Demanding of Tofu was Increasing During Covid 19 Pandemic – Part 1 – Food Variety 21

Americans have known tofu since 1840, they called it as “bean curds” on that time, but not all Americans consume this food.

Fig 01- Raw tofu, ready to cook

Few years ago, we always buy tofu from ethnic groceries such as:

- Korean shop

- Asian market

- Vietnam stores

Luckily, we may find tofu in the Walmart and other big retails across America almost everyday now.

It is because demand for tofu skyrocket recently, especially during Covid 19 pandemic.

Fig 02- Just illustration

First, USA faced shortage of meat at early months of pandemic, then, many Americans try to find alternatives.

Fig 03- Tofu nutrition facts

Two types of tofu are available in the market with different prices. Costs per pound are:

- US$ 1.64 for common tofu

- US$ 2.64 for organic tofu

As reported by mainstream medias like Washington Post (2020) and Bloomberg (2020) that demand for tofu not only increasing, but also even shortage in many places include Seattle and Washington DC.

We may wonder why?

# To be continued to Part 2

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Peanuts in the Farmer Market – Part 1 – Food Variety 20

We always buy peanuts, raw or green every summer (around July to August) at our neighborhood’s farmer market.

Fig 01- Green peanut at Sign of farmer market

close by our neighborhood

Peanut is a summer crop, but we may find plenty of boiled peanuts in many places in our city, year rounds.

I think it is a “good” business, because a boiled peanut is one of our state traditional food favorites.

In fact, Louisiana farmers together with other states such as South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi have produced peanuts in specific locations since more than 50 years ago.

Fig 02- A wild plant in the garden, just for illustration

Fig 03- Canned boiled peanuts sold in Walmart

Some places sell boiled peanuts include:

- food mart

- gas station

- sea food markets

- restaurants, Kitchen and bar

- grill and sea foods restaurants

Canned boiled peanuts may be found in many groceries. We bought its in addition to green peanuts sometimes

# To be continued to Part 2

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Have You Tasted Fruits Called as Muscadine? - Part 2 – Food Variety 19

You may read previous post (Part 1):

- Have You Tasted Fruits Called as Muscadine? - Part 1 – Food Variety 19 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01- Muscadine cocktail, sold by Walmart

It has been cultivated since 400 years ago, and able to grow from hot to cold climates in the states such as:

- Florida

- Texas

- Oklahoma

- New Jersey

- Delaware

Fig 02- Colorful paintings

Fig 03- Antique light, just for illustration

Fig 04- Muscadines are hanging over the branch

Unfortunately, it is reported that just 12 of 50 states sell Muscadines in the market, but not in regular basis.

There are “huge” opportunity both to grow and market this fruit. A good source of income for farmers.

Based on simple facts and economic estimation:

- new target markets will be no or less competition, and even to be expanded to nearby foreign markets such as Canada and Mexico.

- ten acres may produce 100,000 pound of Muscadines

- 100,000 pound means US$ 200,000.

Finally, have you tasted Muscadines? What do you think? Do you like it?

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Have You Tasted Fruits Called as Muscadine? - Part 1 – Food Variety 19

We buy grapes in the farmer market sometimes, especially on Tuesday market close to home.

Unexpectedly, we noticed the grape like fruit recently.

Fig 01- The grape like fruits, Muscadine

The shape are similar to grapes, its called as Muscadine with scientific name is Vitis rotundifolia. Common grape for wine has scientific name Vitis vinifera. So, both Muscadine and grape have the same genus, Vitis.

Then, few differences of Muscadine compared to grapes are:

- rounder or oval berry shape

- thicker and tougher skin

- contain about 5 seeds in each fruit.

- flesh is clear and translucent

Fig 02- A statue, just for illustration

Fig 03- Plants, just for illustration

Fig 04- Muscadine jelly, sold in Walmart

I bought one color only, but many colors are found in the market, we believe common colors are:

- light bronze

- pink

- purple

- black

- light green

This fruit is native to America, grows mainly in the areas of southeastern and south central USA.

# To be continued to Part 2

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Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 2 - Food Variety 18

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

- Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 1- Food Variety 18 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01- Medium size shrimp

Shrimp landing about 100 millions pound at previous years, but less than 30% in recent years.

Surprisingly, the size of shrimp getting smaller as well.

Less landing due to some factors such as:

- Lower fishing activities due to lower price of import shrimp

- Flooding rains from nearby river

Fig 02- Non frozen Crab, shrimp and fish

Fig 03- Flounder at seafood market

Illegal import is increasing without control. Unfortunately, the import is lower quality due to using of :

- antibiotic

- and certain chemical substances

Law enforcement seem lack of resources to check illegal foreign shrimps. Thus, consumers need to rely on basic information before buying somethings.

It is important to know where our seafood come from and quality of what of food will we consume.

Buy local, help neighbors.

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Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 1- Food Variety 18

We have several groceries in our neighborhood to sell fresh seafood, caught by local fishermen.

When we visit one of groceries couple days ago, the seller said that the fish and shellfish come from Gulf of Mexico, American parts.

Fig 01- A sign at the seafood market.

The areas are quite huge, its spans about 2,700 km (1,680 miles) along the coastlines of 5 USA states, they are:

- Florida

- Alabama

- Mississippi

- Louisiana

- Texas.

In addition to oil and gas, the Gulf of Mexico is important habitat for fish and marine organisms.

Fig-02- Large size shrimp

Moreover, some of commercial marine organisms are:

- crabs

- shrimp

- fish

- mollusks

Fig 03- Small size shrimps

Shrimps from Gulf of Mexico have 3 different colors:

- white

- pink

- brown

Shrimp prize depend on size (large, medium or small) or count (number of shrimp per pound):

- US$ 9.99 per pound for shrimp with 9 – 12 count.

- US$ 7.99 per pound for shrimp with 10 – 15 count.

- US$ 5.99 per pound for shrimp with 16 – 20 count.

# To be continued to Part 2

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The Local Honey in the Farmer Market – Part 2 – Food Variety 17

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

- The Local Honey in the Farmer Market – Part 1 – Food Variety 17

Fig 01- Local brand sell raw honey

Natural honey is not processed such as not going through filtering and pasteurizing process.

I just repeat and remind myself that some benefit to consume natural honey are:

- improve our immune system

- better sleeping

- improve cholesterol

- lower blood pressure

Fig 02- Painting, just for illustration

Fig 03- Flowers Start to bloom

Fig 04- Spring flowers at the corner

The bees' industries provide quite significant to household’s income and job employments.

In term of revenues, Honey bee is estimated to contribute about US$ 24 billion to American economy.

USA produce 163,000,000 pound (74,000 ton) honey and provide 212,000 jobs for beekeepers, and million jobs honey relate industries and marketing.

As pollinators, be help to produce many commercials foods such as nuts, fruits and vegatbles.

Do you like to consume honey?

How often do you consume?

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The Local Honey in the Farmer Market – Part 1 – Food Variety 17

 We just visit farmer market, there were plenty of local honey on the shelves. I don’t know when they harvest this “healthy food.”

However, as a southern state, temperature getting warmer currently, could get above 20* C at mid-day.

Fig 01- Local honey in farmer market

As esxpected, a hot season is busy time for bees for secretion sweeter substances from flower then to produce honey.

At least there are four region as well known areas of honey bee production in Louisiana:

- Baton Rouge

- Northern Louisiana’s

- New Orleans and nearby areas

- Southwestern Louisiana

Fig 02- Just for illustration

Fig 03- Flowers of this wild plant could be source of nectar for bees

Fig 04- Flowers which attract bees

Fig 05- One of local honey product

We might know that honey is healthy foods due to its contain combinations of mineral, vitamins, enzymes and anti-oxidants.

Surprising facts for me that there are 4 different terms of honey sold in the farmer market:

- processed

- natural

- pure

- raw

# To be continued to Part 2

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