Expers' Viewpoints: Increasing Belief in Asian Foods’ Healing Effects

Jacqueline Newman, Ph.D., RD., F.A.D.A., F.A.C.N., Dr. Jacqueline Newman is a highly regarded Registered Dietician, Fellow of the American Dietetic Association, and of the American College of Nutrition. Dr. Newman celebrates eleven years as Editor-in-Chief of Flavor and Fortune, the only English language magazine in the United States dedicated to the science and art of Chinese cuisine. This visionary publication presented the Jade Chopsticks Award to the top ten Chinese Restaurants in 1997. She has done considerable research and lecture often concerning dietary, food and historical aspects of Chinese and other Asian cuisines. Dr. Newman has written eight books, and contributes to many journals. Her new book entitled Food Culture in China was published by Greenwood Press. Her website is www.flavorandfortune.com. 1.Asian Cuisines Are Popular The list of Asian ingredients is endless because there are hundreds upon hundreds of Asian ingredients, Asian flavorings, and Asian herbs. Items such as fresh ginger, mango, soy sauce, fish sauce, and others are not only thought of as Asian but also believed ‘good for you.’ Asian ingredients are becoming mainstream because Chinese and other Asian populations and now many westerners believe that all food is medicine and all medicine is food. 2.Asian Ingredients Are Popular Today Asian ingredients are combining and influencing other cuisines as people believe Asian foods heal. These thoughts are ‘in,’ so people try more, like more, and report their healing properties as ‘working.’ Another reason is that marriage and other partnerships with Asian people are increasing. This moves more Asian foods into the mainstream and gets their ingredients better known. Nowadays, Asian ingredients are found in all types of restaurants; and found dried, fresh, and frozen in Asian and Western supermarkets. These reasons and others are why more stores are carrying more Asian packaged dishes and Asian ingredients, and non-Asian restaurants are serving more dishes with Asian tastes. This availability creates more popularity and greater need for still more Asian ingredients alone and in Asian dishes. 3.Americanization of Asian Cuisine Asian cooking is quick and every dish mixes many different ingredients and seasonings. With the Americanization of Asian cuisine and the mixing of all ethnic foods and flavors, chain and ethnic restaurants are introducing more and more Asian ingredients into all of their dishes. 4.Trends of Asian Cuisine Asian food sales increased 27% in the last four years. They will increase even more in the next four. People want healthier foods served faster and looking prettier. Another trend in Asian and all restaurants is foods prepared specifically for the home. Take-out is sophisticated and increasing in restaurants, in supermarkets, in bus and train terminals, etc. Still another trend is advertising, such as special take-out dishes on menus, in Asian and mainstream newspapers, and on radio and TV; and more advertising of them on the web. Yet another trend is drive-up windows ready to dispense fine, fast, and healthy Asian-tasting foods; these windows are in-creasing at restaurants, fast food eateries, or even at supermarkets. In the future, people will be asking for and eating more Asian ingredients at home and away from home so the marketplace needs to prepare more and additional Asian ingredients and Asian dishes.