Friday, April 17, 2015

Ramen Noodles Origin and Health Benefits

Ramen noodles are a typical budget friendly meal almost everyone has heard of and eaten. This is because it contains nourishing wheat noodles served in a meat broth and topped with tofu, seaweed, vegetables, herbs, eggs, or whatever is on hand. The comforting meal not only provides nourishment to the body, but it brings comfort while you eat it.

Where did ramen noodles originate? 

The origin of ramen noodles is not clear, but the places it was made from scratch and served the most was in Japan and China. In fact, the first ramen shop open in Yokohama, China in 1910. Then, throughout areas of Japan and China, ramen was made and served up at cuisine restaurants and even on the side of roads in food stalls to provide nourishing warm food to works during their mealtime. Now, ramen is served all over the world in restaurants, cafes and grocery store soup bars.

Heck, you can even find prepackaged ramen noodles to make at home in the grocery store that you can add your own flavors, meats and vegetables too. However, the prepackaged kind of ramen noodles is not as healthy or as tasty as homemade ones served in homemade broths.

There are even vending machines within the Japan and China areas that you can purchase prepackaged ramen at so you can grab it, take it back to the work break room or home, add water and microwave it until the broth and noodles are cooked, warm and tender.

How is traditional ramen noodles made? 

Traditional ramen noodles are made with homemade wheat noodles that contain wheat flour, salt, water and mineral water that contains sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. Once the noodles are made, they are placed in a homemade hot meat broth that is made from either chicken broth, fish broth or a beef broth. In rare cases, vegetable broths are used for vegetarian ramen. Then, the noodles are cooked until tender and served up in the broth with tofu, steamed or raw vegetables, slowly roasted meat chunks, marrowbones,  pork bones, herbs, spices, roots or whatever is fresh and in season.

What nourishing nutrients are in ramen noodles? 

The nutrients founds in ramen noodles are antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, protein, fiber, enzymes and carbohydrates. These nutrients provide energy to the body and help keep the organs and systems of the body functioning properly. Due to all the nutrients in ramen noodles it makes the perfect remedy for easing cold and flu symptoms as well as easing nausea and vomiting in some individuals. Pregnant women can also benefit from eating homemade ramen noodles since it provides a good source of protein and many nutrients that can nourish the fetus. So, if you are feeling under the weather or your body needs something affordable and nourishing, yet homemade and comforting ramen noodles is the meal to turn too.

End Thoughts for Ramen Noodles 

If you truly want to experience the art of homemade ramen noodles visit Japan or China and visit a cuisine restaurant or ramen noodle stall the serves them up. You will not be disappoint when you go to eat a homemade bowl that is full of fresh flavor. However, if you cannot get to Japan or China, look up a recipe and make it yourself. It will taste and nourish your body so much better than the prepackaged kind.