FOOD & TRAVEL

In the vast tapestry of Nature, Asia has gifted the world an array of unique and vibrant fruits, particularly those in shades of red. These scarlet-hued gems, packed with flavour and nutrients, not only add a burst of colour to your plate but also carry valuable health benefits. From antioxidant-rich goji berries to the exotic dragon fruit, let’s explore some of the most popular red fruits from Asia and discover why they should be part of your diet. GOJI BERRIES (Lycium Barbarum and Lycium Chinense) Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small, bright red fruits that have been cherished in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. They are particularly revered for their ability to improve vitality, boost immune function, and promote longevity. One of the standout features of goji berries is their high antioxidant content, particularly in the form of carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which are crucial for eye health. Studies have shown that regular consumption of goji berries can help protect against age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration. In addition, goji berries are rich in vitamin C, iron, and fibre, making them excellent for boosting energy levels, supporting immune health, and promoting healthy digestion. PULASAN (Nephelium ramboutan-ake) Closely related to rambutans and lychees, the pulasan is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. While it’s not as widely known as its relatives, the pulasan is a hidden treasure of the fruit world. With a rough, spiky red rind similar to rambutan, the fruit reveals a sweet, juicy, white flesh once peeled. Pulasan is high in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, skin health, and immune support. It also contains antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress. The fruit may also be used in managing blood sugar level in diabetics. CHINESE GOOSEBERRY (Actinidia deliciosa) Better known as the kiwifruit, the Chinese gooseberry originally hails from China, despite its strong association with New Zealand. While it is not typically red, some varieties such as the red kiwi boast vibrant red flesh. Kiwi fruits are well-known for their impressive vitamin C content – just one fruit can provide more than 100% of your daily recommended intake. Vitamin C helps boost immune function, promote healthy skin, and improve iron absorption. Kiwi is also rich in dietary fibre and contains actinidin, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion. Furthermore, the fruit’s high potassium content supports heart health by helping regulate blood pressure.

With its tea plantations and rice paddies, dense jungles and expansive forests, the region is well known as a green paradise. But many of...

The complex of domes in sandy bricks is the living history to feel the atmosphere of the Silk Road ancient bazaar. Four out of five...

  According to an old legend of the Soyot people, a vicious person can never find the way into the valley of the Ok-hem River:...

From its psychedelic jeepneys to its kaleidoscopic festivals, the Philippines is never short on colour, but if it’s a rose-tinted adventure you seek, look...

Text by S. Rani & Photos by John Thet Venture to Japan’s spiritual heartland of Wakayama for unique experiences to cleanse body and soul Wakayama, Japan’s epicentre of...

SACRED ISLAND OF OKINOSHIMA AND ASSOCIATED SITES IN THE MUNAKATA REGION Located 60 kilometres off the western coast of Kyushu, Okinoshima is an exceptional example...

Asian Geographic planning for this expedition in November 2023 for your unique experience of the real remote countryside of Laos with the local way...