U.S Pulses sprouting in Southeast Asia
A 2-day series of events featuring U.S Pulses Trail in Bangkok

This 2018, Healthy eating, Clean living, and Putting myself first are my top priority. 2017 isn't that nice to me towards my health and other aspects of life. So before 2017 ended, I did promise myself that it's time for a change, time to make things happen, and it's time to be happy, Again.

Not to insert an eerie or dramatic feeling, My 2018 really did start amazing. I was invited to be part of a 2day series of events featuring U.S Pulses in an amazing country, Thailand.

Travelling to Thailand for U.S. Pulses Bangkok Trail

Pulses and all that jazz seeds: 
Pulses are edible seeds from plants in a legume family. 
It grows in pods and comes in a variety of color, shapes, and sizes. 

Example of Pulses: 
Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, and Peas.

Want to learn more about Pulses? 
See more of it later in this post or check out Pulses 101 now.

The U.S. Pulses Bangkok Trail

U.S. Pulses sprouting in Southeast Asia: Supported by a communications campaign, consumption of pulses in the United States tripled during 2016. Now that it is being promoted in Southeast Asia, a similar upward trend in pulse consumption is in.

Some pulses are produced in the Asia Pacific Region. Myanmar is actually one of the large producer and exporter of pulses. But, also imports a significant amount of U.S Pulses. In Thailand, the U.S Pulses like red bean are found in snacks and desserts, but little did I know that also here in Thailand, (where looking good is pretty normal) the U.S. white bean is an active ingredient in some of its trendy cosmeceuticals. Oh wow! OK, enough with admiring their skincare. Meanwhile, the Philippines is the largest importer of pulses in the region. From snacks, desserts, and home-cooked meals, Pulses are always present. Green and yellow peas are popular snacks in Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.


Back Story: In 2016, The U.S. Ambassador of the Philippines, Philip Goldberg,  held a trade reception at his residences featuring U.S Pulses. The trade reception follows the United Nations declaration of the year 2016 as the "International Year of Pulses"

Read it here: http://www.acigirl.com/2016/04/gotta-love-pulses-superfood2016.html


Travelling to Thailand for U.S. Pulses Bangkok Trail

Touchdown Bangkok 2018: Finally, after the 3-hour flight, we've arrived. I instantly believe the country's tourism tagline Amazing Thailand, because I was so amazed by the spacious and bonggacious (Grand) Suvarnabhumi Airport. 


With what I thought a few more hours to spare before we go to our first event for the day. I was trying to fix my schedule if I can squeeze in a time for the other reason why I'm excited to be in Thailand. The famous Thai Milk Tea :) But later on realize that there is no time to spare at all. The traffic was intense :(

Me, taking selfies and getting comfy with the Posh Van. 

Our view from the Executive Lounge of Conrad Bangkok Hotel

So I decided to take a quick rest and get ready for the Welcome Dinner in Asok BTS. I am excited and intrigued to know more about U.S. Pulses. 

"Stressed" is "Desserts" spelled backward.

Indulge Fusion and Cocktail Bar 
Sukhumvit Suites Hotel between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and Sukhumvit Soi 23 Bangkok, Thailand
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Indulge Fusion and Cocktail Bar is Bangkok's top-rated restaurant. Serving its customers only with high-quality ingredients in every intricate meal that they offer. The welcome dinner for the media is set to happen here. Pulse-based Asian cuisine was to be served and I'm so looking forward to seeing and tasting Pulses in Fusion techniques.


Dee Richmond Agrisource Thailand

Jenny Lumain of Agrisource Philippines

Ain't this cute? But I just can't wipe the smile pulses gave me.

I never imagined pulses to be served this way. 
It's so pretty, tender and tasty.



It was a filling and satisfying dinner minus the guilt for mostly it is made with healthy ingredients; the U.S pulses. I enjoyed everything most especially the PanSeared Salmon with Green Pea Mash and that wonderful dessert, the Nutella stuffed poached pear with Vanilla bean ice cream. The Green Pea Mash I can't wait to try and make it at home pretty soon. Thanks so much Indulge Fusion and Cocktail Bar for the sumptuous dinner.



Happy Hour Refreshment Pairing at Craft

The night is still young and off we go to have fun and at the same time get to experience the other side cotyledon of Pulses.


Craft
16 Sukhumvit 23 Bangkok, Thailand

Craft Draught Beers, Cask Ales offers the largest beer selection in Thailand. Featuring 40 taps here in Sukhumvit and 20 taps in Silom and Surasak. Currently rotates over 170 craft beers from around the world. *Offers a wide selection of bottled beers too.


I'm not a fan of beers. The only beer I can take is root-beer. Kidding aside, I think I can safely say that I know how to appreciate good flavors when I tasted one.  
Who's up for a Beer Tasting?
So, when a staff from Craft put this piece of paper on my table,  Yeah, I know it's game on!
My Top 3 Beer of Choice 
Little Creatures Pale Ale, Ipa and White Rabbit

In the first part of this blog post, pulses were all glammed up for a gourmet presentation. The second part is the easy-peasy pulses served as chips and snacks.

In the United States, pulses are found in soups, salads and some home-cooked meal. But never as a snack or chips as what Asians were more likely to be munching on. The photos below are snacks that were made from varieties of pulses.

Bean Chips, Hummus Chips, Roasted Lentils, Roasted Black Bean and Chickpea Crisp


Other products made with U.S. Pulses

Philippine Brand spotted: W.L Foods Munchers,  Jack n' Jill's Mang Juan and Sunshine (Green Peas Snack)


Canned beans and Noodles and Pasta, also made from Pulses.

Before diving into cooking, Dee Richmond of Agrisource Thailand talks more about U.S. Pulses.

UFM Baking and Cooking School, Phrom Phong
Sukhumvit 33/1 Bangkok, Thailand 

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Pulses 101
Introduction, tips and tricks and all about the basics of Pulses with Dee Richmond of Agrisource Thailand


All about the basics of Pulses with Dee Richmond of Agrisource Thailand
watch it here: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUrI9xBBG7OGumjfgapON_LCvHjUQuUJO

Advantages of Dry U.S. Pulses

Pulses and Sustainable Agriculture
Plant Fixing Nitrogen: Pulses draw nitrogen from the air, resulting in not needing nitrogen fertilizers. Since converting nitrogen into nutrients, pulses makes the soil more fertile. Also, pulses are the most water efficient source of protein. 1 pound of pulses only requires 43 gallons of water to grow. Pulses are both environmentally-sustainable and healthy.

Give Peas (and Pulses) a Chance 😘

You really, really should give this a try and here are just some the reasons why?:


🌾 Pulses are an excellent source of protein, fiber and good kind of carbs. 
🌾 Contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc potassium, magnesium, and selenium.
🌾 Also, Pulses is naturally Gluten-free 😉


🌱 Incorporating pulses in your diet may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

🌱Pulses can also improve your heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.

🌱Since it is high in potassium, it can lower your blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. 😉



🍀 Pulses have a low glycemic index, resulting in a lower blood sugar levels.

🍀 Pulses are an inexpensive source of protein containing 3x more protein than any other grains.

🍀 Also a good source of folate, which essential in producing and maintaining new cells, and is important in pregnancy and infancy. 😉


For more details visit The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council website

And right before we start to get our hands-on cooking workshop with Chef Norbert Ehrbar,
We must learn the basic ways of preparing the U.S Pulses.


The Basic Preparations for U.S. Pulses
Cold Soaking | Hot Soaking | Soaking under Pressure


Always discard the soaking and prepping water. 
Replace it with fresh water for cooking.

Do I really have to Soak Pulses? 
Actually, I've been meaning to ask about this one. 
Wouldn't it be nice if the soaking water will serve as broth? 
And maybe it'll add more flavor?


Pulse Cooking Class
with Chef Norbert Ehrbar featuring dishes with U.S. Pulses
at UFM Baking and Cooking School,  Phrom Phong

Pulse Cooking Class with Chef Norbert Ehrbar 
featuring dishes with U.S. Pulses at UFM Baking and Cooking School Phrom Phong

Growing up with a Kapampangan Lolo is such a great treat. Kapampangan's in the Philippines are known for their excellent cuisine. Having a father who cooks well too is a super bonus. Every meal at home is special and great tasting. 

Too bad I was only good at eating. I didn't inherit their cooking skills nor even kept a single recipe. So if I can only attend every cooking class there is, I definitely would so I can cook something nice or at least edible :P

Pulse Cooking Class with Chef Norbert Ehrbar 
featuring dishes with U.S. Pulses at UFM Baking and Cooking School Phrom Phong

U.S. Pulses cooking class features the local and regional cuisines with Chef Norbert Ehrbar at the UFM baking and Cooking School at Sukhumvit. Chef Norbert started his cooking career as early as 16years old. Currently, he lives and works in Indonesia.


Snaps from the Pulses Cooking Class

The following dishes are all recipes incorporated with U.S Pulses.

U.S Bean Stew Korean Style
Durian Lentil Meat Balls 
Asian Rice Noodle Bowl 
Mussels and Chickpea Asian Soup
Smoothie Bean Cooler

 Sounds Delish right? 
See how these dishes look like in a separate blog post right here.




Snaps at the hands-on Cooking Workshop




During the hands-on cooking workshop, we were randomly assigned re-group in 4's. Our group was tasked to make an Asian Bean Salad. With no recipe to follow and just a bunch of ingredients, (and me being a nobody in the kitchen in real life) where would I go from here? 

That's Me! with Robert Woodrich of Paper & Pages

Thankfully, Chef Ehrbar gave us a hint, Salad is pretty easy. Actually. mix and mix and nothing but mixing. Later on, the group decided to recreate Chef Ehrbar's salad. Easy-Peasy!

Our Team's version of Asian Bean Salad
Pulses 4-Course Dinner in LIU Restaurant, Conrad Bangkok 

4 kinds of Hot and Cold Hor D'oeuvres


I was pretty excited what LIU Restaurant of Conrad Bangkok has to offer. I can't stop imagining what a 4course dinner featuring U.S Pulses in  Chinese Cuisine would look like. Also, I have a love-hate relationship towards Chinese food. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I'll like what Chef Jacky prepared for us.

Food feature will be out soon at www.adventruesofacigirl.com

During the lovely Dinner at LIU, The Online Media and Social Media Influencers, the Press, and Distinguished guest had time to socialize and get to know each other a little bit more. Making the event extra special was the presence of Dr. Peter Hammond, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Bangkok together with his lovely wife.

Dr. Peter Hammond, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Bangkok 

General Manager Simon Ramsay of Radisson Suites Bangkok

US Embassy, Bangkok Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Peter Hammond with his lovely wife
together with the Bloggers/Vloggers and Social Media Influencers from Philippines and Indonesia,
Gen. Manager Simon Ramsay of Radisson Suites Bangkok, Chef Norbert Ehrbar, Robert Woodrich of Paper & Pages.

Ace Paragoyo, MJ De Leon, Robert Woodrich, Rochelle Rivera,  Aaron Henry, Norica-May and Ruth Dela Cruz


Eat Clean and Live Green 
Start the ½ cup habit with U.S Pulses.
The Time Is Now!

That sums up my 2day AdBEANture in Bangkok featuring the SuperFoods and the Future of Food: The U.S. Pulses. I really learned a lot that can contribute to the healthy living and clean eating lifestyle that I've started getting myself into. For 2017-2025, is set to be the Decade of Pulses, the U.S. Pulses half cup habit is on! Just Add Pulses to your dish once a week and you're on the road to a healthier version of you. I will definitely include pulses in every home-cooked meal, desserts and will choose healthy snacking made from pulses for my family's diet. 

Pulses are more than just a protein,
Pulses are the future of food.


 Special Thank's to the following;
Thank you for taking time to read my blog post (^.^,)

I haven't been everywhere, But I'll get there
Follow me on my lil' adventures, making my dreams come true one blog post at a time :)
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UP NEXT:
AdBEANture of Aci Girl in Bangkok  at www.adventuresofacigirl.com
Pulses Cooking Class with Chef Ehrbar
Food Feature for Indulge Fusion and Cocktail Bar, Craft, and LIU