I Flew to Bangkok to Learn More About the New Superfood for Millennials: Pulses
I flew to Bangkok, Thailand to learn more about the new "superfood" for millennials - Pulses. I first learned about pulses and their benefits when I attended the 2016 International Year of Pulses in Manila.
Food trends are becoming more and more interesting. From pistachio, quinoa and kale, pulses are now becoming more popular. They are very healthy and versatile that you can eat and/or mix them with our usual favorite dishes - and that is exactly what we experienced during our 2-day trip in Bangkok where we were treated to (as @mjdeleon puts it) Pulse-ating Food Feast.
What are Pulses?
Pulses are dry peas, lentils, chicken peas, and edible beans like kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans and black beans. Pulses are part of the Legumes family like peanuts and soy. They are packed with protein, fiber and essential nutrients. They good food alternative to meat and uses less water during production which makes it more environment-friendly.
The USA is one of the top exporters of pulses, which are healthy, nutritious, and easy to cook with. Pulses also help decrease greenhouse gases, increase soil health, and use less water than other crops
The USA is one of the top exporters of pulses, which are healthy, nutritious, and easy to cook with. Pulses also help decrease greenhouse gases, increase soil health, and use less water than other crops
US Pulses
During the 2-day event, we attended lectures, cooking demo, hands-on cooking class and ate a lot of pulses with other Southeast Asian Bloggeres/Influencers.
You may not be aware that everyday, we are probably consuming pulses through snacks (which is really a great news!) 💪💪💪
Let me share with you the learnings, experiences and photos during the trip:
It was so nice to be a student once again
Get yourself familiar with the variety of Pulses Snacks
More snacks! I spotted Mang Juan Snack from the Philippines!
In Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, marrowfat peas are more popular because they are sweet.
In the Philippines, Green Peas are so popular as snacks; while other countries, like in US, US pules are used as pet food.
I was so curious about this snack. Does anyone know where I can buy one?
You guys are familiar with these!!! 💚💚💚
Hummus Dip? Why not.
She said, they did follow me 😀
Why Pulses are the New Superfood Trend for Millennials?
Truly, millennials are shaping food trends and eating habits. What do millennials want for their food? We want healthy and convenient food that is high in protein and dietary fiber. We want products that are organic, all-natural and clean. Preferably gluten-free and has ethnic and authentic flavors.
Eating pulses in daily doses may seem a little too intimidating, but really, what we need is "to add a little pulse" in every meal.
How we enjoyed Pulses?
Ways to Cook Pulses
There are so many ways to enjoy pulses. We have discovered new ways to incorporate pulses in food that we take everyday and favorite cuisines to indulge in.
Here are the ways we enjoyed pulses during our 2-day trip in Bangkok.
We first had a dinner at Indulge Asian Fusion Restaurant, a top-rated restaurant in Bangkok with serves conventional and new fusion flavors.
Lentil Soup Shooter
Black Eyed Bean Cucumber Mint Salad
Sweet Potato and Chickepea Hummus with Salsa Verde Chicken
Panseared Salmon with Green Pea Mash
This is so good! First time to really enjoy and finish a salmon plate
For dessert, we had something really interesting!
Nutella Stuffed Poached Pear with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
I am not really into sweets but I got to finish the plate (not just the fruits!)
After dinner, we transferred to CRAFT.
CRAFT is owned by Hathor Investment Group, founded by Hillman Lentz, whose early successes were California-based clothing companies Marshmallow Moon and Zooport Riot Gear. In 1991 he created Hathor to focus on the acquisition, investment, and growth of start-ups within the lifestyle arena.
Beer and Snacks Pairing
For the most people who love drinking beer (I do, socially), they love something to munch in between talks and gulps. The US Pulses products are good snacks to serve. I love the crunch and variety of flavors to temper the bitter-sweet taste of beer.
The following day, we were treated to a cooking demo by Chef Norbert Ehrbar.
Chef Norbert Ehbrar started his career as a chef when he was just 16 years old and realized that cooking is his greatest passion. In 1989, with more than 13 years of experience working in various restaurants and the food preparation industry, Norbert moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he currently lives and works.
Rice Noodle Bowl
Chickenpea and Mussel Asian Soup
Ah, this is so good with contrasting flavors bursting in my mouth! 🥄
BBQ Durian lentil Meat Balls
This felt like yam but I like the sauce
US Navy Bean Smoothie
Yes, you can use beans for your smoothies. I love the flavors of mango and pineapple.
Korean Style US Bean Stew
I am salivating over this just by editing the photo
For us to better understand and appreciate the preparation and cooking of pulses, we join the cooking class. It was also a great opportunity to get to know other influencers and bloggers from Southeast Asia.
We were assigned to prepare a Sushi Bowl.
with @happykulchaya and @captainruby
Sushi Bowl
@iamacesome rocking the kitchen
with my love @mjdeleonblogs
At night, we had 9-course dinner in Liu, Conrad Bangkok Hotel featuring 4 dishes cooked/prepared with pulses.
Vloggers from Indonesia @captainruby and @shegario
So nice to know that they are also friends with my friends from Indonesia Trip of Wonders
Influencers from Thailand
@HappyKulchaya and @TinaLovesFitness (she's body goals!) 😍
So nice to know that they are also friends with my friends from Indonesia Trip of Wonders
@HappyKulchaya and @TinaLovesFitness (she's body goals!) 😍
The dinner was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission Peter Haymond.
It was an honor to be part of this event.
It was an honor to be part of this event.
We were served with really good and interesting food like this Double Boiled Blackened Chicken with Chinese herbs and chickenpeas.
After the dinner, I was feeling so great-full 😁
So probably, you are asking..
Will Pulses Make You Feel Bloated and Gassy?
I personally try to stay away from beans or anything that would make me gassy and bloated (especially when traveling). But I learned that it is the preparation that make beans and pulses produce substance that make one feel bloated.
How to Prepare Beans "to remove gas"?
Soak the beans for 8 hours and do not add salt. After soaking, pour of the water and use fresh water for cooking.
Ways to prepare beans and soak US Pulses?
There are 2 ways: Cold Soaking and Hot Soaking.
Cold Soaking or Traditional Method: soak US pulses with room temperature water, overnight. Ratio of 3 part water to 1 part US pulses.
Hot Soaking: used when you forgot to soak the US pulses the night before. Cover beans with water and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and soak for 2 hours. Discard water and use fresh water for cooking.
When to add ingredients when cooking beans/US pulses?
There are critical ingredients that you must know when cooking beans/US pulses. Add these ingredients after the beans become tender: pickled condiments, tomato-based products like ketchup, tomato paste, and wine.
So maybe you would ask...
How does it feel like eating US Pulses for 2 days?
Well, I took a break from Keto Diet during this trip, and I love how each meal felt filling. I didn't really feel bloated during this trip and I still got to follow my normal (morning) routine.
I love how visually enticing, delicious and healthy each meal is. I cannot wait to share the recipes with mom. 💓
Eating healthier and helping the planet are becoming more easier now with different choices like US Pulses.
Eating healthier and helping the planet are becoming more easier now with different choices like US Pulses.
Thank you Thailand Pulses, Pulse Association of the Philippines and Embassy of US in Bangkok for having me 😊
I hope you find this post helpful. Please do share this article with your family and friends.
Do you got tips or cooking tricks do you want to share? Drop a comment.
Do you want me to cover your event? Hit me an email admin@ruthdelacruz.com
Follow me @ruthilicious
Learn more about US Pulses:
