Banh Chung is a traditional Vietnamese dish, essential to the Lunar New Year celebrations. This delicious treat is made with sticky rice, mung beans, pork, and a blend of spices. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to enjoy this delicacy without harming your health.
Overindulging in Banh Chung
According to PGS.TS.BS Nguyen Trong Hung, Head of the Adult Nutrition Department at the National Institute of Nutrition, Banh Chung is a calorie-dense food. A single quarter of a Banh Chung cake can provide approximately 500 calories, equivalent to two bowls of rice. Therefore, excessive consumption can lead to rapid weight gain.
Experts recommend limiting yourself to a quarter of a cake and avoiding other starch-rich foods to maintain a healthy weight. If you plan to indulge in other starchy dishes, reduce your portion of Banh Chung to an eighth of a cake.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid or limit your intake of fried Banh Chung, a popular variation. This dish tends to be high in oil and fat, which can hinder weight management. Combining fried Banh Chung with fatty meats will further contribute to excessive calorie intake.
Spoiled or Moldy Banh Chung
One of the most critical concerns with Banh Chung is consuming spoiled or moldy cakes. During the Lunar New Year period, the weather tends to be humid, creating the perfect environment for spoilage and mold growth if the cakes are not stored properly.
Eating spoiled or moldy Banh Chung can lead to food poisoning and severe health issues. Therefore, proper storage is essential. Keep Banh Chung tightly wrapped and refrigerated. If refrigeration is not available, store the cakes in a cool, dry place. For extended shelf life, consider freezing the cakes.
If you notice any strange odors, a slimy texture, or mold on the cakes, discard them immediately. With improved economic conditions, there is no need to make large batches of Banh Chung for storage. Instead, prepare a fresh batch or purchase new cakes as needed to ensure optimal quality and safety.
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