Merry X'mas and a Happy New Year

The King Fruit Resources

                                                                          
Durian lovers enjoy the many exotic aroma and taste of the King Fruit.  But how many are aware of its real value in terms of its medical and resourcefulness.

The Dried Peel can be use for fuel.

The Peri Carp oil can be use to cure skin ailments.

The Leaf is use in medicinal bath for jaundice and sclera of eyes and can also be applied for skin swellings.

Roots and Leaf decoction can bring down fever.

The coarse, light wood from the trees though not durable, can be use for building houses, paneling and for making cheaper types of furniture.  It is also excellent for making packaging cases when impregnated with preservative because of its being strong and light.

Simple remedies

10 Body Tricks You Didn't Know You Can Do!
These 10 body tricks and 'cheats' will help you reduce pain, reduce
discomfort, avoid headaches and burning sensations, and just ease a bunch
of physical issues we need to deal with every day!

 

*1. If your throat tickles, scratch your ear.*

You can try clearing your throat, but that won't make that tickle feeling
pass. Here's a better way of dealing with tickels in your throat: "When the
nerves in the ear are activated, it creates a reflex-life reaction in the
throat that can cause a muscle twitch", says Dr. Scott Shefer, head of the
ear, nose and throat ward at a New Jeresy Hospital. "These twitches ease
 the tickling sensation." You heard it - Just scratch your ear!

 

*2. Super Hearing?*

If you happen to meet an old friend at a noisy place and you start
chatting, it's better to turn the right ear towards the person, as it is
better at tracking active talking, according to researchers from the
University of California medical school. On the other hand, if you're
trying to identify which song is playing, it's better to use the left ear.
This is because the different hemispheres of the brain are better at
different things.

*3. Can sexual thoughts be used as a tool?*
When you really need to pee and can't, says Dr. Lary Lipsholtz, think about
sex. Thinking about sex occupies your mind and body and will stop you from
feeling the discomfort of having to pee.

 

*4. Reduce Temporary Pain*
German researches found that coughing while getting an injection diminishes
the pain. According to the head researcher of this experiment, the cough
caused a temporary increase of pressure inside the chest and spine, which
depresses the pain conductors of the spinal cord. In other words, coughing
reduces the amount of pain signals your brain gets, and so you feel less
pain.

 

*5. Clearing a stuffed nose*
Put aside your pills and drops. An easier, faster and cheaper way to
relieve that pressure on your sinuses, is to push the tongue against the
roof of your mouth, and then flicking a finger in the area between your
eyebrows. As weird as that may seem, this motion causes the bone of the
nose, connected through the nasal passageways to the mouth, to rock back
and forth. This movement releases the stuffing in your throat, and after
about 20 seconds, you'll feel your sinuses start to cleanse.

*6. Fighting the fire in your stomach without water*
Are you worried the chicken wings you're eating now will burn you at night?
"Sleep on your left side" Says Dr. Anthony, professor of gastroenterology.
Research has shown that people who sleep on their left side suffer less
from acidic stomachs. The esophagus and the stomach are tied in an angle.
When you lay on your right side, the stomach is higher than the esophagus,
which lets the acid in the stomach go up to the throat. When you lay on
your left side, the stomach is lower, so gravity works for you.

*7. Cure your toothache without opening your mouth*

Rub ice on the back of your hand, on the area between your thumb and your
index finger. Research conducted in Canada found that this technique
reduces your toothache by about 50%. The neural pathway that is at the
center of that *V* awakens an area in the brain that blocks the pain from
the face.

 

*8. Erasing burn marks*
When you burn your fingers on the stove, instead of using ice - clean the
skin and apply light pressure using the soft part of the fingers of the
unburned hand. "The ice will elevate your pain faster," Says Dr. Destefano,
"But this natural method returns the skin that burnt to a normal
temperature, so the risk of blisters is reduced."

*9. Unfreeze your brain*

Did you drink something too cold, too fast, and now you feel as if your
brain froze? You may get a headache later on, or you can take your tongue and

stick it to the roof of your mouth. Since the nerves at the roof of your
mouth suddenly froze, your body thinks your brain is freezing, as
compensation, it overheats, which causes a strong headache. The stronger
you push your tongue against the roof of your mouth, the faster the
headache will pass.

*10. Return your heart to normal beating*

Are you trying to relax a stampeding heart? Blow on your thumb! "The
errant nerve that regulates heart beat can be controlled by breathing,"
Says Ben Abu, an emergency medicine specialist. This is a way to return the
heart to normal beating.

 

Turmeric neutralizes Diabetes

Diabetes Is Caused By
A Failing Pancreas!

To fix your Diabetes, you must fix your pancreas!

Like most other diseases, Western medicine only looks at the surface-level problem. If you have diabetes, they treat your “sugar” problem.

But why isn’t anybody thinking about what’s causing the “sugar” problem?

If you want to REVERSE diabetes, you must dig deeper to find the root of the problem.

And it starts with your pancreas.

You see, in a healthy person, the pancreas releases insulin to help the body store and use the sugar from the food you eat.

Diabetes happens when one of these three conditions occurs…

1. The pancreas does not produce any insulin.
2. The pancreas produces very little insulin.
3. The body does not respond appropriately to insulin, a condition called “insulin resistance.”

People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin. The problem is that your pancreas either doesn’t produce enough, or your body is unable to recognize it and use it properly (AKA, Insulin Resistance).

When there isn’t enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose (sugar) can’t get into the body’s cells and builds up in the bloodstream instead. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it damages the vital cells of your body, causing many of the diabetes-related conditions we just discussed.

This is why the health of your pancreas is VITAL to keeping blood sugar under control.

Here’s the problem.

Today’s “solutions” for diabetes try to mimic your pancreas by secreting glucose as needed. In a sense, many of them do work fairly well.

The problem is that relying on an outside machine to run your body causes your pancreas to get weaker and weaker by the day. It’s like any muscle. The less you use it, the more weak it becomes, until at some point it’s useless.

This makes you more and more dependent on expensive, dangerous drugs the longer you stay on them!

That’s why you must do whatever it takes to cure your body internally… from the inside-out.

You have to first eat healthier, more “glucose-friendly” foods, which we’ll talk about in just a minute.

But you can also follow certain “tricks” I’ve discovered which…

Help Regulate Your Blood Sugar Levels
With Little Effort!

You’ve likely heard that cinnamon can be used to sprinkle on certain foods and drinks to help regulate blood sugar.

In one study, volunteers ate from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days. One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon.

Researchers found that cinnamon reduced cholesterol by about 18% and blood sugar levels by 24%, plus just as impressive results for decreasing triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol. (4)

This is impressive.

But it’s not quite as impressive as…

The “Weird” Asian Spice Used To Sprinkle Over
Spicy Dishes… Which Neutralizes Diabetes!

I’ve discovered a unique ingredient probably hiding in your kitchen cupboards as we speak, which has been shown to provide simply incredible benefits to those suffering from prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Here are just a few of the thousands of studies conducted on this amazing ingredient…

Clinical Study #1: 
Significant Decreases In Several Markers Of Diabetes!

In one comprehensive study, 100 type 2 diabetics received either 300mg per day of this ingredient, or a placebo, for three months.

Results showed that the group taking this ingredient displayed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1C (a marker of the long-term presence of excess glucose in the blood), and insulin resistance, compared to placebo. (5)

The researchers also noted a significant reduction in free fatty acids.

Clinical Study #2: 
Prediabetics Rejoice!

In another study, this ingredient was given to participants with pre diabetes for 9 months, while the other half received a placebo. After 9 months of treatment, 16.4% of subjects taking the placebo were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while ZERO taking this ingredient were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Researchers were astounded, citing that this ingredient was clearly beneficial for anyone with prediabetes to help delay or even eliminate the onset of type 2 diabetes (6).

Clinical Study #3: 
Repairs And Regenerates Damaged Livers!

As we’ve discussed, Diabetes damages virtually every cell in your body, especially your liver. As your body fights diabetes, it puts extra stress on your liver and dramatically increases your chances of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver inflammation and cirrhosis.

That’s why you’ll be happy to know that groundbreaking new research published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand found that this ingredient has been proven to repair and even regenerate the liver tissues!

So what is this “miracle” ingredient?

Turmeric!

Turmeric is a local spice you can buy at nearly any grocery store. Simply sprinkle it on top of any dish you want to add some spice to, and take part in it’s many benefits.

It’s delicious.

It’s nutritious.

And it can help save you from the dire consequences of diabetes.

What’s better – researchers have found…

Turmeric Has Been Shown To
Improve Over 500 Different Health Conditions!

Turmeric is tasty, colorful, healthy way to keep diabetes at bay!

Use Turmeric regularly and you’ll receive health improvements going well beyond just preventing type 2 or prediabetes.

It’s actually become one of the world’s most thoroughly studied and well-characterized natural compounds, with over 5100 references in peer-reviewed publications, proving real, tangible benefits and improvements in over 500 health conditions!

Unfortunately, this is not common knowledge.

Your doctor won’t tell you about this.

Most articles you read won’t ever mention it.

Why?

Because most people are focused on covering up problems with Band-Aid solutions, rather than finding real, proven solutions to ending type 2 or prediabetes.

Coca cola as rusts removal

Compost King

The miraculous mix

                                  
It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.
                 

I can solve the problem but do you really want it

                                          
There are four rats to every person living in Kuala Lumpur. The city's mayor Ahmad Phesal Talib revealed this yesterday, during a campaign trail to tackle the arising health risk from rats..

The KL City Hall (DBKL) estimates that there are eight million rats living in the country's capital city compared to two million people,Berita Harian reported today.

"If in Australia and New Zealand there are more cows than people, we instead have to face the fact that we have more rats here," the newspaper quotes Ahmad Phesal (left) as saying.

Ahmad Phesal said DBKL has spent RM50,000 on rat catchers alone while millions of ringgit more are needed to fix the city's drainages.

However, the blame for the rodent issue lies squarely on restaurants and hawkers who are carelessly chucking leftover food and cooking oil into back alleys, the drains and rivers.

This was also one reason also why DBKL needed to upgrade popular food haunts, such as those on Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Alor and Medan Pasar, a move that has irked some Malay traders.
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2 million people in Kuala Lumpur.
8 million rats in Kuala Lumpur.
ONLY ONE(1) SOLUTION.
Starve the rats at its source and increase food production for the people.

Najib said to stop complaining and give a solution.
Well the complaints can only stop if the communities are willing to work together as a team to stop the growing population of rats.
From food waste I can help you turn them into fertilizer for food growth.
I am willing to help but are you ready to want help?

Distributor of Waste Composter

Happy to announce we are officially the distributor of Waste Composter from Korea.
Demonstration of machine is available in Selangor only. Otherwise it is all slides.
If you are passionate about environment, getting rid of rats and other pests, this machine is the answer to your problems.
Call me anytime and I will travel far or near to show you how wonderful this cute machine is.
My contact number is 012-2031704 (Dian)

Composter with dual function

Looking for composter with dual function - fertilizer and animal feed.
Minimum 50 units.

From Plastic to Oil

Sahur for the family

                                                                   Chocolate Almond

                                                                       Cream Puffs

                                    Cream Puffs with Pastry Cream Filling and Custard Sauce

                                                                             Rosti

Remedy for Gout

Asian remedy for GOUT.

Bunga Kantan (Torch Ginger Flower)

Bunga kantan is used widely in Penang-style asam pedas...but difficult to get in Europe,

US and Australia.

An Indonesian friend, shared with me, this recipe to remove uric acid.

I have used it and it works.

Cheap and effective method for gout sufferers.

Take 3 shoots of Bunga Kantan (ginger flower – (as used in our famous Asam Laksa).

Boil it in 4-5 litres of water. Reduce it till it’s down to about 3 litres.

Use it as your daily intake of water.

Just a Ginger Flower... no harm to try it

Beauty of Lemon Grass (Compost)

Health Benefits

Lemongrass contains several flavonoids that function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In their antioxidant capacity, flavonoids prevent damage to cells that can lead to long-term diseases such as heart disease or arthritis. One flavonoid in lemongrass called luteolin has the ability to slow the growth and hasten the death of certain types of cancer cells, according to research published in the August 2012 issue of the “European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.” Luteolin also has such strong anti-inflammatory abilities that it may be able to treat some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, as well as lung infections or acute lung injury. The essential oils in lemongrass add to these benefits, as they also slow the growth of cancer cells, especially in liver and breast cancers and leukemia, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

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Lemon Grass Butter for toast, pasta, vegetables or cooked meat.

1

Bruise the lemongrass to enable it to release its flavor into the butter. First, slice off the bottom of the stalk to peel away the dry outer layers of the vegetable. Once the tender inner portion of the lemongrass is visible, wash it to remove traces of dirt. A rolling pin works well to smash the stalks; when you have bruised the lemongrass, it will release a strong aroma. Use one stalk per quarter-cup of butter for strong lemongrass butter. For added flavor, toss in some minced ginger or garlic with the bruised lemongrass.

2

Heat the butter in a saucepan over low heat; the goal is to melt the butter so it warms, not fries, the lemongrass. Once the butter has melted, add the bruised stalks to create the lemongrass butter. The longer you leave the stalks heating in the butter, the stronger its flavor will be; anything over 30 minutes, however, is unnecessary. Use a slotted spoon to lift the lemongrass from the butter or use a strainer for a cleaner consistency. Unless you plan to use them in a vegetable blend, there is no need to save the stalks.

3

Serve the lemongrass butter hot, tossed with pasta, steamed vegetables or cooked meat. It also works as a spread on garlic bread before toasting and infuses anything seared or sauteed in it with a pleasant flavor. If you are using the lemongrass butter as a dip, portion it in small cups at least 10 minutes before serving it.

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Simple refreshing drink for fasting month.

Smash two lemongrass and put into a jar of ice cold water.

Mosquito Repellent

Don't throw away the used lemongrass.  Just leave it on a plate for two to three days as mosquito repellent.

A month of fasting

Cartel pushes the price of chicken up

Poultry prices soar up 42 per cent in Kedah

Soaring poultry prices in Kedah have forced families to reduce their intake and switch to fish and beef.

The New Straits Times reported that the price of chicken had surged to RM9 per kg from the previous RM6.30 per kg.

The 42 per cent hike has forced many consumers in the northern state, especially the low-income group, to either dig deeper into their pockets or reduce their poultry intake.

Many families called on the government to check on the sudden hike as the fasting month was just round the corner.

Petty trader Othman Hussain, 47, said although his children preferred chicken, but he had no choice but to switch to beef or fish due to the steep hike.

Poultry farmers claimed that the recent haze and the rise in the price of chicken feed, were the reasons for the hike.

However, this claim was questioned by Kedah Consumers Association chairman Datuk Yusoff Ismail, who expressed surprise at the soaring prices.

“The fasting month has not begun but the price of poultry has gone up. If authorities do not check the matter, what will happen as Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches?”

Unfortunately, authorities have said that they could not do anything about the situation.

Kedah Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism director Mohd Sakri Saleh said they could only “control” the chicken prices and other essential food and non-items two weeks before a festive season.

“The sudden hike of chicken prices is due to a sudden increase of demand for the item. It was a normal thing considering Ramadan was around the corner,” he said, adding they were aware of the situation as poultry prices started to increase about a month ago.-TMI

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There is a way to get out from the greed of cartel and that is by recycling food waste and turn it into precious commodity for own consumption.

Back to basic

(CNN) -- In just 12 years leading up to 2010, Vietnam cut the country's malnutrition rate in half by investing in small scale farming.

Poverty in the country has plummeted from 58 percent in 1993 to 18 percent by 2006, says development charity Oxfam, who cites the Asian country as a exceptional model for others around the world.

Vietnam went from being a rice importer to the second biggest exporter of rice in the world. "The magic formula is political will and vision," says Hannah Stoddart, head of economic justice policy at Oxfam GB. "Planning a government strategy and making sure the investment gets to those who need it most is the key," she says.

Smallholder farming, a term used for small scale or family farming, is in fact the best way to describe 500 million farms globally where two billion people live and work.

The term includes a wide range of producers from the most marginal and impoverished to those working in markets at a local, national or international level. Very often these farmers are women who must work to provide the food for their families.

Oxfam is a staunch believer that smallholder farming is the way forward. "All evidence in small scale farming, family farming on small plots of land, show it is one of the surest ways to relieve poverty," says Stoddart.

Fair trade success

In Malawi, one of Africa's poorest countries, thousands of farmers are now part of the Fairtrade International (FLO) group, farming mainly tea, coffee, sugar and ground nuts.

"Malawi is the first of its kind in Africa to have a fair trade network, and there is a lot of interest in how we are doing it," says Frank Alok, network coordinator for the Malawi Fairtrade Network. In the last 18 months, many have seen their hardships turn into success, says Alok, who serves as the liaison between many farmers and the FLO.

Malawi already has 30,000 farmers involved in fair trade farming methods, plus another 20,000 working on these farms.

"When we talk about smallholder farmers, we are talking about the farmer who owns one to five acres of land, using rudimentary means of farming, who is not able to easily access finance," says Alok. "The majority of the farmers in Malawi today are smallholder farmers."

Indeed, says one Malawi farmer, Gladys Kayanja, whose small tea farm now has a bridge to help her get between her home and the tea field during the rainy season. "The fair trade premium bought an ambulance which serves my family and relatives when we are sick. Before that we used to carry a very sick patient many kilometers before reaching the hospital," says Kayanja.

Malawi is the first of its kind in Africa to have a fairtrade network, and there is a lot of interest in how we are doing it.
Frank Alok, Malawi Fairtrade Network

Schools, electricity, irrigation, and much more has been put in place in Malawi due to the success of the cooperative-style network. A further bonus is many of the farmers then find themselves able to diversify into businesses.

In southern Sudan, Rabha Elis Bandas, director and founder of the Women's Development Group, decided to take matters in her own hands after she was tired of watching local farmers suffer waiting for food aid during Sudan's civil war. She has set up her group to help farmers with supplies and the skills needed.

"There is enough land in South Sudan and it is really fertile, it just needs work. What we need and want is for people to grow their own food, not to depend on Uganda and Kenya," she says. As Bandas has proved, the importance of smallholder farmers is even more important in times of political strife.

Hope for Haiti

In Haiti, the Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA), a cooperative of 2,000 farmers started in 2010, has established tree nurseries planting one million trees a year in a country which has lost 98 percent of its trees to deforestation.

The SFA provides high quality seeds, tools and training, and has already helped the farmers increase their yields by 40-50 percent.

One Haitian farmer said the SFA has helped her turn her life around, especially since recent hurricanes ruined her crops. "My life situation is better," said Romeus Mercilie. "I have enough food to feed my kids and the sell the remaining food at the market. I now have a dream and I know how to protect my dreams," she said.

Mercilie says thanks to a flat interest rate loan from the SFA, she was able to restart her business, purchase new livestock and save money.

I now have a dream and I know how to protect my dreams
Romeus Mercilie, Haitian farmer

Smallholder farming spells big business

From the economic side, opportunities for smallholder farmers are exponential. "There's a huge opportunity for smallholders to sell to big businesses," says TIm Aldred, head of policy and research at Fairtrade Foundation

"The risks are that you can get locked into a big supplier who holds the power and pushes your prices down," said Aldred, who added that recent controversy at the G8 meetings in June addressed how to empower the smallholders so they don't end up stuck in unhelpful relationships with multinational corporations.

The United Nations has declared 2014 the International Year of Family Farming with the aim to support and recognize the importance of smallholder farming. By doing so, the U.N. says it will help eradicate hunger, reduce rural poverty and reach food security through sustainable production.

While the scale of investment of what's needed hasn't yet happened, Oxfam says there are glimmers of hope out there with farmers learning about the market system, how to improve their yields, form cooperatives, and access credit safely.

"There's all kinds of brilliant stuff that's going on but it needs to be scaled up," says Oxfam's Stoddart. Once that happens, she says "the poorest people will start benefiting from their labor."

Winter Melon (Compost)

Also known as white gourd, winter melon, white pumpkin, wax gourd, petha, safed kaddu, boodida gummadikaya, pooshnikai, ash gourd is actually a fruit but is referred to as a vegetable because it is cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Oblong in shape, and 1 to 2 metres in length, ash-gourd has a smooth rind that's an ashy green with white flesh, and big, flat, oval seeds (like the red pumpkin). These gourds have been cultivated since ancient times in countries like India, Malaysia, China, and Papua New Guinea.

In India, the ash-gourd is offered to the gods in religious ceremonies. It is also considered to be effective in warding off evil spirits and the evil eye -- hence it's hung outside newly constructed homes and buildings. 

Ash-gourd is now found around the world. In the US, ash-gourd is available pretty much year-round in Indian and Asian grocery stores. It keeps well for a long time and is thus ideal for exporting. What contributes to its longevity is the chalky wax on its skin which prevents micro-organisms from attacking it and preserves it. Uncut pumpkins can be stored for almost a year without refrigeration.

Ash-Gourd and Health

Quick Facts

Ash-gourd is loaded with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin C. It is also rich in many minerals like calcium. Its high potassium content makes this a good vegetable for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

Containing almost 96% water, this gourd is a dietitian's delight. Be sure to include this vegetable in your weght-loss diet.

In Ayurveda and other traditional eastern medicine, ash-gourd is used as a general tonic for its restorative properties.  

In Ayurveda, ash-gourd is also used as brain food - to treat mental illnesses and nervous disorders such as epilepsy, paranoia, and insanity.

Ash-gourd is alkaline in nature and hence has a cooling and neutralizing effect on  stomach acids and as such used effectively for treating digestive ailments like hyperacidity, dyspepsia, and ulcers. Ash-gourd juice is a popular home remedy for peptic ulcers. Ash-gourd juice is also used to treat diabetes.

Ash-gourd is also useful in treating respiratory disorders like asthma, blood-related diseases, and urinary diseases like kidney stones.

Every part of this fruit is useful. Ash-gourd leaves are rubbed on bruises to heal them, while the seeds are used for expelling intestinal worms. The ash made from burning the rind and seeds are mixed with coconut oil and used to promote hair growth and to treatdandruff.

Inexpensive and versatile, ash-gourd is a healthful vegetable that should definitely be a part of any nutritious diet.

Cooking Tips

Choose full-sized, mature fruit with a hard, unblemished rind. In the US, this gourd is available pre-cut into large pieces and wrapped in plastic. Select those with firm flesh. Store the cut pieces in the refrigerator

Cut away all of the hard rind and cut into medium pieces before cooking. Ash-gourd cooks very quickly and easily, so be sure to not overcook it. If overcooked, ash-gourd almost dissolves in the water.

Ash-gourd has a bland taste and absorbs well the flavors of whatever spices you use; as such it's great for soups, curries, as well as desserts and sweets. 

Unlike the uncut ash-gourd, cut ash-gourd needs to be refrigerated and even then, it keeps fresh only for 3-4 days.