Showing posts with label herbs & spices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs & spices. Show all posts

Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Malaysia 2016 Seven Wanders of Flora & Fauna

30sen Kancil ( Tragulus kanchil )
Kancil or lesser mousedeer, also known as lesser Malay chevrotain, is a species of even-toed ungulate in the family Tragulidae.

The lesser mouse-deer is found widely across Southeast Asia in Indochina, Burma (isthmus of Kra), Brunei, Cambodia, China (S Yunnan), Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sumatra and many small islands), Laos, Malaysia (peninsular Malaya, Sarawak and many small islands), Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is the smallest known hoofed mammal, its mature size being as little as 45 cm (18 inches) and 2 kg (4.4 lb). It is threatened by predation by feral dogs.  It is listed as Least Concern in IUCN Red List

50sen Kaduk ( Piper sarmentosum )
Kaduk is a plant in the Piperaceae family used in many Southeast Asian cuisines. The leaves are often confused with betel, but they lack the intense taste of the betel leaves and are significantly smaller.

This plant is a perennial herb with creeping rhizomes, and a striped stem that grow to 40 cm high. Its leaves are thin, heart-shaped, and 8–10 cm long and 8–11 cm wide, with 5 main veins from the base of the blade, oil glands on the upper surface, and finely pubescent veins on its under side. Its petioles are 2.5–3 cm long. Erect white spikes of 1–2 cm long emerge at the axils

50sen Lebah Kelulut ( Meliponula ferruginea )
60sen Merak Pongsu ( Polyptectron malucense )
60sen Katak Sawah Hijau ( Rana crythraea )
70sen Labi-labi ( Amyda cartilaginea )

80sen Kelah ( Tor tambroides )












Date of Issue : 23 August 2016

Stamp Value: 30sen, 50sen x 2, 60sen x 2, 70sen & 80sen
Stamp Size: 38mm x 30mm
Perforation: 14
Sheet Content: 7 stamps

Miniature Sheet Value: RM2.10
Miniature Sheet Size: 100mm x 70mm
Stamp Size In Miniature Sheet: 30mm x 40mm
Miniature Sheet Perforation: 14

Paper: 102 gsm TR8 OBA free stamp paper
Printing Process: Litography
Printer: Joh. Enschede Stamps B.V. The Netherland

Stamp Designer: Reign Associates Sdn Bhd

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Malaysia 2015 Medicinal Plants 3




60sen Misai kucing  ( Orthosiphon stamineus ),
Misai kucing , literally means ‘cat’s whiskers’ in Malay language.  The herb is the main ingredient used in Java tea.  The infusion is widely consumed for its anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. 
Phytochemicals isolated from the herb include sinensetin, terpenes, flavonoid, caffeic acid derivatives and essential oils. 

70sen Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa )
Roselle is originated from West Africa.  It is used for the production of the bast fiber and as an infusion.   The roselle tea has well documented hypotensive effects, as well as diuretic and laxative properties.  Besides used as medicinal herb, it is also produced as beverages, jam and preserves, and eaten as leafy vegetable
The roselle leaves contain neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic, acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeoylshikimic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol.  The flowers are rich in anthocyanins and protocatechuic acid.  The dried calyces contain gossypetin, bibiscetine and sabdaretine.  Roselle seeds ae a good source of gamma-tocopherol.

80sen Hempedu Bumi ( Andrographis paniculata )
Hempedu bumi is originated from South Asia.    It is widely used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine.  It is used to treat fever, sprue, oedema, for purifying breast-milk, intrinsic haemorrhage, and vomiting.
Active ingredient responsible for inflammatory actions had been identified as andrographolide.


Miniature Sheet RM3 Belalai Gajah ( Clinachantus nutans )

Belalai gajah is known as优遁草 in Chinese.   It is widely accepted for cancer-curing herb, although no conclusive evidence of the effectiveness.
















Technical Details

Stamps
Value: 60sen, 70sen & 80sen
Stamp size: 30mm x 40mm
Sheet Content: 20 stamps

Paper: SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated
Printing Process: Litography
Perforation: 14

Miniature Sheet
Value: RM3.00

Stamp Designer: Reign Associates Sdn Bhd
Printer: Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Date of Issue:
 20.01.2015






Thursday, 24 May 2012

Malaysia 2012 Aromatic Plants

Aromatic plants are plants with a pleasant and characteristic fragrance. The fragrance of these plants is carried in the essential oil fraction. Scientific researches show that essential oils from different types of aromatic plants possess beneficial therapeutic values. Nowadays, essential oils replace synthetic chemical substances to be added into various products such as soap, shampoo and others. It is also widely used in cosmetic and spa industries. Besides, aromatics plants, usually in dried forms, are used as spices for enhancing piquancy of food and beverages.

With the rising demand in herbal products, consumer concerns over the issues of safety and quality of raw materials and finished products are also increasing. 



60sen · Kesum ( Poligonum minus )
Kesum is traditional consumed raw as ulam, or used as ingredient in Laksa Penang and Asam Pedas.  As a natural source of aliphatic aldehyde, kesum oil is believed to have high potential in flavour and fragrant industries.

RM1 · Pudina / Peppermint ( Mentha piperita )
The leaves of fresh peppermint have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste.  It is used in teas, beverages, jelliew, syrups, candies, and ice creams. 

stamps

MS RM5 · Kaffir Lime ( Citrus hystrix )
The Miniature Sheet, is very extraordinary  it produce the refreshing scent of kaffir lime when scratched. This special stamp was produced in the Netherlands and was the first of its kind produced by Pos Malaysia.
The kaffir lime’s leaves are widely used in cooking, especially tom yum.  The compound responsible for the characteristic aroma is citronellal.

miniature sheet

FDC · Bunga Kantan ( Etlingera elatior )
The showy pink flower, for its floral fragrance,  is an important ingredient in Laksa.  Chlorogenic acid ( CGA ) extracted from the leaves are used as a food additive in coffee and chewing gum.
fdc with stamps

fdc with ms


Folder ·  Pegaga ( Centella asiatica ) & Selasih ( Oncimum basilicum thyrsiflora )
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Pegaga is a faintly-scented herb normally consumed as ulam, made into tonic to ‘cool’ down body.








Selasih is mostly used in Thai cuisine, especially green curry.  The leaves is fragrant, sweet with a slight bitter taste.

stamp sheets


Technical Details

Date of Issue 24-May-2012

Stamps
Stamp Value  :  60sen & RM1
Sheet Content  :  20 Stamps
Stamp Size :  40.6mm x 29.8mm

Miniature Sheet
(Fragrant when scratched)
Value : RM5
Miniature Sheet Size :  120mm x 80mm
Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet :  29.8mm x 40.6mm

Perforation :  14
Paper :  Special Security Stamp Paper
Printing Process :  Litography
Printer :  Joh. Eschede’ Stamps B.V.
Stamp Designer :  World Communications Network Resources (M) Sdn Bhd

First Day Cover
 50sen

Folder

RM5.50

Monday, 28 March 2011

Malaysia 2011 Spices

In Malaysian cuisine, spices are almost essential ingredients that provide additional aroma and flavour to each dish. 

Malay cooking utilises a wide variety of spices and ingredients.  The most popular of which include the ‘rempah empat beradik’, which are star anise, cinnamon, cardamon and clove.  Other  common spices used in Malay cooking include fresh and dried chilies, ginger, onions, shallots and garlic.

Spices are use more sparingly for Chinese cooking.  Fiver-spice powder, a mixture of 5 spices namely star anise, cloves, sichuan pepper, cinnamon and fennel seeds,encompassing all five flavours of sweet, sour, bitter,pungent and salty. 

Indian cuisine is best known for its wide and liberal use os spices.  Spices such as cumin and soriander seeds are used in many spice mixtures, curries, vegetables dishes and pickles.  Cinnamon adds a sweet and mellow flavour while cloves provide a strong, pungent and sweet aroma.




60sen · Cinnamon / Kayu Manis
Cinnamon, the bark of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, stripped off and dried.  It is used in a variety of ways including in smaller pieces in curries or ground up in pastries, cakes and desserts.

90sen · Star Anise / Bunga Lawang
Star anise is the fruit of Illicium verum, originated from China and has a taste similiar to that of liquorice.

RM1 · Cardamom / Buah Pelaga
Cardamom is the seeds of Elattaria cardomomum.   They are used in cooking of beriani rice, as well as in curries and many more.  Cardamom is oftenadded tohot milk tea to create ‘masala tea’.

The stamps on miniature sheet features an assortment of spices on a grindstone placed on banana leaf with curry leaves  ( Murraya koenigii ) on top left and bottom right:
MS RM1 · candelnuts/buah keras ( Aleurites moluccana ), dried chilies ( Capisicum annum ),  coriander seeds/ketumbar ( Coriandrum sativum ),  fennel seeds/jintan manis ( Foeniculum vulgare ), and clove/cengkih ( Syzygium aromaticum ).
MS RM2 ·  cinnamom sticks, star anises,  pepper corns ( Piper nigrum ), and fresh tumeric ( Curcuma longa ).







stamp booklet
60sen · Fennel Seed / Jintan Manis
60sen · Tumeric / Kunyit
60sen · Chili / Cili
60sen · Coriander / Ketumbar
60sen · White Pepper / Lada Putih
;





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Technical Details

Date of Issue 28-Mar-2011 

  

Stamps
Stamp Value :60 sen, 90sen, RM1
Stamp Size : 35mm x 35mm
Perforation : 13

Sheet Content :20 Stamps

Paper :SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated
Printing Process :Lithography

Printer :Percetakan Keselamatan Sdn Bhd
Stamp Designer :Penumbra Communications (M) Sdn Bhd

First Day Cover
Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet
Value :RM1 & RM2
Size : 120mm x 80mm
Stamp : 50mm x 60mm

Stamp Booklet
Value :60sen x 10

Folder
Value :RM5.50

Stamps
Stamp Value :60 sen, 90sen, RM1
Stamp Size : 35mm x 35mm
Perforation : 13

Sheet Content :20 Stamps

Paper :SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated
Printing Process :Lithography

Printer :Percetakan Keselamatan Sdn Bhd
Stamp Designer :Penumbra Communications (M) Sdn Bhd

First Day Cover
Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet
Value :RM1 & RM2
Size : 120mm x 80mm
Stamp : 50mm x 60mm

Value :60sen x 10


Value :RM5.50 






Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Israel 2006-2007-2008 Medicinal Herbs & Spices ( Definitives )



Edible and aromatic plants have been used as folk medicines, herbs to enhance food, cosmetics, and for ritual purposes from the earliest history of man.  The use of medicinal plants, herbs and spices developed in all parts of the world based on indigenous local plants which served as the underpinning for folk medicine and the distinctive cuisine of various cultures.  The desire for authentic spices led to the development of trade and supply routes between distant lands, for example the Spice Route which linked the Far and Near East to Europe.  Today, folk medicine, which is based on plants, is an integral component of alternative medicine as well as a basis for new developments in mainstream medicine.

The use of herbs and medicinal plants in Eretz Israel is mentioned frequently in the Bible and the Talmud, playing an important role in rituals and in daily life.  Indigenous herbs have regained popularity in Israel in recent years.  Alongside increased use of these herbs, the cultivation of them has developed into an important export branch.

Peppermint (Mentha peperita) – 17 Dec 2006

Part of the Labiatae family, peppermint has over 200 varieties.  It is a perennial, with round as well as elongated leaves.  Its flower spike is reddish purple.  Peppermint originates in Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea.  It is widespread in moist environments, for example, riverbanks.

Uses:  Spices, essences and aromatic oils in the food industry.  In folk medicine, as a remedy for intestinal problems, as an antiseptic, and for respiratory relief.

 

Thyme-leaved savory (Micromeria fruitcosa) – 17 Dec 2006

A small aromatic plant from the Labiatae family with grayish blue leaves.  It is especially widespread in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, and grows between rocks in the Mediterranean area.

Uses:  The leaves, which have a menthol flavor, are used as an excellent tea essence.  In folk medicine, as a remedy for stomachache, antiseptic for cuts, cough suppressant, mouthwash, and relief of cold symptoms.

 

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – 17 Dec 2006

The plant was named for the manna that descended on the Hebrews in the desert, as written: "Now the manna was like coriander [gad] seed" (Numbers 11: 7), and "like coriander [gad] seed, it was white, and it tasted like a cake fried in honey" (Exodus 16:31).  Gad is thought to be the plant that is known in culinary use as coriander.  It originated in southern Europe and the Middle East, but is cultivated widely throughout the temperate zones.

Uses:  As other plants in the umbelliferae family, the leaves and seeds of this plant are used as an herb, popular in many cuisines throughout the world.


Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) - 11May2007
Bay leaves grow on the laurel tree, which in ancient Roman times was a symbol of victory, with the leaves fashioned into wreathes to crown heroes and victors.  The tree belongs to the Lauraceae family.  Its aromatic leaves are stiff and have a dark green color.  The tree grows wild in northern Israel.
Uses:  As a spice in meat dishes, vegetables, soups, pickling, foods and dried figs.  



Wild thyme (Coridothymus capitatus) - 11May2007
A member of the Labiatae family, it grows wild in Israel.  It is distinct from thyme, which is not indigenous but is cultivated extensively.  A perennial, wild thyme has small leaves and a compact shape.
Uses:  Besides its use as a spice, its aromatic oil is used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, to treat tics, and as a restorative drug.  Yemenite Jews recommend sucking its leaves to relieve toothache.


Tree Wormwood (Artemisia arborescens) - 17Sep2008
Popularly known in Israel as sheba, this plant was apparently brought to Eretz Israel by the Crusaders, and is widespread around the sites of that period. It is a tall plant with upright stems and dissected leaves of a silvery blue color.  Its blossoms have a yellow receptacle.
Uses: An important tea essence in the cuisine originating in North Africa. Medical properties popularly attributed to it are as a tranquilizer and as an antiseptic for dermatological use.


 
Three-lobed sage (Salvia fruticosa) - 17Sep2008
This wild plant, a member of the Labiatae family, grows wild in Israel.  It has hairy leaves with three lobes.  Extensive use and over-picking has resulted in designating it as a protected species.
Uses:  Popular in folk medicine in all the Mediterranean countries from ancient times, it is used especially as a medicinal tea extract to improve digestion and relieve cold symptoms.

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Italy 2008 Made in Italy : Zafferano dell' Aquila

 


L'Aquila saffron  is a saffron product of cuisine of Abruzzo, Italy. It is traditionally cultivated in Navelli plateau and in Subequana Valley, in the Park Municipalities of Fagnano Alto, Fontecchio, Molina Aterno, Tione degli Abruzzi. Saffron was introduced in Italy from Spain in 13th century by a friar Dominican belonging to the Santucci family of Navelli. The production in the Navelli Plain is favored by the karst of the soil, which avoids the stagnation of water which is unfavorable to the growth of the plant.

Under its Italian name "Zafferano dell'Aquila" the product is registered as a Protected Designation of Origin since 4 February 2005, while the establishment of the Consortium for the Protection of Zafferano dell'Aquila dates back to May 13 2005. The name may only be used if it is produced according its specifications within the municipalities Barisciano, Caporciano, Fagnano Alto, Fontecchio, L'Aquila, Molina Aterno, Navelli, Poggio Picenze, Prata d'Ansidonia, San Demetrio nei Vestini, S. Pio delle Camere, Tione degli Abruzzi or Villa S. Angelo at an altitude of 350 -1000 metres above sea level.. It is included in the Slow Food movement Ark of Taste, an international catalogue of endangered heritage foods.