Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Of Limestone Hills and Mung Bean Sprouts

Can you believe the rock on the left of the photo is 280 million years old!?

Yep, this 14-storey-high limestone outcrop in my hometown, Ipoh,  is a geological wonder and one of only four such formations in the world! The others are located in Guilin (China), Halong Bay (Vietnam) and Phuket (Thailand).

Interestingly, did you know that Ipoh boasts of producing the best mung bean sprouts in the world?

The secret?  Thanks to the hard water from the limestone hills that surround the town, the bean sprouts grown here are very crunchy and juicy.

People from all over Malaysia and overseas flock to Ipoh just to have a taste of our very unique bean sprouts!


It is said that the best tofu and the prettiest girls (because of their smooth-as-tofu skin) come from Ipoh, again thanks to the limestone water from the hills!

The name Ipoh is derived from a local tree, Pohon Epu or now more commonly known as Pokok Ipoh. The poisonous sap of the tree was once used by the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia to coat the tips of the darts of their blowpipes for hunting.

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20 comments:

  1. SandeeJanuary 10, 2019 at 6:23 AM

    I didn't know this, but I love bean sprouts. That dish looks so very good.

    Have a fabulous day and rest of the week, Veronica. ♥

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  2. Tanza Erlambang - Every Day IssuesJanuary 10, 2019 at 6:26 AM

    I always buy bean sprouts in Asian shop!
    happy new year

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  3. bettyJanuary 10, 2019 at 7:56 AM

    That is fascinating. I would love to see it in person! Bean sprouts are so yummy in themselves, these must be extra delicious!

    betty

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  4. Kinga K.January 10, 2019 at 3:07 PM

    I love nature❤

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  5. JillJanuary 13, 2019 at 3:18 PM

    It's beautiful and I just love little pieces of history. I hope your New Year is off to a great start!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  6. Hena TayebJanuary 14, 2019 at 6:15 AM

    Did not know that about bean sprouts.
    Oh poisonous sap! thanks for sharing :)

    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

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  7. NanaHoodJanuary 15, 2019 at 7:29 AM

    Great post! Thanks for linking up at NanaHood

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  8. An Apel a DayJanuary 15, 2019 at 9:14 PM

    Your dish looks so good! I want to go to that place!

    I like to cut tofu into cubes. Then I put cornmeal, garlic salt and cayenne pepper on a plate. I cover the tofu on all sides. Then I pan fry it on each side. It tastes good in salads.

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  9. indah nuriaJanuary 15, 2019 at 11:54 PM

    280 million years...wooow! I have been wanting to come to Ipoh but haven't really get a chance to do so

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  10. kateonthiniceJanuary 16, 2019 at 9:19 AM

    Love bean sprouts and love learning from your blog #BloggerClubUK

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  11. NCSueJanuary 16, 2019 at 10:24 AM

    Thank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/01/what-flirt.html

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  12. Memories of Eric and FlynnJanuary 16, 2019 at 2:28 PM

    It is amazing that the rock is so old, and so beautiful too.

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  13. pilch92January 16, 2019 at 4:35 PM

    That is cool. Thanks for sharing the photos.

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  14. Helen - From Mummy to MumJanuary 16, 2019 at 4:57 PM

    The rock formation is awesome! I love to see how nature creates such beautiful works of art

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  15. XmasDollyJanuary 16, 2019 at 8:49 PM

    Wow, you're just filled with information today aren't you, but thanks for the geography & history lesson my friend! Luvin' the picture too! Hmmm do you think that's where the sign HOLLYWOOD got it's idea from? Your IPOH sigh? ~heehehe~ Just kiddn' ya!!! Have a great day & thanks for the info!!! Have a great weekend!

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  16. Aditya Narayan MohantyJanuary 17, 2019 at 3:42 AM

    Great landscape shot

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  17. Keith's RamblingsJanuary 17, 2019 at 6:02 AM

    That rock is incredible and as for the food - yum yum!

    My pictures and Linky!

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  18. loopyloulauraJanuary 19, 2019 at 2:54 PM

    280 million years is a mind blowing age! I love tofu so want to try the best. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging

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  19. Bryony shawJanuary 20, 2019 at 4:16 AM

    Never heard of this before and love learning! #thatfridaylinky

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  20. JeannaJanuary 22, 2019 at 2:32 PM

    That's a weird statistic to be known for. I hate taking photos of myself so can't relate, but of course, safety always comes first. Three lives destroyed by that, tough to think about.

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