesame seeds, plum sauce, lime juice, pickeld leek and a small bowl of oil.
This is basically a carbohydrated dish and the amount of fish does not contribute significant amounts of protein. Nutritionally, it may not be a great dish to consume so much, but, it is believed to be an auspicious dish, as it symbolizes abundance, prosperity and vigour. In the business community, it is believed that the tossing of yee sang will bring an abundance of good business and prosperity.



This is another important dish during Chinese New Year. In Canto-speaking, it is called nin gou (黏糕 - nián gāo). In other way of saying it, it represents "年高" (nián gāo). It is nevertheless a very auspicious food and its name gives the connotation of nian nian gao, which suggests advancing further in your career year after year. It is also taken to symbolizes 《步步高升》, which means advance toward higher positions with every step you take.

There are numerous other dishes and delicacies consumed during the Chinese New YEar period. For instance,*FISH* (魚 - yú), which it sounds like "余" (yú), which means more than enough or having enough to spare. Usually, it will be served during the reunion dinner, and Chinese used to serve expensive fish. The fish is usually served in whole, and it will be either steamed or deep fried. There are also several other seafood that are popular among Chinese. FOr an example, *FISH MAW*, which is an expensive Chinese delicacy. In Canto-speaking, it is called, "yee piu", which is the fish's swim bladder or air bladder, which the fish used to enables itself to control its buoyancy. It is said to symbolizes good luck. Usually, it will be used to braised or stewed. Another seafood is *SEA CUCUMBER*, which is a kind of sea slug. In Canto-saying, it is "hoi sam" (海參 - hǎi shēn). It is similar to pronounce it as "sea ginseng". This unattractive sea creature, has gelatinous texture and it has no flavour by itself. It has to be soaked and repeatedly scrub it to clean out the digestive system. It has lower amounts of protein and fat, and is usually stwed together with some meat to add-in the flavour. However, it contains several minerals. It is also believed that it has medicinal properties, and is use to be the remedy for cuts, wounds and inflammation.
*MUSHROOMS* are used extensively in Chinese cooking. Inthis festive season, Chinese particularly will use the black Chinese mushroom in dishes. It signifies happiness. It is another delicacy that believed to have medicinal properties as well in Chinese communities.


Articles prepared by: Dr. Tee E Siong (nutritionist)
Source: [a href="www.nutriweb.org.my">Star Health
** The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. It hsould not be considered as personal medical advise.

Labels: best wishes, food